Brand name: Pegasys TM
Active ingredients: peginterferon alfa-2a
What it is used for
Chronic Hepatitis C (CHC): The combination of PEGASYS and COPEGUS is indicated for the treatment of chronic heptitis C in patients who have received no prior interferon therapy (treatment naive patients) and patients who have failed previous treatment with interferon alfa (pegylated or non-pegylated) alone or in combination therapy with ribavirin. The combination of PEGASYS and COPEGUS is also indicated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in patients with clinically stable human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection who have previously not received interferon therapy. PEGASYS monotherapy is indicated for the for the treatment of chronic heptitis C in treatment naive patients (see Dosage and Administration; Chronic Hepatitis C: Treatment naive patients). Patients must be 18 years of age or older and have compensated liver disease. Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB): PEGASYS is indicated for the treatment of chronic heptitis B in adult patients with evidence of viral replication and liver inflammation and compensated liver disease.
How to take it
The way to take this medicine is: Subcutaneous. This medicine is injected, usually with a short needle or pen-like device, into the fat just beneath the skin.
- Store at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius
- Protect from Light
- Do not Shake
- Shelf lifetime is 4 Years.
You should seek medical advice in relation to medicines and use only as directed by a healthcare professional.
Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.
Visual appearance
Clear, colourless to light yellow solution, practically free from particles.
Do I need a prescription?
This medicine is available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is
Is this medicine subsidised?
This medicine was verified as being available on the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) on June, 1 2024. To learn more about this subsidy, visit the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) website.
Pregnant or planning a pregnancy?
For the active ingredient peginterferon alfa-2a
You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist about taking this medicine. They can help you balance the risks and the benefits of this medicine during pregnancy.
Download leaflet
For side effects, taking other medicines and more
Download consumer medicine information leaflet (pdf) from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website
Reporting side effects
You can help ensure medicines are safe by reporting the side effects you experience.
You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems