peginterferon alfa-2a at a glance
Medicine class
Pegylated interferon and immunostimulant
Licensed roles
Selected chronic viral hepatitis, polycythaemia vera and essential thrombocythaemia
Administration
Injection under the skin of the abdomen or thigh after training
Storage
Keep refrigerated, protected from light; do not freeze
What is peginterferon alfa-2a used for?
Licensed uses include:
Polycythaemia vera in adults.
Essential thrombocythaemia in adults.
Chronic hepatitis B in selected adults with compensated liver disease.
Chronic hepatitis B in eligible non-cirrhotic children and adolescents aged 3 years and over.
Chronic hepatitis C in selected adults with compensated liver disease, usually with other medicines.
Chronic hepatitis C in eligible treatment-naive children and adolescents aged 5 years and over, with ribavirin.
How does peginterferon alfa-2a work?
It activates interferon signalling, helping cells produce proteins that limit viral replication and alter immune activity. It also has antiproliferative effects relevant to some blood disorders. Polyethylene glycol slows its clearance compared with unmodified interferon alfa-2a.
peginterferon alfa-2a preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 90 micrograms, 135 micrograms, 180 micrograms
How to take peginterferon alfa-2a
Use only as instructed by the specialist team. Inject under the skin of the abdomen or thigh after training.
Each pre-filled syringe is single-use and must not be shared.
Check the solution is clear and colourless to light yellow, without particles.
Do not use damaged packaging or a syringe that has been frozen.
Dispose of the syringe and needle in an approved sharps container.
peginterferon alfa-2a side effects
Common or expected effects
- Flu-like symptoms, fever, chills, tiredness or weakness
- Headache, dizziness, poor concentration or disturbed sleep
- Reduced appetite, nausea, diarrhoea or abdominal pain
- Muscle or joint pain
- Injection-site irritation
- Hair loss, itching, dermatitis or dry skin
- Depression, anxiety or irritability
- Reduced blood-cell counts or thyroid disturbance
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe depression, suicidal thoughts, aggression or major behavioural change
- Severe allergic reaction
- Serious infection or sepsis
- Severe bleeding or markedly reduced blood-cell counts
- New or worsening heart, lung or liver problems
- Severe abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding or pancreatitis
- New visual loss or other significant eye symptoms
- Severe skin reactions or autoimmune disease
peginterferon alfa-2a in pregnancy
Human pregnancy information is limited. Use is permitted only when the potential benefit justifies fetal risk. Pregnancy or plans to conceive need early specialist discussion; treatment containing ribavirin has additional strict pregnancy restrictions.
peginterferon alfa-2a while breastfeeding
The product information advises stopping breastfeeding before treatment because transfer into human milk is unknown and adverse effects in the infant are possible. Individual specialist assessment is needed.
peginterferon alfa-2a interactions
Important interactions include:
Telbivudine
This combination is contraindicated because it increases the risk of peripheral neuropathy.
Theophylline
Exposure may increase; serum concentrations and clinical effects may need monitoring.
Methadone
Exposure may increase; monitor for toxicity and consider QT-prolongation risk.
Common questions about peginterferon alfa-2a
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is peginterferon alfa-2a used to treat?
It is licensed for polycythaemia vera, essential thrombocythaemia and selected people with chronic hepatitis B or C.
Where is it injected?
Under the skin of the abdomen or thigh after appropriate training.
Can it affect mental health?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.