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General Medication Fact Sheet for PegIntron
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Medication Name | PegIntron |
| Generic Name | Peginterferon alfa-2b |
| Boxed/Label Warning | May cause or worsen fatal or life-threatening neuropsychiatric, autoimmune, ischemic, and infectious disorders. Monitor closely and discontinue if these conditions develop. |
| Purpose | Treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. |
| Mechanism of Action | Binds to interferon receptors on cell surfaces, initiating intracellular signaling pathways to inhibit viral replication. |
| Dosage Forms | Lyophilized powder for subcutaneous injection. |
| Available Strengths | 50 mcg, 80 mcg, 100 mcg, 120 mcg, 150 mcg per 0.5 mL. |
| Dosage Frequency | Once weekly via subcutaneous injection. |
| Common Side Effects | Flu-like symptoms (fatigue, fever, chills, muscle aches), injection site reactions, nausea, headache, insomnia, depression, anxiety. |
| Serious Side Effects | Severe depression, suicidal thoughts, liver problems, autoimmune disorders, thyroid abnormalities, vision changes, heart problems, infections, blood disorders. |
| Drug Interactions | Ribavirin, theophylline, methadone, other immunosuppressants. Consult your doctor for a complete list. |
| Important Notes | PegIntron is often used in combination with ribavirin. Regular blood tests are required to monitor liver function, blood counts, and thyroid function. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment and for several months after. |
| Storage | Store vials in the refrigerator (2-8°C or 36-46°F) until ready to use. Protect from light. Do not freeze. After reconstitution, use immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. |
| Missed Dose | If you miss a dose, inject it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Epclusa (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir), Harvoni (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir), Mavyret (glecaprevir/pibrentasvir), Vosevi (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir) |
PegIntron Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Epclusa (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir) | Inhibits HCV NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and NS5A protein. | A single tablet regimen used to treat all six genotypes of HCV. |
| Harvoni (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir) | Inhibits HCV NS5A protein and NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. | Effective for certain genotypes of HCV. |
| Mavyret (glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) | Inhibits HCV NS3/4A protease and NS5A protein. | A pangenotypic treatment option. |
| Vosevi (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir) | Inhibits HCV NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, NS5A protein, and NS3/4A protease. | Used for patients who have failed previous treatment with other direct-acting antivirals. |
PegIntron Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Flu-like symptoms (fatigue, fever, chills, muscle aches) | Severe depression, suicidal thoughts |
| Injection site reactions (redness, pain, swelling) | Liver problems (jaundice, abdominal pain, dark urine) |
| Nausea | Autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis) |
| Headache | Thyroid abnormalities (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism) |
| Insomnia | Vision changes (blurred vision, loss of vision) |
| Depression, Anxiety | Heart problems (chest pain, irregular heartbeat) |
| Hair thinning | Infections (pneumonia, sepsis) |
| Weight loss | Blood disorders (anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia) |
PegIntron Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chronic Hepatitis C (Genotype 1 or 4) | 1.5 mcg/kg per week | 1.5 mcg/kg per week | Administered subcutaneously once weekly, often with ribavirin. Dosage adjustments may be necessary based on response and tolerance. |
| Chronic Hepatitis C (Genotype 2 or 3) | 1.0 mcg/kg per week | 1.0 mcg/kg per week | Administered subcutaneously once weekly, often with ribavirin. Dosage adjustments may be necessary based on response and tolerance. |
PegIntron Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $200 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $2,000 – $3,500 |
| From CPS | $755.15 |
