Peginterferon alfa-2a - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Peginterferon alfa-2a is a drug to treat chronic hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis C. This drug can be used alone or in combination with other antiviral drugs, such as ribavirin

Peginterferon alfa-2a is an interferon antiviral drug that works by reducing the amount of hepatitis virus in the body and increasing the immune system's response to fight infection. This medicine should only be used according to a doctor's prescription.

Peginterferon alfa-2a trademark: Pegasys

What is Peginterferon alpha-2a

Categories	Prescription drugs
Class	Antivirus of the interferon group
Benefits	Handling chronic hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis C
Consumed by	Adult
Peginterferon alfa-2a for pregnant and lactating women	Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. The drug should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.Category X (peginterferon alfa-2a in combination with ribavirin): Studies in experimental animals and humans have shown fetal abnormalities or risk to the fetus.Drugs in this category should not be used by women who are or may become pregnant. Peginterferon alfa-2a is not known whether it can be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor, especially
Medicine form	Inject

Warning Before Using Peginterferon alpha-2a

There are several things to consider before using peginterferon alfa-2a, including:

• Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Peginterferon alfa-2a should not be used by patients allergic to this drug.
• Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from liver disease, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, hypertension, COPD, diabetes, thyroid disease, colitis, blood disorders, kidney disease, pancreatitis, high triglycerides, or autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
• Tell your doctor if you have or are currently experiencing alcoholism, drug abuse, certain mental disorders, such as depression, psychosis, or suicidal ideation.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy. Use contraception to prevent pregnancy while on treatment with peginterferon alfa-2a.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking peginterferon alfa-2a before getting vaccinated. This medicine may cause a decrease in the effectiveness of the vaccine.
• Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness while taking peginterferon alfa-2a treatment, as this drug can cause dizziness.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products.
• See your doctor immediately if you experience an overdose, drug allergic reaction, or more serious side effects after taking peginterferon alfa-2a.

Dosage and Instructions for Use of Peginterferon alfa-2a

Peginterferon alfa-2a is only available in injectable form. This medicine is injected under the skin (subcutaneously/SC) by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.

The following are peginterferon alfa-2a dosages based on the condition you want to treat:

• Condition: Chronic hepatitis BDose 180 mcg, once a week, for 48 weeks.

• Condition: Chronic hepatitis CDose 180 mcg, once a week, for 48 weeks, as a single treatment or in combination with ribavirin

How to Use Peginterferon alfa-2a Correctly

Peginterferon alfa-2a should only be injected by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. The drug will be injected under the skin (subcutaneously / SC). Follow the doctor's advice while undergoing therapy with peginterferon alfa-2a.

Do not stop treatment with peginterferon alfa-2a even if your condition improves. Stopping the medication suddenly can cause the infection to recur.

Peginterferon alfa-2a cannot cure or prevent transmission of hepatitis B or hepatitis C. Therefore, during treatment, have sex using condoms and do not consume alcoholic beverages.

While undergoing treatment with peginterferon alfa-2a, you will be advised to regularly check with your doctor, so that your condition can be monitored.

Peginterferon alfa-2a Interaction with Other Drugs

Peginterferon alfa-2a can cause a number of interaction effects when used with other drugs, including:

• Decreased levels of theophylline in the blood
• Increase the risk of side effects from zidovudine
• Increased risk of seizures when used with bupropion or tramadol
• Increased risk of pancreatitis when used with bexarotene
• Increased risk of severe infection when used with baricitinib, deferiprone, clozapine, or fingolimod
• Increased risk of more severe liver damage when used with eltrombopag or pexdartinib
• Increased risk of nerve damage when used with telbivudine

Side Effects and Dangers of Peginterferon alfa-2a

Some of the side effects that can occur after using peginterferon alfa-2a are:

• Headache or dizziness
• Exhaustion
• Fever, chills, or muscle aches
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Insomnia
• Swelling, red at the injection site
• Hair loss

Check with a doctor if the complaints mentioned above don't go away or get worse. See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction to the drug or experience more serious side effects, such as:

• Easy to bruise
• irregular heartbeat
• Dark stools
• Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
• Liver function disorders, which can be characterized by jaundice, loss of appetite, or severe abdominal pain
• Visibility, such as blurred vision
• Symptoms of a stroke, which are characterized by difficulty speaking, confusion, or weakness
• chest pain
• Seizure

In addition, the use of peinterferon alfa-2a can also worsen mental disorders, such as depression. Immediately see a doctor if you feel the desire to hurt yourself or commit suicide, as well as if there is a change in behavior to become more aggressive.