Peginterferon alfa-2a
Also known as: PEG-IFN alfa-2a, PEG‑IFNα‑2a, Pegasys, pegylated interferon alfa-2a, pegylated interferon alfa‑2a, RO-25-8310
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Summary
Peginterferon alfa‑2a is a pegylated form of recombinant interferon‑α2a used as a weekly subcutaneous injection for chronic hepatitis C, chronic hepatitis B, and selected hematologic malignancies.
Mechanism of Action
Binds interferon‑α/β receptor, activates JAK‑STAT signaling, inducing antiviral, antiproliferative and immunomodulatory gene expression.
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Chronic Hepatitis C treatmentAntiviralHigh
- Essential thrombocythemia controlHematologicModerate
- Chronic Hepatitis B treatmentAntiviralHigh
- ImmunomodulationImmunologyModerate
- Antineoplastic (melanoma, renal cell carcinoma)OncologyLow
- Chronic hepatitis B suppressionAntiviralHigh
- Chronic hepatitis C eradicationAntiviralHigh
Contraindications
- Severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., severe depression with suicidal ideation)NeuropsychiatricHigh
- Severe autoimmune diseaseImmunologicalHigh
- PregnancyPopulationHighPotential fetal risk or insufficient safety data
- Neonates and Infants (benzyl alcohol-containing formulations)PediatricHigh
- Pregnancy (when used with ribavirin)ReproductiveHigh
- Known hypersensitivity to interferon alfa or PEG componentsAllergic/ImmunologicHigh
- Autoimmune hepatitisHepatic / AutoimmuneHigh
- Decompensated hepatic disease (Child-Pugh B/C)HepaticHigh
- Uncontrolled depressionPsychiatricModerate
Adverse Effects
- Flu-like symptoms (fatigue, fever, myalgia, headache)ConstitutionalCommon
- Hematologic toxicity (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia)HematologicCommon
- Neuropsychiatric effects (depression, irritability, insomnia, suicidality)NeuropsychiatricCommon
- Injection site reactionsLocalCommon
- Retinopathy / Optic neuropathyOphthalmologicUncommon
- Thyroid dysfunction (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism)EndocrineUncommon
- Flu‑like syndromeSystemicCommon
- Thyroid dysfunctionEndocrineUncommon
- NeutropeniaHematologicCommonLow neutrophil count
- DepressionPsychiatricUncommon
- Injection‑site reactionLocalCommon
Drug Interactions
- AzathioprineHigh
- Theophylline / MethylxanthinesModerate
- TelbivudineHigh
- RibavirinModerate
- CorticosteroidsModerate
- MethadoneModerate
- Myelosuppressive agents (e.g., azathioprine, hydroxyurea)High
Population Constraints
- PregnancyReproductive SafetyRelative
- Elderly (≥75 y)AgeRelative
- Renal impairmentOrgan ImpairmentRelative
- Pediatric patientsAgeRelative
- Patients with pre-existing psychiatric disordersPsychiatricRelative
- Pediatric patients (<5 years)PediatricRelative
- Severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min)Organ ImpairmentRelative
- Patients with pre-existing cardiac diseaseCardiovascularRelative
Regulatory Status
- European UnionApprovedApproved: Chronic hepatitis C, Chronic hepatitis B, Essential thrombocythemiaEMA approved; same brand name.
- United StatesApprovedApproved: Chronic hepatitis C, Chronic hepatitis B, Essential thrombocythemiaFDA approved as Pegasys®.
- United KingdomApprovedApproved: Chronic hepatitis C, Chronic hepatitis B, Essential thrombocythemiaMHRA approval aligned with EU status.
Approved by FDA (US) as Pegasys® for hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and essential thrombocythemia; also approved in EU and UK. Patent held by Roche.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Peginterferon alfa-2a?
Peginterferon alfa‑2a is a pegylated form of recombinant interferon‑α2a used as a weekly subcutaneous injection for chronic hepatitis C, chronic hepatitis B, and selected hematologic malignancies.
What is Peginterferon alfa-2a used for?
Peginterferon alfa-2a is educationally associated with: Chronic Hepatitis C treatment, Essential thrombocythemia control, Chronic Hepatitis B treatment, Immunomodulation, Antineoplastic (melanoma, renal cell carcinoma), Chronic hepatitis B suppression, Chronic hepatitis C eradication. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Peginterferon alfa-2a administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Subcutaneous.
What are the potential side effects of Peginterferon alfa-2a?
Reported adverse effects include: Flu-like symptoms (fatigue, fever, myalgia, headache), Hematologic toxicity (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia), Neuropsychiatric effects (depression, irritability, insomnia, suicidality), Injection site reactions, Retinopathy / Optic neuropathy, Thyroid dysfunction (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism), Flu‑like syndrome, Thyroid dysfunction, Neutropenia, Depression, Injection‑site reaction. This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Peginterferon alfa-2a?
Recorded contraindications: Severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., severe depression with suicidal ideation), Severe autoimmune disease, Pregnancy, Neonates and Infants (benzyl alcohol-containing formulations), Pregnancy (when used with ribavirin), Known hypersensitivity to interferon alfa or PEG components, Autoimmune hepatitis, Decompensated hepatic disease (Child-Pugh B/C), Uncontrolled depression. Consult a qualified clinician before use.