Peginterferon alfa-2b
Also known as: IFN‑α2b‑PEG, PEG-IFN alfa-2b, PEG‑IFN alfa‑2b, Pegasys, PegIntron, Pegylated interferon alfa-2b, SCH 54031, Sylatron
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Summary
Peginterferon alfa‑2b is a pegylated form of interferon‑α2b administered subcutaneously for chronic hepatitis C (historically), malignant melanoma, and renal cell carcinoma. Pegylation prolongs half‑life and reduces dosing frequency.
Mechanism of Action
Binds IFN‑α/β receptor, activates JAK‑STAT signaling, inducing antiviral, antiproliferative and immunomodulatory gene expression.
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Chronic Hepatitis C treatmentAntiviralHigh
- Malignant melanomaOncologyHigh
- Antiproliferative effect in hematologic malignanciesOncologyModerate
- Adjuvant melanoma therapyOncologyHigh
- Antiviral ImmunomodulationImmunologyModerate
- Chronic hepatitis C genotype 1AntiviralModerate
- Renal cell carcinomaOncologyHigh
Contraindications
- Severe psychiatric disorders (uncontrolled)PsychiatryHigh
- Hypersensitivity to interferon alfa or PEGImmunologicHigh
- Decompensated liver disease (Child-Pugh B/C)HepaticHigh
- Severe psychiatric disorderPsychiatricHigh
- Autoimmune disease (e.g., SLE, MS)AutoimmuneHigh
- PregnancyPopulationHighPotential fetal risk or insufficient safety data
- Neonates and Infants (benzyl alcohol-containing formulations)PediatricHigh
- Autoimmune hepatitisHepatic / AutoimmuneHigh
Adverse Effects
- Neuropsychiatric effects (depression, irritability, suicidal ideation)PsychiatricCommon
- Injection site reactionsLocalCommon
- Flu‑like syndromeSystemicCommon
- NeutropeniaHematologicUncommonLow neutrophil count
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, myalgia, fatigue)Systemic / ConstitutionalCommon
- Myelosuppression (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia)HematologicCommon
- DepressionPsychiatricCommon
- Retinopathy and optic neuropathyOphthalmologicRare
- Elevated liver enzymesHepaticUncommonIncrease in AST/ALT or other hepatic markers
- Injection‑site reactionLocalCommon
- Thyroid dysfunction (hypo- or hyperthyroidism)EndocrineUncommon
Drug Interactions
- Myelosuppressive agents (e.g., azathioprine, chemotherapy)High
- Immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine)Moderate
- RibavirinModerate
- CorticosteroidsLow
- MethadoneModerate
- Theophylline / CYP1A2 substratesModerate
Population Constraints
- Psychiatric historyNeuropsychiatricRelative
- PregnancyReproductive SafetyAbsolute
- Pediatric patients (<18 y)AgeRelative
- Elderly (>75 y)AgeRelative
- Renal impairment (CrCl <50 mL/min)RenalRelative
- Renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min)RenalRelative
- Elderly (≥65 years)GeriatricRelative
- Pediatric patients (<3 years)PediatricAbsolute
Regulatory Status
- European UnionApprovedApproved: malignant melanoma, renal cell carcinomaSame indications as US.
- United StatesApprovedApproved: malignant melanoma, renal cell carcinomaHepatitis C indication withdrawn in 2014.
- United KingdomApprovedApproved: malignant melanoma, renal cell carcinomaRegulated under NHS formularies.
Approved in the US for melanoma and renal cell carcinoma; hepatitis C indication withdrawn after newer direct‑acting antivirals became standard of care.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Peginterferon alfa-2b?
Peginterferon alfa‑2b is a pegylated form of interferon‑α2b administered subcutaneously for chronic hepatitis C (historically), malignant melanoma, and renal cell carcinoma. Pegylation prolongs half‑life and reduces dosing frequency.
What is Peginterferon alfa-2b used for?
Peginterferon alfa-2b is educationally associated with: Chronic Hepatitis C treatment, Malignant melanoma, Antiproliferative effect in hematologic malignancies, Adjuvant melanoma therapy, Antiviral Immunomodulation, Chronic hepatitis C genotype 1, Renal cell carcinoma. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Peginterferon alfa-2b administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Subcutaneous.
What are the potential side effects of Peginterferon alfa-2b?
Reported adverse effects include: Neuropsychiatric effects (depression, irritability, suicidal ideation), Injection site reactions, Flu‑like syndrome, Neutropenia, Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, myalgia, fatigue), Myelosuppression (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia), Depression, Retinopathy and optic neuropathy, Elevated liver enzymes, Injection‑site reaction, Thyroid dysfunction (hypo- or hyperthyroidism). This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Peginterferon alfa-2b?
Recorded contraindications: Severe psychiatric disorders (uncontrolled), Hypersensitivity to interferon alfa or PEG, Decompensated liver disease (Child-Pugh B/C), Severe psychiatric disorder, Autoimmune disease (e.g., SLE, MS), Pregnancy, Neonates and Infants (benzyl alcohol-containing formulations), Autoimmune hepatitis. Consult a qualified clinician before use.