About peginterferon alfa b
Pegylated interferon alfa antiviral and immunomodulator
Used for
- Treatment of chronic hepatitis C, usually with other antiviral medicines.
Usual adult dose
Historically, 1.5 mcg/kg injected under the skin once weekly, with ribavirin; dosing depends on treatment regimen.
Usual dose in children
For selected children aged 3 years or older with hepatitis C: 60 mcg/m² under the skin once weekly, with ribavirin.
Common side effects
- Flu-like symptoms, fatigue, headache, and muscle aches
- Low blood-cell counts
- Depression, irritability, or other mood changes
- Nausea, appetite loss, or hair thinning
Important warnings
- Can cause severe depression, suicidal thoughts, or other serious mental-health effects.
- May cause serious infections, low blood counts, or autoimmune problems.
- Can worsen liver disease; monitoring and blood tests are needed.
- Treatment with ribavirin can cause birth defects; pregnancy must be avoided during treatment and afterward.
Pregnancy
Avoid with ribavirin during pregnancy; ribavirin can cause severe birth defects. Peginterferon alone is generally avoided unless clearly needed.
Breastfeeding
It is not known whether peginterferon alfa-2b passes into human milk; discuss risks with a clinician.
Interactions
- Ribavirin increases the risk of fetal harm.
- Theophylline levels may rise; monitoring or dose adjustment may be needed.
- Methadone levels may rise; monitor for increased effects.
- Other medicines that suppress bone marrow may increase low blood-cell risks.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.