ropeginterferon alfa-2b at a glance
Medicine class
Pegylated type I interferon and immunostimulant
Licensed use
Polycythaemia vera in adults without symptomatic splenomegaly
Administration
Subcutaneous injection using a pre-filled pen after suitable training
What is ropeginterferon alfa-2b used for?
It is licensed for:
Treatment on its own of polycythaemia vera in adults without symptomatic splenomegaly.
How does ropeginterferon alfa-2b work?
Ropeginterferon alfa-2b binds to interferon receptors and activates JAK–STAT signalling, changing gene expression in blood-forming cells. This can suppress excessive bone-marrow cell proliferation and may reduce the burden of the JAK2 V617F mutation associated with most cases of polycythaemia vera. Pegylation alters its absorption and elimination compared with unpegylated interferon.
ropeginterferon alfa-2b preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 250 micrograms/0.5 mL
How to take ropeginterferon alfa-2b
Use the pre-filled pen exactly as demonstrated by the healthcare team and follow its instructions for use.
Inject into tissue under the skin of the thigh or abdomen, avoiding the area close to the navel.
Do not inject into irritated, red, bruised, infected or scarred skin.
Use a new needle for every injection and never share the pen.
Check that the solution is clear and colourless to slightly yellow; do not use a damaged pen or cloudy solution containing particles.
Allow the refrigerated pen to reach room temperature as directed in the instructions before injecting.
ropeginterferon alfa-2b side effects
Common or expected effects
- Reduced white blood cells or platelets
- Joint or muscle pain
- Fatigue, fever, chills or flu-like symptoms
- Headache or dizziness
- Anaemia
- Injection-site irritation
- Itching, rash or hair loss
- Diarrhoea or nausea
- Changes in liver blood tests
Get urgent medical advice
- Suicidal thoughts, severe depression, confusion or major mood changes
- Sudden visual change or loss of vision
- Severe allergic reaction
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- New severe breathlessness, cough or chest pain
- Unusual bleeding, bruising or signs of serious infection
- Symptoms of severe liver injury, such as jaundice
ropeginterferon alfa-2b in pregnancy
There are limited human pregnancy data, and animal studies showed reproductive toxicity. Ropeginterferon alfa-2b is not recommended during pregnancy or when effective contraception is not being used, unless the specialist has discussed otherwise. Contact the prescribing team when planning pregnancy or if pregnancy occurs.
ropeginterferon alfa-2b while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether ropeginterferon alfa-2b passes into human milk, and risk to a breastfed child cannot be excluded. A specialist should weigh the benefit of breastfeeding against the benefit of treatment when deciding whether breastfeeding or treatment should stop.
ropeginterferon alfa-2b interactions
Provide a complete medicines list before treatment because specific interaction studies with ropeginterferon alfa-2b are limited.
Telbivudine
The combination is contraindicated because pegylated interferon with telbivudine may increase peripheral neuropathy risk.
Theophylline or methadone
Possible CYP1A2 inhibition may raise concentrations, so additional clinical or concentration monitoring may be needed.
Vortioxetine or risperidone
Possible CYP2D6 inhibition may increase exposure and adverse effects.
Common questions about ropeginterferon alfa-2b
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is ropeginterferon alfa-2b used for?
It is licensed as sole treatment for adults with polycythaemia vera who do not have symptomatic enlargement of the spleen.
Is ropeginterferon alfa-2b chemotherapy?
It is a pegylated interferon with immunomodulatory and blood-cell antiproliferative effects, rather than conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy.
Can I inject ropeginterferon alfa-2b myself?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.