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ANTINEOPLASTIC AND IMMUNOMODULATING AGENTS › IMMUNOSTIMULANTS › IMMUNOSTIMULANTS › Interferons
peginterferon alfa-2b, combinations
L03AB60
Forms & Strengths
- Powder for solution for injection: 50 mcg, 80 mcg, 100 mcg, 120 mcg, 150 mcg per vial
- Pre-filled pen/syringe: 50 mcg, 80 mcg, 100 mcg, 120 mcg, 150 mcg / 0.5 mL
- Combination packs with ribavirin capsules or tablets
Adult Dosing
- Chronic Hepatitis C (monotherapy or combination): 1.5 mcg/kg subcutaneously once weekly
- Duration varies by genotype: 24 to 48 weeks based on viral response
- Melanoma (adjuvant therapy): 6 mcg/kg/week subcutaneously for 8 weeks induction, then 3 mcg/kg/week maintenance for up to 5 years
Pediatric Dosing
- Chronic Hepatitis C (children $\ge$ 3 years): 60 mcg/m2 subcutaneously once weekly in combination with ribavirin
- Duration: 24 weeks for genotypes 2 and 3; 48 weeks for genotypes 1 and 4
Indications
- Treatment of chronic hepatitis C in patients with compensated liver disease
- Adjuvant treatment of malignant melanoma in patients surgery-free with regional lymph node involvement
Mechanism of Action
- Covalent conjugate of recombinant interferon alfa-2b with monomethoxy polyethylene glycol
- Binds to specific cell-surface interferon receptors, activating intracellular signaling pathways (JAK-STAT)
- Induces gene transcription, inhibiting viral replication, cellular proliferation, and modulating immunologic responses
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to alfa interferons or any component of the product
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Decompensated liver disease
- Severe pre-existing psychiatric disease, especially severe depression
- Neonates and infants due to benzyl alcohol content in diluent (if applicable)
Adverse Reactions
- Influenza-like symptoms (fatigue, pyrexia, headache, myalgia, rigors)
- Psychiatric disturbances (depression, irritability, anxiety, suicidal ideation)
- Hematologic toxicity (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia)
- Gastrointestinal distress (nausea, anorexia, weight loss, diarrhea)
- Alopecia, injection site reactions, and thyroid dysfunction
Drug Interactions
- Methadone: Increased plasma concentrations and risk of methadone toxicity
- Theophylline: Interferons reduce the clearance, increasing serum theophylline levels
- Zidovudine: Potential risk of exacerbating neutropenia
- Myelosuppressive agents: Increased risk of additive bone marrow suppression
- Telbivudine: Increased risk of peripheral neuropathy when combined with interferons
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use