Pegatron Combination Therapy

Generic Name: Peginterferon alfa-2b; Ribavirin
Product Name: Pegatron Combination Therapy

Indication

PEGATRON Combination Therapy is used for the treatment of chronic Hepatitis C (a viral infection of the liver) in patients (18 years or older) who have compensated liver disease and have not previously received Interferon alfa treatment.

• Pegatron Combination Therapy consists of two products, an injection called Peg-Intron and capsules called Rebetol.
• The active ingredient in Peg-Intron is peginterferon alfa-2b.
• Peginterferon alfa-2b belongs to a group of medicines called interferons.
• Interferons are a family of naturally occurring small protein molecules.
• They are produced and secreted by cells in response to viral infections or various synthetic and biological inducers.
• Interferons modify the response of the body’s immune system to help fight infections and severe diseases.
• Rebetol capsules contain an antiviral agent called ribavirin. Rebetol (ribavirin) capsules are not effective when used alone to treat chronic hepatitis C and must only be used in combination with PEG-Intron injections.
• The combination of Rebetol capsules and Peg-Intron Injection makes the treatment of hepatitis C more effective.For more health information on Pegatron Combination Therapy visit your local doctor.
  

  Action

  Pegatron Combination Therapy has two components, Peginterferon alfa-2b and Ribavirin. Interferon-alfa is the name of a chemical messenger, or cytokine, made by cells in your body. This cytokine has at least two important roles:1) It protects the cells from infection by HCV. 2) It helps the immune system fight HCV.The “peg” in peginterferon stands for polyethylene glycol. When peg is attached to interferon, it provides a protective barrier that shields the interferon from being broken down, thus prolonging the time it remains in the blood. Regular interferon needs to be injected at least three times weekly. Peginterferon only has to be injected once a week and appears to be stronger than regular interferon.Ribavirin is a type of drug known as a nucleoside analogue. It is a weak drug when taken on its own, however when combined with peginterferon, is a powerful agent that fights the hepatitis C virus.

  Dose advice

  Dosage:The Peg-intron injection should be administered subcutaneously once a week, at a dose of 1.5micrograms/kg. This is to be administered in conjunction with the Rebetol capsules, which should be taken twice daily, once in the morning and once at night. These capsules should be taken orally with food. Dose of Rebetol is dependent on bodyweight, where patients less than 65kg should take 800mg daily, patients whose weight is between 65 to 85kg should take 1000mg daily, and patients with a bodyweight greater than 85kg should take 1200mg daily. Duration of Therapy:The recommended duration of Pegatron Combination Therapy is up to one year. However duration should be individualized according to characteristics of disease and response and tolerance to treatment.

  Schedule

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  Common side effects

  Trials of Pegatron Combination Therapy have shown that there are some side effects of the treatment. The most common group of side effects were those belonging to a flu-like syndrome consisting of:

• Unexpected tiredness
• Headache
• Fever
• Muscle and/or bone pain
• ChillsThese side effects tend to appear 6 to 8 hours after injection with peginterferon. Injecting before bedtime may help minimize the effects. The medication may also cause the following effects:
• Difficulty falling asleep
• Reduced ability to concentrate
• Problems thinking clearly
• Increased feelings of irritability
• DepressionDepression may require treatment while you are on this medication. Please talk to your doctor about management of this.
  

  Uncommon side effects

  Some more uncommon side effects include:

• Coughing
• Reduced Appetite
• Shortness of breath
• Minor, temporary hair loss
• Dry and itchy skin
• Rash
• AnaemiaFor further information talk to your doctor.