Mode of Action
Peginterferon alfa-2a are interferon proteins bound to polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecules resulting in higher and more prolonged serum interferon concentrations. It has antiviral, antiproliferative and immune-regulating activity. Interferons are activated when it interacts with cells through high affinity cell surface receptors. The effects of this activation include the induction of gene transcription, inhibition of cellular growth, alteration of cellular differentiation, interference with oncogene expression, alteration of cell surface antigen expression, increase in phagocytic activity of macrophages and augmentation of cytotoxicity of lymphocytes for target cells.
Precaution
Neuropsychiatric disorders, discontinue treatment with worsening or persistently severe signs/symptoms; myelosuppresion; anemia (spherocytosis, history of GI bleeding); pulmonary disease; autoimmune disease; cardiovascular disease; DM; infectious disorders; ischaemic disorders; renal impairment; thyroid disorders; patients who have failed other alpha interferon therapy, received organ transplants, been coinfected with Hepatis B or C virus or HIV; or with Hepatitis C virus and HIV with a CD4+ cell count <100 cells/microliter, or been treated for >48 wk. Elderly. Safety and efficacy not been established in children. Do not change brands of interferon without the concurrence of healthcare provider (product variability). More frequent monitoring of LFTs and dose reduction in Hepatitis B. Hazardous agent, handle and dispose appropriately. May affect ability to drive or operate machinery.
Lactation: Unknown if distributed in human breast milk; because of the potential for adverse reactions from the drugs in nursing infants, a decision must be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug
Side Effect
>10%
Fatigue (24% to 67% ),Headache (27% to 54% ),Fever (24% to 54% ),Myalgia (26% to 51% ),Influenza-like illness (25% to 47% ),Rigor (25% to 47% ),Neutropenia (21% to 40% ),Anxiety (19% to 33% ),Feeling nervous (19% to 33% ),Irritability (19% to 33% ),Diarrhea (11% to 31% ),Injection site inflammation (10% to 31% ),Insomnia (19% to 30% ),Arthralgia (22% to 28% ),Alopecia (18% to 28% ),Abdominal pain (8% to 26% ),Nausea and vomiting (5% to 25% ),Loss of appetite (16% to 24% ),Injection site reaction (22% to 23% ),Dizziness (13% to 23% ),Depression (18% to 20% ),Pruritus (12% to 19% ),Dermatitis (8% to 16% ),Weight decreased (4% to 16% ),Lymphocytopenia (Severe) (5% to 14% ),Anemia (2% to 14%),Lymphocyte count abnormal (3% to 14% ),Dyspnea (4% to 13% )
1-10%
Reduced concentration (8% to 10% ),Cough (4% to 10% ),Dry skin (4% to 10% ),Rash (5% to 8% ),Thrombocytopenia (5% to 8% ),Bacterial infectious disease (3% to 5%), Severe bacterial infection (1-3%)
<1%
Angina,Cardiac dysrhythmia,Aggressive behavior,Cerebral hemorrhage,Cerebral ischemia,Coma,Drug Abuse,Peripheral neuropathy,Psychotic disorder,Suicide,Diabetes mellitus,Colitis,Gastrointestinal hemorrhage,Pancreatitis,Peptic ulcer disease,Aplastic anemia,Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura,Abnormal liver function,Cholangitis,Liver failure,Steatosis of liver,Myositis,Corneal ulcer,Pulmonary embolism
Frequency Not Defined
Myocardial infarction,Erythroderma (rare),Stevens-Johnson syndrome (rare),Hypo/hyperthyroidism,Hypo/hyperglycemia,Anemia (severe),Cytopenia (severe),Autoimmune disease (rare),Hypersensitivity reaction (severe),Serous retinal detachment,Pulmonary infiltrates,Liver graft rejection and renal graft rejection