|
To speak with a PharmaCare pharmacist or representative, Call
800-238-1548
 |
|
From Your Specialized Pharmacy Team
  
PEG-IntronTM is now available at all PharmaCare locations*
-PEG-Intron is a new treatment option for hepatitis C patients not previously treated with alpha interferon therapy. It received FDA approval on January 22nd , 2001.
FDA approval of PEG-Intron (Peginterferon alfa-2b, Schering-Plough Corporation) on January 22nd, offers a new treatment option for hepatitis C patients not previously treated with alpha interferon therapy. PEG-Intron Powder for Injection is the first and only peginterferon currently approved for use in the United States. Its primary indication is to be used as monotherapy for the treatment of hepatitis C infection in patients with compensated liver condition. In adult patients 18 years of age and older, PEG-Intron is to be self-administered subcutaneously, once weekly for a treatment duration of one year.
On August 8, 2001, The FDA approved the use of PEG-Intron- in combination with ribavirin (Rebetol®) in patients with chronic hepatits C infection. The details regarding dose and package sizes of PEG-Intron are not yet available (September - 2001).
PharmaCare, a specialty pharmacy with reimbursement and pharmacy care expertise in injectable therapies, is one of the first pharmacies to have PEG-Intron available.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: PEG-Intron is administered subcutaneously, once weekly for one year. The dose of PEG-Intron is determined based on the patient's weight and the recommended doses are as follow:
Weight
(kg) |
Dose*
(mcg) |
Vial Size
(mcg/mL) |
Volume of PEG-Intron to Administer
after reconstitution (mL) |
| 37-45 |
40 |
100 |
0.4 |
| 46-56 |
50 |
100 |
0.5 |
| 57-72 |
64 |
160 |
0.4 |
| 73-88 |
80 |
160 |
0.5 |
| 89-106 |
96 |
240 |
0.4 |
| 107-136 |
120 |
240 |
0.5 |
| 137-160 |
150 |
300 |
0.5 |
Reference: PEG-Intron Product Information, Schering-Plough Corporation, January 2001.
*Doses are based on the approved dosing of PEG-Intron at 1mcg/kg
A dosage reduction or therapy discontinuation of PEG-Intron therapy may be required in patients experiencing a serious adverse reaction during the course of treatment (example: neutropenia or thrombocytopenia). For more details on the dosage modification, please refer to complete PEG-Intron product information for health care providers.
The most common adverse events associated with PEG-Intron were "flu-like" symptoms (~ 50%), which may decrease in severity as treatment continues. The other side effects include injection site related reactions (47%) and psychiatric adverse events (57%), of which 29% of the patients reported depression.
AVAILABILITY: PEG-Intron is supplied as a Powder for Injection in 2-mL vials. The vials are available in the individual vial sizes of 100, 160, 240 and 300 mcg/mL; each packaged with one 5mL vial of Diluent (Sterile Water for injection, USP), 2 B-D Safety LokTM syringes with a safety sleeve and 2 alcohol swabs. Each vial of PEG-Intron is to be reconstituted with 0.7mL of the supplied Diluent.
For more information or to obtain PEG-Intron through PharmaCare call 1-800-238-7828, or visit the PharmaCare location nearest you.
*Detailed product information is made available by Schering-Plough Corporation and is available at www.pegintron.com/product_info.html
Information in this Web site is intended to supplement, not replace, the medical advice you receive from your healthcare providers. If you have a question regarding any information contained in this Web site and how it pertains to your personal condition, please consult your physician.
 Back To HIV Wellness Center
|
