Page 102 - The Flying Publisher Guide to Hepatitis C Treatment

102 | Hepatitis C Treatment

Combination therapy with ribavirin (Copegus™) with different
posology according to HCV genotypes.
Side effects: Influenza-like symptoms (fever, myalgia),
neuropsychiatric events (depression, fatigue, sleeping disorders,
personality changes), bone marrow toxicity (anemia,
thrombocytopenia, leucopenia), endocrine disorders,
cardiovascular events, pulmonary disorders, gastrointestinal
events, development or exacerbation of autoimmune and
ophthalmologic disorders, hypersensitivity reactions, hair loss.
All side effects are usually reversible. Patients with
persistently severe or worsening signs or symptoms should be
withdrawn from therapy.
Contraindications: Severe heart or liver or renal dysfunction,
bone marrow disorders, CNS disorders (epilepsy, severe
depression), uncompensated thyroid disorders, autoimmune
hepatitis, hypersensitivity reactions.
Reference
Ferenci P, Fried MW, Shiffman ML, et al. Predicting sustained virological
responses in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with peginterferon alfa-2a
(40KD)/ribavirin. J Hepatol 2005;43:425-33.
Internet links
Hoffmann-La Roche: www.roche.com
PEGASYS: www.pegasys.com
FDA, Medication Guide (PDF, 18 pages): goo.gl/vRvqi

PegIntron™
(pegylated interferon alfa-2b, 12 kd)
Drug class: Cytokine, interferon.
Manufacturer: Schering Corporation/Merck.
Indications: Treatment of chronic hepatitis C in patients 3 years
of age and older with compensated liver disease who have not
been previously treated with IFN alfa.