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General Medication Fact Sheet for Pegasys
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Medication Name | Pegasys |
| Generic Name | Peginterferon alfa-2a |
| Boxed/Label Warning | May cause or worsen fatal or life-threatening neuropsychiatric, autoimmune, ischemic, and infectious disorders. Monitor closely and discontinue if these develop. |
| Purpose | Treatment of chronic hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis C infections. |
| Mechanism of Action | Interferon alfa-2a binds to specific membrane receptors on cell surfaces, initiating intracellular signaling pathways that inhibit viral replication. Pegylation prolongs its half-life. |
| Dosage Forms | Solution for subcutaneous injection |
| Available Strengths | 135 mcg/0.5 mL, 180 mcg/0.5 mL |
| Dosage Frequency | Once weekly |
| Common Side Effects | Flu-like symptoms (fatigue, fever, chills, muscle aches), headache, nausea, injection site reactions, hair thinning. |
| Serious Side Effects | Severe depression or other psychiatric disorders, autoimmune disorders (e.g., thyroid problems), heart problems, liver problems, blood disorders, vision changes. |
| Drug Interactions | Ribavirin, theophylline, and other medications metabolized by the liver. |
| Important Notes | Patients should be monitored for psychiatric side effects and blood count abnormalities. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for several months after. |
| Storage | Store in the refrigerator (2-8°C or 36-46°F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. |
| Missed Dose | Inject as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose to catch up. Contact your healthcare provider for guidance. |
| Alternatives | Interferon alfa-2b, Harvoni (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir), Epclusa (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir), Mavyret (glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) |
Pegasys Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Harvoni (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir) | Inhibits the NS5A and NS5B proteins of the hepatitis C virus, respectively. | Direct-acting antiviral for hepatitis C. |
| Epclusa (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir) | Inhibits the NS5B and NS5A proteins of the hepatitis C virus, respectively. | Direct-acting antiviral for hepatitis C. |
| Mavyret (glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) | Inhibits the NS3/4A protease and NS5A proteins of the hepatitis C virus, respectively. | Direct-acting antiviral for hepatitis C. |
Pegasys Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Flu-like symptoms (fatigue, fever, chills, muscle aches) | Severe depression or other psychiatric disorders |
| Headache | Autoimmune disorders (e.g., thyroid problems) |
| Nausea | Heart problems (e.g., arrhythmias) |
| Injection site reactions (pain, redness, swelling) | Liver problems (e.g., liver failure) |
| Hair thinning | Blood disorders (e.g., anemia, thrombocytopenia) |
| Loss of appetite | Vision changes |
Pegasys Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chronic Hepatitis B | 180 mcg | 180 mcg once weekly | Administer subcutaneously in the abdomen or thigh. |
| Chronic Hepatitis C | 180 mcg | 180 mcg once weekly | Administer subcutaneously in the abdomen or thigh. Usually used in combination with ribavirin. Dosage of ribavirin will be determined by your doctor. |
Pegasys Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $200 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $2,500 – $3,500 |
| From Canada | $NA |
