Medicine Details
Brand name: Pegihep
Generic name: PegInterferon Alfa 2B
Manufacturer: Zydus Cadila
Strength: 80mcg
Dosage: Injection
Indication: Hepatitis C virus
Storage: Store in a refrigerator
Overview
Pegihep injection is a prescription drug. It is used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. DCGI has also proved this medicine for use in COVID patients. The initial Phase-III clinical trials of Pegylated Interferon Alpha 2b, PegiHep have shown promising results in the treatment of patients suffering from novel coronavirus. The results also indicated that when administered to the patients at an early stage, this medicine can help the patients in recovering faster, hindering the complications.
Pharmacodynamics
Peginterferon alfa-2b tends to inhibit viral replication in infected cells. It also suppresses cell proliferation and induces apoptosis. This compound works by exerting an anti-angiogenic effect. Pegihep injection also exerts immunomodulatory effects including:-
- enhances phagocytic activity of macrophages
- activates NK cells
- stimulates cytotoxic T-lymphocytes
- upregulates of the Th1 T-helper cell subset
- raises body temperature
- decreases in leukocyte and platelet counts
Usage
Pegihep comprises PegInterferon Alfa 2B and is available in the form of an injection. It is administered by a qualified health professional. This medicine works by modulating the immune system of the body. It is advisable to not self-administer Pegihep injection. The duration of treatment with Pegihep is decided by the health professional as per the severity of the condition.
Interactions
Pegihep (PegInterferon Alfa 2B) injection may interact with the following medications and diseases severely. Make sure to consult a health professional regarding the same.
Medicine Interactions
- Bupropion
- Tizanidine
- Clozapine
- Tramadol
- Leflunomide
Disease Interactions
- Lung disease
- Eye disorder
- Kidney disease
- Bone marrow suppression
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Colitis
- Thyroid disorders
- CNS disorders
- Cardiovascular disease
- Autoimmune disorders
Alcohol Interaction
- It is not known whether alcohol interacts with Pegihep (PegInterferon Alfa 2B) injection or not. Consult a physician.
Contraindications
Do not administer Pegihep (PegInterferon Alfa 2B) injection in the following circumstances:
- Hypersensitivity
- Allergy to PegInterferon Alfa 2B
- Allergy to any inactive ingredient of Pegihep
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Liver cirrhosis
Side Effects
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Viral infection
- Inflammation of the mouth
- Nervousness
- Sore throat
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Indigestion
- Lack of concentration
- Dryness in mouth
- Dizziness
- Cough
- Blurred vision
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Loss of appetite
- Chills
- Fever
- Hoarseness
- Tiredness
- Dark-colored stools
- Weakness
- Depression
- Dry skin
- Muscle ache
Note:- Contact a health professional if side effects occur and worsen your health condition.
Normal Dose
Pegihep (PegInterferon Alfa 2B) injection is administered by a qualified health professional under the supervision of a medical professional in a clinical setup. It is advisable to not self-administer Pegihep injection.
Missed Dose
In case you miss a dose of Pegihep (PegInterferon Alfa 2B) injection, consult a health professional right away. It is advisable to not change the dose strength to cope with the missed dose.
Overdose
In case of an overdose, call an emergency medical helpline right away. Do not delay or ignore. Overdose can worsen your medical condition and lead to adverse events. Get supportive care from your nearest healthcare provider.
Warnings For Females
- Pregnancy: Use of Pegihep (PegInterferon Alfa 2B) injection is not primarily recommended in pregnant women. It is advisable to be aware of the risks and benefits before administering.
- Breastfeeding: Use of Pegihep (PegInterferon Alfa 2B) injection is not primarily recommended in lactating women. It is advisable to be aware of the risks and benefits before administering.
Precautions
- Contraception: The use of effective contraception is advised during Pegihep therapy to hinder unwanted pregnancy.
- Heart patients: Use of Pegihep injection in heart patients may not be safe. It is advised to administer with utmost caution.
- Operating heavy machines: After administering Pegihep (PegInterferon Alfa 2B) injection, it is advisable to not undertake any activity that requires concentration like operating heavy machinery.
Cautions
- Do not self-administer Pegihep (PegInterferon Alfa 2B) injection.
- Do not miss a dose or overdose.
- Do not consume alcohol during Pegihep therapy because the interaction of alcohol with this injection is unknown.
- Do not drive after taking Pegihep (PegInterferon Alfa 2B).