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Peginterferon alfa-2
peg-in-ter-FEER-on   Audio

Brand Name: Pegasys (2a), PEG-Intron (2b)  Audio
Drug Class: Opportunistic Infection and Other Drugs
Peginterferon alfa-2 belongs to a class of medicines known as antivirals. This drug also belongs to a class called biological response modifiers. Antivirals kill viruses or stop viruses from multiplying. Biological response modifiers stimulate the body's response to infection and disease.
Peginterferon alfa-2a, also known as Pegasys, and peginterferon alfa-2b, also known as PEG-Intron, are approved by the FDA for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection, a common infection in HIV patients. It is usually prescribed in combination with ribavirin, another antiviral.


HIV/AIDS-Related Uses
Peginterferon alfa is used to treat chronic HCV in patients coinfected with HIV and HCV.

Dosage Form/Administration
Peginterferons alfa-2a and alfa-2b come in liquid form and powder form for reconstitution. Peginterferon alfa is given by injection under the skin.


Contraindications
Individuals should tell a doctor about any medical problems before taking this medicine.

Possible Side Effects
Along with its desired effects, peginterferon alfa may cause some serious unwanted effects. Serious side effects of this medicine include anxiety; depression; mood swings; fever; continuing abdominal pain; bloody diarrhea; viral infection; trouble sleeping; irritability; chills, cough, or hoarseness; lower back or side pain; painful or difficult urination; nausea or vomiting; black, tarry stools; blood in urine or stools; pinpoint red spots on skin; or unusual bleeding or bruising. Individuals should tell a doctor if they have any of these side effects.
Other side effects may not be serious and may lessen or disappear with continued use. Less serious side effects of this medicine include abdominal pain; hair loss; loss of appetite; cough; diarrhea; dizziness; dry skin; indigestion; fatigue; chills, headache, pain in joints or muscles, runny nose, sneezing, or sore throat; flushing of skin; bruising, irritation, or itching at the injection site; general ill feeling; muscle or joint pain; nausea; aching, fullness, or tension in area of affected sinus; skin rash or itching, increased sweating; vomiting; and weight loss. Individuals should tell a doctor if these side effects continue or are bothersome.

Drug and Food Interactions
A doctor should be notified of any other medications being taken, including prescription, nonprescription (over-the-counter), or herbal medications.

Clinical Trials
Click here to search ClinicalTrials.gov for trials that use Peginterferon alfa-2.

Manufacturer Information
Peginterferon alfa-2
  Roche Laboratories
  340 Kingsland Street
  Nutley,  NJ  07110
  (973) 235-5000
    

Peginterferon alfa-2
  Schering - Plough Corp
  2000 Galloping Hill Rd
  Kenilworth,  NJ  07033-0530
  (800) 526-4099
    

Pegasys (2a)
  Roche Laboratories
  340 Kingsland Street
  Nutley,  NJ  07110
  (973) 235-5000
    

PEG-Intron (2b)
  Schering - Plough Corp
  2000 Galloping Hill Rd
  Kenilworth,  NJ  07033-0530
  (800) 526-4099
    
Updated March 16, 2007