Pegasys syringe kit (Peginterferon Alfa 2a)

In the United Kingdom, Pegasys is available in 3 strengths 90mcg, 135mcg and 180mcg as prefilled syringe kits.

Prescription Pegasys prefilled syringes contain peginterferon alfa 2a used to treat chronic hepatitis C and certain liver problems. Pegasys is often used in combination with other hepatitis C medicines including ribavirin. Pegasys is not recommended for children under 5 years of age or when a patient has had a solid organ transplant.

Pegasys works the same as natural interferons in your body which help fight infections caused by viruses. They modify the how the immune system works and may block virus multiplication.

Pegasys must be used exactly as prescribed by your physician as the dose may change during treatment. Pegasys is most often prescribed as a 180 mcg prefilled syringe used once per week usually at bedtime. The duration of Pegasys is often from 4 to 18 months depending on response to treatment, type of virus, and whether you have used Pegasys before.

Pegasys is a subcutaneous injection (under the skin) given in the belly or thigh. Pegasys may be self injected once you have been trained and are comfortable with procedure. Follow the directions in the packaging carefully.

The Pegasys syringe kit comes with a pre-filled syringe of Pegasys and an injection needle. The kit does not include a cleansing swab, bandage, sterilized gauze or waste container.

Pegasys must be be shipped and stored in refrigerated conditions at all times prior to use. Do not freeze Pegasys or expose the medicine to light (keep in original container). Transportation of Pegasys must also be in cold condition or refrigerated packaging. When we ship Pegasys, it comes with temperature detector device to ensure proper storage in transit.

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Information about Pegasys syringe kit (Peginterferon Alfa 2a)

Pegasys Syringe Kit is the brand name for peginterferon alfa-2a, a long-acting form of interferon alfa that has been pegylated (modified with a polyethylene glycol molecule). This modification helps extend the medication's half-life, allowing for once-weekly injections. Pegasys is primarily used for treating chronic hepatitis C and hepatitis B infections, as well as certain types of cancers like non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It enhances the body's immune response to fight the virus or abnormal cell growth.

Product Highlights

• Pegasys is used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in combination with other antiviral drugs like ribavirin, helping reduce the viral load and improve liver function.
• Pegasys can help manage chronic hepatitis B by suppressing viral replication, reducing liver damage, and improving long-term outcomes.
• Pegasys is used in the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, an immune system cancer, often as part of combination therapy to improve immune response and fight cancerous cells.
• Pegasys is also indicated for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the skin, to help slow disease progression and improve quality of life.

Key Ingredient

• Peginterferon Alfa-2a

Key Benefits

• The pegylation of the interferon allows for once-weekly dosing, making treatment more convenient compared to older forms of interferon, which required more frequent injections.
• Pegasys has been shown to improve sustained virologic response (SVR) rates in patients with hepatitis C, especially when used in combination with ribavirin. It is also effective for reducing viral load and improving liver function in hepatitis B.
• Pegasys enhances the immune system's ability to fight viral infections and can also help combat cancerous cells in patients with specific types of lymphoma and T-cell cancers.
• The pegylation extends the half-life of Pegasys, allowing it to remain active in the body longer and requiring fewer injections, making it easier for patients to adhere to the treatment regimen.
• With weekly dosing, Pegasys causes less disruption to the patient's daily routine compared to daily therapies, improving patient quality of life during treatment.

Direction of Use

• Pegasys is administered subcutaneously (under the skin) through a pre-filled syringe kit. It can be injected in the abdomen, thigh, or other recommended areas.
• The typical starting dose is 180 mcg once a week for adult patients with chronic hepatitis C or chronic hepatitis B. 
• Doses may be adjusted depending on response, side effects, and specific conditions.
• For chronic hepatitis C, Pegasys is often used in combination with ribavirin, and dosing may be adjusted based on the patient's weight and response.
• For non-Hodgkin lymphoma or cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, the dose may vary depending on disease severity and response.
• Rotate the injection sites to minimize irritation. Avoid injecting into areas with bruises or scarring.
• If a dose is missed, follow the instructions from your healthcare provider. Typically, the missed dose should be taken as soon as remembered, unless it’s close to the time for the next dose.

Safety Concerns

• Many patients experience fever, chills, muscle aches, and fatigue shortly after the injection, especially during the first few weeks. These symptoms typically improve over time.
• Pegasys can exacerbate or cause depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, particularly during the first few weeks of treatment. Patients should be carefully monitored for these side effects.
• Pegasys can cause decreased white blood cell (neutropenia) and platelet counts (thrombocytopenia), as well as anemia. Blood tests are required regularly to monitor for these effects.
• Liver function should be monitored regularly, as Pegasys can potentially cause liver damage, especially in patients with pre-existing liver conditions.
• As Pegasys modulates the immune system, it can increase the risk of infections. Patients should report any signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or pain.
• Pegasys can cause hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, so thyroid function should be checked periodically.
• Common reactions include redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site. Using the correct injection technique can help reduce these issues.

Avoid Pegasys Syringe Kit (Peginterferon Alfa-2a) If

• Do not use Pegasys if you are allergic to peginterferon alfa-2a or any of the ingredients in the formulation.
• Pegasys can exacerbate autoimmune diseases such as autoimmune hepatitis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis. It should be avoided in patients with these conditions.
• Patients with cirrhosis or severe liver damage should not use Pegasys, as it may worsen liver function.
• Pegasys should be avoided in patients with a history of severe depression, suicidal ideation, or other psychiatric conditions due to the potential for worsening mood symptoms.
• Pegasys is a Category C drug in pregnancy (meaning risk cannot be ruled out), and its use during pregnancy should be avoided unless the benefits outweigh the risks. It is also not recommended during breastfeeding, as it is unknown whether it passes into breast milk.
• Pegasys should not be used in patients with severe cardiovascular conditions, such as congestive heart failure or arrhythmias, due to the potential for heart-related side effects.
• Avoid Pegasys in patients with active, uncontrolled infections, including tuberculosis and fungal infections, as it may impair the immune system’s ability to fight off infections.

This product requires special packaging to maintain its integrity during the shipping process. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICATION if the attached temperature indicator shows that the medication was exposed to temperatures below 2 degrees or above 8 degrees Celsius, and contact the pharmacy immediately.