Page 103 - The Flying Publisher Guide to Hepatitis C Treatment

Appendix – Selected drug profiles | 103

Dose: 1.5 µg/kg once per week, administered by subcutaneous
injection. For pediatric use, the recommended dose, based on
2
body surface area, is 60 mcg/m /week.
Combination: PegIntron (1.5 mcg/kg/week) with ribavirin
(Rebetol™) 800-1400 mg/day or 15 mg/kg/day. Duration is
dependent on HCV genotype. Dose reduction is recommended in
patients experiencing adverse events or renal dysfunction.
Side effects and contraindications: Similar with Pegasys.
Reference
McHutchison J, Lawitz EJ, Shiffman ML, et al. Peginterferon alfa-2b or alfa-2a
with ribavirin for treatment of hepatitis C infection. N Engl J Med
2009;361:580–93.
Internet links
PegIntron: www.pegintron.com
FDA, Medication Guide (PDF, 14 pages): goo.gl/30CcP
Merck: www.merck.com

Infergen™
Class: Cytokine, interferon, interferon alfacon.
Manufacturer: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co.
Biberach, Germany for: Three Rivers Pharmaceuticals, LLC.
Indications: Infergen in combination with ribavirin is
administred for HCV-infected patients who failed to respond to
previous treatment with PegIFN/RBV. Patients with the
following characteristics are less likely to benefit from treatment
with interferon alfacon-1 and ribavirin: response of <1 log 10 drop
HCV RNA on previous treatment, genotype 1, high VL (>850,000
IU/mL), African-American origin, and/or presence of cirrhosis.
Dose (Combination treatment): Infergen 15 mcg daily with
ribavirin 1,000 or 1,200 mg (for body weight < 75 kg and ≥ 75 kg)
daily for up to 48 weeks (as retreatment). Dose reduction is
recommended in patients experiencing serious adverse
reactions.