Drug Class Description
Immunostimulating Agent/Cytokine
Generic Name
Peginterferon alfa-2a
Drug Description
Pegasys 135 micrograms solution for injection in pre-filled syringePegasys 180 micrograms solution for injection in pre-filled syringe
Presentation
Solution for injection in pre-filled syringe.The solution is clear and colourless to light yellow.
Indications
Chronic hepatitis B: Pegasys is indicated for the treatment of HBeAg-positive or HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B in adult patients with compensated liver disease and evidence of viral replication, increased ALT and histologically verified liver inflammation and/or fibrosis.
Chronic hepatitis C: Pegasys is indicated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in adult patients who are positive for serum HCV-RNA, including patients with compensated cirrhosis and/or co-infected with clinically stable HIV.
The optimal way to use Pegasys in patients with chronic hepatitis C is in combination with ribavirin. The combination of Pegasys and ribavirin is indicated in naive patients and patients who have failed previous treatment with interferon alpha (pegylated or non-pegylated) alone or in combination therapy with ribavirin. Monotherapy is indicated mainly in case of intolerance or contraindication to ribavirin.
Adult Dosage
Treatment should be initiated only by a physician experienced in the treatment of patients with hepatitis B or C.
Dose to be administered and duration of treatment
