Here is the complete overview for:
💉 Pegylated Interferon Alfa-2a Injection 100 mcg
🧪 Nature / Drug Class
🔹 Pegylated long-acting interferon
🔹 Immunomodulator and antiviral
🔹 Pegylation allows extended duration of action and weekly dosing
🩺 Purpose / Indications
✅ Used in the treatment of:
- Chronic Hepatitis B infection
- Chronic Hepatitis C infection (often in combination with ribavirin)
✅ Stimulates immune response and reduces viral replication
⚙️ Advantages
✔️ Once-weekly dosing improves compliance
✔️ Long-acting therapeutic levels due to PEG modification
✔️ Can delay or prevent liver damage or cirrhosis
✔️ Useful for patients who are not candidates for oral antivirals
📦 Common Packaging
📦 Prefilled syringe or single-dose vial
🕒 Administered once weekly via subcutaneous injection
📄 Available with dosing guide and safety information
⚠️ Patient Advice / Precautions
🧪 Regular monitoring needed for:
- Liver function tests (LFTs)
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Psychiatric symptoms
💉 Rotate injection sites to prevent local skin reactions
❗ May cause flu-like symptoms — advise hydration and rest
❌ Avoid alcohol and hepatotoxic substances
👩⚕️ Should be prescribed and monitored by a specialist
🚫 Contraindications / Cautions
❌ Known hypersensitivity to interferons or pegylated compounds
❌ Severe depression or autoimmune disorders
⚠️ Use with caution in:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy or psychiatric illness
🚫 Not advised during pregnancy or breastfeeding
🧊 Storage
🧊 Store in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C)
🚫 Do not freeze
🌞 Protect from direct sunlight
📦 Keep in original carton until administration