Pegasys Proclick (Subcutaneous)

Generic name: peginterferon alfa-2a (subcutaneous route) [ peg-in-ter-FEER-on-AL-fa-2a ]
Drug class:Antiviral interferons

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Pegasys
• Pegasys Proclick

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Antineoplastic Agent

Pharmacologic Class: Interferon, Alfa (class)

Uses for Pegasys Proclick

Peginterferon alfa-2a injection is used alone or together with other medicines (eg, ribavirin [Copegus®, Rebetol®], boceprevir [Victrelis®], and telaprevir [Incivek®]) to treat chronic hepatitis C infection. It is also used to treat chronic hepatitis B infection. Peginterferon alfa-2a is a synthetic (man-made) version of a substance that is normally produced in the body. It helps your immune system fight hepatitis infections.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using Pegasys Proclick

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of peginterferon alfa-2a injection in children younger than 5 years of age to treat chronic hepatitis C infection or in children younger than 3 years of age to treat chronic hepatitis B infection. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of peginterferon alfa-2a injection in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have unwanted effects (eg, heart and blood vessel problems, flu-like symptoms) or age-related kidney problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving peginterferon alfa-2a.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are t..