PEGYLATED INTERFERON ALPHA-2B

Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2B is an antineoplastic agent belonging to the interferon class of medicines. It received U.S. FDA approval on June 27, 2001, for the treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C.

Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2B is indicated for the treatment of Chronic hepatitis C infection in patients above 18 years of age with compensated liver disease.

Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2B injection is administered as a subcutaneous injection (under your skin). If this drug is recommended for you, it will be given by a doctor. Do not self-administer. The recommended dose is 1.5 micrograms/kg/week. Your doctor will choose the dosage and administration frequency based on the condition because it differs from person to person.

The common side effects of Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2B are headache, hair loss, muscle pain, insomnia, eye irritation, weight loss and loss of appetite. Other serious side effects include low or high BP, increased heart rate and depression. Inform your physician if you face any of the symptoms.

This Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2B is contraindicated in patients who have hypersensitivity reactions. This medicine may cause allergic reactions in some people. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include itching, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, and a rapid heartbeat. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. This medicine should not be used in patients with decompensated liver disease. It is a serious condition where the liver is severely damaged and is no longer able to function properly, so it is highly advised to avoid taking this medicine.

This medicine should be used with caution in patients with creatinine clearance below 50 mL/min, as this indicates moderate to severe impairment of renal function. This can lead to slower clearance of the medication, which may increase the risk of toxicity and adverse effects. The dosage of Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2B should be reduced in these patients, and they should be closely monitored for signs of toxicity, such as fatigue, depression, or decreased white blood cell count. Therefore, the dose should be adjusted accordingly in patients with renal impairment. Tell your healthcare provider before beginning this treatment if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby. As this drug may cause harm to an unborn baby, it is advised for both men and women to follow proper contraceptive methods during and one week after the last dose of Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2B. Avoid breastfeeding your baby while you are on the treatment, as this drug can impact the growth and development of the baby by passing into the breast milk.

Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2B may cause dizziness, weakness, or fatigue. If you experience dizziness, confusion, or significant tiredness during treatment, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery. Since this medication may affect liver function and blood cell counts, regular medical tests are important to monitor your health and detect any potential complications early.

This treatment may also weaken the body’s immune response, increasing the risk of infections. To reduce this risk, avoid close contact with people who are unwell and maintain good hand hygiene. Keep the injection safely out of the reach of children and pets. Any unused or expired medication should be disposed of according to proper medication-disposal guidelines rather than being thrown into regular household waste.

Biocon, [Revised on Aug 2015] [Accessed on 26th Jul 2021], https://www.biocon.com/docs/prescribing_information/virology/CimiPeg_PI_v1.pdf Schering Corporation, US Food & Drug Administration, [Revised on 26th Sep 2003] [Accessed on 26th Jul 2021], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2001/pegsche080701lb.htm Q.M. Anstee, D.E.J. Jones, Liver and biliary tract disease, Davidson's Principles and Practice of Medicine, 22nd Edition, 2014, 921-988. KD Tripathi, Antiviral Drugs (Anti-retrovirus), Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th Edition, 2019, 860-872.