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Pegihep 100mcg Injection
Last updated on 31 Mar 2026 | 09:29 AM (IST)
₹6023
MRP: ₹7084.59
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Pegihep 100mcg Injection
Salt Composition
PEGYLATED INTERFERON ALPHA-2BMarketer
ZYDUS CADILA
Prepaid Only. Non-Returnable.
15% OFF
₹6023
MRP: ₹7,084.59
Inclusive of all taxes
15% Off
Salt Composition
PEGYLATED INTERFERON ALPHA-2BMarketer
ZYDUS CADILA
Prepaid Only. Non-Returnable.
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Introduction to Pegihep 100mcg Injection
Pegihep 100mcg Injection is an antineoplastic drug that belongs to the category of medicines known as interferons, containing the active ingredient Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2B. It is used to treat chronic hepatitis C infection in patients above 18 years of age with compensated liver disease. Hepatitis C infection is a viral infection that affects the liver. This infection can spread through contact with infected blood, by sharing needles or other drug injection equipment, or less commonly, through sexual contact, sharing personal hygiene items, or from mother to baby during childbirth.
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with creatinine clearance below 50 mL/min, as this indicates moderate to severe impairment of renal function. This can lead to slower clearance of the medication, which may increase the risk of toxicity and adverse effects.
The dosage of this drug should be reduced in these patients, and they should be closely monitored for signs of toxicity, such as fatigue, depression, or decreased white blood cell count. Therefore, the dose should be adjusted accordingly in patients with renal impairment. Tell your healthcare provider before beginning this treatment if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby.
As this drug may cause harm to an unborn baby, it is advised for both men and women to follow proper contraceptive methods during and one week after the last dose of Pegihep 100mcg Injection. Avoid breastfeeding your baby while you are on the treatment, as this drug can impact the growth and development of the baby by passing into the breast milk.
It is not recommended to take this injection if you are allergic to the drug or any of its ingredients. If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face or throat, report to your doctor immediately. This drug is contraindicated in patients with decompensated liver disease. It is a serious condition where the liver is severely damaged and is no longer able to function properly, so it is highly advised to avoid taking this medicine.
Uses of Pegihep 100mcg Injection
The Pegihep 100mcg Injection is used in the treatment of the following:
- Chronic Hepatitis C (CHC)
- Adjuvant therapy to surgery for malignant melanoma
Therapeutic Effects of Pegihep 100mcg Injection
Pegihep 100mcg Injection works by stimulating the body's immune system to fight off viral infections and cancer cells. Specifically, it activates certain immune cells, such as natural killer cells and T-cells, to attack and eliminate the infected virus or cancerous cells.
Interaction of Pegihep 100mcg Injection with other drugs
Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications like ribavirin, didanosine, theophylline, and warfarin may interact with Pegihep 100mcg Injection and reduce effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.
More Information about Pegihep 100mcg Injection
- Store Pegihep 100mcg Injection at controlled room temperature at (25°C).
- Do not freeze.
- Keep it out of reach from children.
How to consume Pegihep 100mcg Injection
Pegihep 100mcg Injection is administered as a subcutaneous injection (under your skin). If this drug is recommended for you, it will be given by a doctor. Do not self-administer. The recommended dose is 1.5 micrograms/kg/week. Your doctor will choose the dosage and administration frequency based on the condition because it differs from person to person.
Safety Advice for Pegihep 100mcg Injection
Breast Feeding
It is unsafe to breastfeed during treatment with Pegihep 100mcg Injection because it may cause harm to the baby. Please consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Alcohol
Consuming alcohol may affect the effectiveness of the Pegihep 100mcg Injection. Stop consuming alcohol if you are taking this medicine.
Liver
Inform your doctor if you have any liver problems before taking Pegihep 100mcg Injection. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is recommended.
Lungs
It is not known whether Pegihep 100mcg Injection can be administered to patients with lung problems. Consult your doctor if you have any lung diseases before starting the treatment.
Driving
It is unsafe to drive vehicles or operate heavy machinery after taking Pegihep 100mcg Injection, it may cause dizziness and impair your concentration.
Pregnancy
Pegihep 100mcg Injection is not recommended for pregnant women as it may cause fetal harm. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy during the treatment.
Side Effects of Pegihep 100mcg Injection
Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them.
Serious side effects of Pegihep 100mcg Injection are:
- Low or high BP
- Increased heart rate
- Depression
Common side effects of Pegihep 100mcg Injection are:
- Tiredness
- Flu-like symptoms
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Hair loss
- Muscle pain
- Anxiety
- Anaemia
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Fainting
- Eye irritation and disturbance
- Injection site reactions
- Weight loss
Word of Advice
Pegihep 100mcg Injection can make you feel dizzy and weak. Avoid driving or operating heavy machines if you experience dizziness, confusion, or tiredness while on treatment with this drug. This drug may affect liver function and blood cell counts, and regular monitoring is necessary to ensure that the medication is not causing any harm. This medicine can reduce the body's immune response, which may increase the risk of infection. Therefore, it is important to avoid contact with people who are sick and it is advised to practice good hand hygiene. It is advised to keep the injection out of reach of children and pets. If medication is no longer needed or has expired, it should be disposed of properly and not kept in the household trash.
FAQs about Pegihep 100mcg Injection
Q1.
Why is PEG added to interferon?
By adding PEG, interferon alpha-2b has a longer half-life, meaning that it remains in the body for a longer period of time before being cleared. Also, it can reduce the immune response to the drug, by decreasing the likelihood of adverse reactions.
Q2.
Does Pegihep 100mcg Injection weaken the immune system?
No, Pegihep 100mcg Injection does not weaken the immune system, but rather helps it to work more efficiently against the virus.
Q3.
Which condition is treated by Pegihep 100mcg Injection?
Pegihep 100mcg Injection is often used in combination with other antiviral medications to treat chronic hepatitis B and C infections.
Q4.
What are the contraindications to Pegihep 100mcg Injection?
The Pegihep 100mcg Injection is contraindicated in patients with decompensated liver disease. It is a serious condition where the liver is severely damaged and is no longer able to function properly, so it is highly advised to avoid taking this medicine.
Q5.
Does Pegihep 100mcg Injection cause hair loss?
Thinning or loss of your hair will usually start within two to four weeks of your first dose of Pegihep 100mcg Injection. You may also have thinning or loss of eyelashes, eyebrows, and other body hair. Consult your doctor if you have excessive hair loss.
Q6.
Can Pegihep 100mcg Injection be used in combination with other drugs?
Yes, it is used in combination with the antiviral drug ribavirin. This combination therapy has been shown to be more effective in achieving sustained virologic response (SVR) than using Pegihep 100mcg Injection alone.
Fact Box of Pegihep 100mcg Injection
| Molecule name: Pegylated Inteferon Alpha - 2B | Therapeutic class: Antineoplastics |
| Pharmacological class: Interferons | Indications: Chronic Hepatitis C (CHC) |
References
- Biocon, [Revised on Aug 2015] [Accessed on 26th Jul 2021], https://www.biocon.com/docs/prescribing_information/virology/CimiPeg_PI_v1.pdf
- Schering Corporation, US Food & Drug Administration, [Revised on 26th Sep 2003] [Accessed on 26th Jul 2021], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2001/pegsche080701lb.htm
- Q.M. Anstee, D.E.J. Jones, Liver and biliary tract disease, Davidson's Principles and Practice of Medicine, 22nd Edition, 2014, 921-988.
- KD Tripathi, Antiviral Drugs (Anti-retrovirus), Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th Edition, 2019, 860-872.
Disclaimer
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Author Details
Written By
Dr. Vijayalakshmi N.
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Tejashwin Adiga
MBBS
Last updated : 31 Mar 2026 | 09:29 AM (IST)
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