About peginterferon alfa a
Pegylated interferon alfa antiviral and immunomodulator
Used for
- Chronic hepatitis B in adults
- Chronic hepatitis C, usually combined with other antiviral medicines
- Certain blood cancers, including polycythemia vera
Usual adult dose
Hepatitis B or C: usually 180 micrograms injected under the skin once weekly; duration depends on the condition and treatment plan.
Usual dose in children
Hepatitis C: for children aged 5 years and older, dose is based on body surface area, injected weekly, usually with ribavirin. Hepatitis B use is not established in children.
Common side effects
- Flu-like symptoms, fatigue, headache, muscle aches
- Low blood cell counts
- Nausea, reduced appetite, diarrhea
- Hair loss or injection-site reactions
Important warnings
- Can cause or worsen depression, suicidal thoughts, or other serious mental health problems
- May cause severe liver problems, infections, or dangerously low blood counts
- Can trigger or worsen autoimmune disorders, including thyroid disease
- Regular blood tests and monitoring are needed during treatment
Pregnancy
May harm an unborn baby, particularly when combined with ribavirin. Ribavirin requires strict pregnancy prevention during treatment and for months afterward.
Breastfeeding
It is not known whether this medicine passes into human milk; discuss risks and benefits with a clinician.
Interactions
- Theophylline levels may increase; monitoring or dose adjustment may be needed
- May increase risk of toxicity with medicines that suppress bone marrow
- Ribavirin increases pregnancy-related risks and can worsen anemia
- Tell clinicians about all medicines, especially HIV treatments
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.