• Chronic Hepatitis C (CHC)
    • Adults and pediatric patients ≥5 years
    • In combination with ribavirin or other antivirals

Dose:

Chronic Hepatitis C (Adults):
  • 180 mcg subcutaneously once weekly for 48 weeks often in combination with ribavirin (dose based on weight)
Pediatrics (≥5 years, Hepatitis C):
  • 180 mcg/1.73 m² (up to max 180 mcg) subcutaneously once weekly In combination with weight-based ribavirin
  • Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB)

    • Adults with HBeAg-positive or HBeAg-negative chronic HBV infection with liver inflammation

Dose:180 mcg subcutaneously once weekly for 48 weeks (monotherapy)

  • Prefilled syringe or autoinjector:
    • 180 mcg/0.5 mL solution
  • Also available in 135 mcg/0.5 mL and 90 mcg/0.5 mL formats
  • Administer subcutaneously in abdomen or thigh
  • Rotate injection sites
  • Store in refrigerator; allow to reach room temperature before use
  • Do not shake
  • Class: Pegylated interferon (immunomodulator + antiviral)
  • Mechanism of Action:
    • Binds to interferon receptors → activates immune responses → inhibits viral replication and modulates immune system
  • Pegylation increases half-life, allowing once-weekly dosing
  • Pharmacokinetics:
    • Half-life: ~80–90 hours
    • Time to peak: 72–96 hours
    • Elimination: Primarily renal
  • Flu-like symptoms (fever, fatigue, myalgia, headache)
  • Nausea
  • Depression, irritability, insomnia
  • Injection site reactions
  • Hair thinning
  • Autoimmune hepatitis
  • Hepatic decompensation in cirrhotic patients (esp. with HBV/HCV co-infection)
  • Hypersensitivity to peginterferon alfa-2a or interferon
  • Neonates/infants (contains benzyl alcohol, which is harmful)
  • Theophylline: Clearance may be decreased
  • Methadone: May increase methadone levels
  • Increased risk of myelosuppression when used with other bone marrow suppressors

                                   Drug Status

Availability
Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Schedule
BRAND NAME STRENGTH FORMULATION PACK SIZE MANUFACTURER DISTRIBUTOR
Pegasys 180mcg Pre-Filled Syringe 1’s F.Hoffman La-Roche Roche Kenya