Pegintron

/ MSD

PegIntron should be administered as a once weekly subcutaneous injection. The dose administered depends on whether it is used in combination therapy (bitherapy or tritherapy) or as monotherapy.
PegIntron combination therapy (bitherapy or tritherapy) Bitherapy (PegIntron with ribavirin): applies to all adult patients.
Tritherapy (PegIntron with ribavirin and boceprevir): applies to adult patients with genotype 1 CHC.
Dose to be administered: PegIntron 1.5 micrograms/kg/week in combination with ribavirin capsules. The intended dose of 1.5 μg/kg of PegIntron to be used in combination with ribavirin may be delivered in weight categories with the PegIntron strengths according to Table 1 (See prescribing information). Ribavirin capsules are to be administered orally each day in two divided doses with food (morning and evening).
See prescribing information for full details.

For the treatment of adult patients with histologically proven chronic hepatitis C who have elevated transaminases without liver decompensation and who are positive for serum HCV-RNA or anti-HCV. The best way to use it for this indication is in combination with ribavirin. This combination is indicated in naive patients as well as in patients who have previously responded (with normalisation of ALT at the end of treatment) to interferon alpha monotherapy but who have subsequently had a relapse. Interferon monotherapy, including Peg-Intron, is indicated mainly in cases of intolerance or contraindications to ribavirin.

Hypersensitivity, pregnancy, lactation, history of severe psychiatric condition, pre-existing cardiac disease, severe debilitating medicdbal conditions, autoimmune hepatitis, severe hepatic dysfunction, pre-existing thyroid disease, epilepsy and/or compromised central nervous system.

Acute hypersensitivity, cardiovascular disorders, severe CNS effects, liver decompensation. Other causes of persistent fever must be ruled out. Adequate hydration must be maintained. Pulmonary changes.

Development of auto-antibodies has been reported during treatment. Ophthalmologic disorders, thyroid changes, injection site reaction, headache, fatigue, rigors, fever, flu-like symptoms, asthenia, weight decrease, nausea, anorexia, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, myalgia, arthralgia, musculoskeletal pain, depression, irritability, insomnia, anxiety, concentration impaired, emotional lability, alopecia, pruritus, dry skin, rash, pharyngitis, coughing, dyspnea, dizziness, viral infections, dry mouth.

Centrally acting drugs. Phenytoin, theophylline, coumarin anticoagulants. Other neurotoxic, hematoxic or cardiotoxic drugs. Drugs metabolized by the liver, other immunomodulators.