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ANTINEOPLASTIC AND IMMUNOMODULATING AGENTS › IMMUNOSTIMULANTS › IMMUNOSTIMULANTS › Interferons
peginterferon alfacon-2
L03AB16
Forms & Strengths
- Injectable solution 9 mcg/0.5 mL in single-dose prefilled syringes
- Injectable solution 15 mcg/0.5 mL in single-dose prefilled syringes
Adult Dosing
- Chronic hepatitis C: 9 mcg subcutaneously once weekly for 24 weeks
- May be extended to 48 weeks in patients with genotype 1 who show delayed virological response
- Dose reduction or discontinuation required for severe adverse events or laboratory abnormalities
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients under 18 years of age
Indications
- Treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection in adult patients with compensated liver disease previously untreated or who relapsed after interferon-alpha therapy
Mechanism of Action
- Pegylated recombinant consensus interferon alpha
- Binds to type I interferon receptors, activating intracellular signaling pathways via JAK/STAT
- Induces antiviral, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory effects
- Pegylation increases half-life and duration of systemic exposure compared to non-pegylated interferons
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to consensus interferon or any component of the product
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Decompensated hepatic disease (Child-Pugh score > 6)
- Neonates and infants due to benzyl alcohol content in multi-dose formulations (if applicable)
Adverse Reactions
- Influenza-like symptoms (fatigue, fever, headache, myalgia, chills)
- Psychiatric disturbances (depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation)
- Hematologic toxicities (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia)
- Gastrointestinal disorders (nausea, anorexia, weight loss, abdominal pain)
- Injection site reactions
- Thyroid dysfunction (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism)
Drug Interactions
- Theophylline: May increase serum concentrations, monitor levels and adjust dose
- Methadone: May increase plasma concentrations, monitor for toxicity
- Zidovudine: Potential risk of exacerbating hematologic toxicity
- Myelosuppressive agents: Increased risk of severe bone marrow suppression
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use