CLINICAL USE
Treatment of chronic hepatitis B and C infection with or without ribavirin
DOSE IN NORMAL RENAL FUNCTION
ViraferonPeg: 1.5 mcg/kg once weekly in combination with ribavirin
Monotherapy: 0.5–1 mcg/kg once weekly Pegasys: 180 mcg weekly
PHARMACOKINETICS
DOSE IN RENAL IMPAIRMENT
GFR (mL/MIN)
DOSE IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPIES
IMPORTANT DRUG INTERACTIONS
Potentially hazardous interactions with other drugsImmunosuppressants: (e.g. ciclosporin, tacrolimus, sirolimus) may have an antagonistic effectTheophylline: inhibits metabolism of theophylline (enhanced effect)
ADMINISTRATION
Reconstition
0.7 mL water for injection or pre-filled syringes
Route
SC
Rate of Administration
–
Comments
Stable for 24 hours at 2–8°C after reconstitution
OTHER INFORMATION
Administer 12 hours after haemodialysis ViraferonPeg is contraindicated once GFR<50 mL/min – monitor closely and reduce dose if requiredIn haemodialysis patients, 135 mcg Pegasys is equivalent to a 180 mcg dose in the general populationIn patients with CKD 5 undergoing haemodialysis there is a 25–45% reduction in clearance compared with patients with normal renal function