Inferferon Alfa-2a

Chronic Hepatitis C: Peginterferon alfa-2a alone or in combination with Ribavirin, is indicated for the treatment of adults with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) virus infection who have compensated liver disease and have not been previously treated with interferon alpha.

Chronic Hepatitis B: Peginterferon alfa-2a is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with HBeAg positive and HBeAg negative chronic hepatitis B who have compensated liver disease and evidence of viral replication and liver inflammation.

Peginterferon alfa-2a are interferon proteins bound to polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecules resulting in higher and more prolonged serum interferon concentrations. It has antiviral, antiproliferative and immune-regulating activity. Interferons are activated when it interacts with cells through high affinity cell surface receptors. The effects of this activation include the induction of gene transcription, inhibition of cellular growth, alteration of cellular differentiation, interference with oncogene expression, alteration of cell surface antigen expression, increase in phagocytic activity of macrophages and augmentation of cytotoxicity of lymphocytes for target cells.

Chronic hepatitis C: The recommended dose of Peg interferon is 180 mcg once weekly for 48 weeks by subcutaneous administration on abdomen or thigh

Chronic hepatitis B: The recommended dose of Peg interferon is 180 mcg once weekly for 48 weeks by subcutaneous administration on abdomen or thigh

Hepatitis C Genotype 1 & 4:

• Pegylated Interferon alfa-2a Monotherapy: 180 mcg once weekly for 48 weeks
• Pegylated Interferon alfa-2a dual therapy: 180 mcg once weekly for 48 weeks; Celbarin: <75 kg= (400+0+600) mg, >75 kg= (600+0+600) mg.

Hepatitis C Genotype 2 & 3:

• Pegylated Interferon alfa-2a Monotherapy: 180 mcg once weekly for 48 weeks
• Pegylated Interferon alfa-2a dual therapy: 180 mcg once weekly for 24 weeks; Celbarin: (400+0+400) mg.

• Drugs metabolized by CYP1A2: monitor for increased serum levels of theophylline and adjust dose accordingly
• Methadone: monitor for signs and symptoms of methadone toxicity
• Nucleoside analogues: closely monitor for toxicities and dose reduce or discontinue Peginterferon alfa 2a/ Ribavirin or both should event worsen
• Zidovudine: monitor for worsening neutropenia and/or anemia with peginterferon alfa/rifavirin
• Azathioprine.

• Hypersensitivity to any component of the product
• Autoimmune hepatitis
• Hepatic decompensation in cirrhotic patients before or during treatment
• Hepatic decompensation with Child-Pugh score greater than or equal to 6 in cirrhotic CHC patients co infected with HIV during or before treatment
• Neonate or infants.

• Depression, suicide, relapse of drug abuse and bacterial infection
• Flu like symptoms: Fatigue, pyrexia,
• Gastrointestinal: Nausea/Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
• Metabolic and Nutritional: Anorexia
• Musculoskeletal: Myalgia, arthralgia
• Neurological: Headache, dizziness, insomnia
• Psychiatric reactions: Irritability, anxiety
• Injection site reaction, skin problems, hair loss
• Endocrine: Hypothyroidism

Pregnancy Category C: Peginterferon alfa-2a monotherapy. There are no adequate and well controlled trial on pregnant women & developing fetus due to teratogenic effects. Peginterferon alfa-2a is recommended for use in women of childbearing potential only when they are using effective contraception during therapy.

Pregnancy Category X. It is not known whether peginterferon or ribavirin or its components are excreted in human milk. Because of the potential for adverse reactions from the drugs in nursing infants, a decision must be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue peginterferon and ribavirin treatment.

There are limited experiences of overdose. There were no serious reactions attributed to overdose. There is no specific antidote. Dialysis is not effective.

Store in refrigerator at 2-8° C; do not freeze or shake. Protect from light.

Peginterferon alfa-2a [Pegylated Interferon alfa-2a]

(135 mcg/0.5 ml, 180mcg/0.5ml)