Lamivudine increased rates of ALT normalization versus placebo at 24 weeks off treatment in HBeAg-negative patients. Interferon Alfa-2b at doses 35 million units (MU)/week compared to no antiviral treatment increased rates of ALT normalization at 8-24 weeks of followup. Sustained ALT 6 normalization at 24 weeks off treatment was greater after peginterferon alfa-2a compared to lamivudine and after combined therapy of peginterferon alfa-2a with lamivudine compared to lamivudine alone.
http://www.nature.com/eye/journal/v17/n4/full/6700391a.html
"INF-alpha therapy has been known to cause a variety of ocular lesions.1,2 Typical lesions include cottonwool spots and retinal haemorrhages at the posterior fundus, particularly around the optic disc, secondary to retinal ischaemia, which usually appear within 3 months of the onset of therapy.
-- 24 out of 24 subjects with HCV genotype 2 or 3 achieved an SVR after 12 weeks of treatment with PSI-7977 400mg QD and pegylated interferon and ribavirin"
"Pharmasset, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRUS) announced today the final sustained virologic response (SVR) results from its phase 2b PROTON study with PSI-7977 dosed once daily in combination with peginterferon alfa 2a and ribavirin (Peg-IFN/RBV) in subjects with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 2 or 3 who have not been treated previously.
Overall, 49% of patients discontinued their medication before the end of the four-year study, with 36% due to failure to comply and 13% due to side effects. Peginterferon alfa-2b was generally well tolerated. Among patients who discontinued due to interferon side effects (17.1%, 49/286), the most common reason (45%, 22/49 patients) was general intolerance to interferon (e.g., due to flu-like symptoms, malaise, and other common interferon side effects).
15 mg/kg/day PO or 1000 mg/day PO given in 2 divided doses (in the morning and evening) every day plus interferon alfa-2b 3 million international units/m2 SC 3 times per week. The duration of treatment for genotype 1 is 48 weeks; consider treatment discontinuation if an HCV-RNA value below the level of detection has not been achieved at 24 weeks. The duration of treatment for genotype 2 or 3 is 24 weeks.
Ribavirin dosage normally is weight based, with a normal maximum of 12,000 (6 pills) a day. I weigh 144 lbs, so I started out at 1,000 mg a day, 3 in the morning and 2 at night. The doctor may do a lot of adjustments during the treatment also.
Here is some info:
http://www.drugs.com/dosage/ribavirin.
VRUS) announced today the final sustained virologic response (SVR) results from its phase 2b PROTON study with PSI-7977 dosed once daily in combination with peginterferon alfa 2a and ribavirin (Peg-IFN/RBV) in subjects with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 2 or 3 who have not been treated previously. Twenty four out of twenty four subjects (100%) who completed treatment achieved an SVR, defined as HCV RNA below the limit of detection (<15 IU/ml) 24 weeks after the completion of treatment.
Pegylation of interferon alfa-2b produces a product (PegIntron) whose clearance is lower than that of nonpegylated interferon alfa-2b. When compared to INTRON A, PegIntron (1 mcg/kg) has approximately a 7-fold lower mean apparent clearance and a 5-fold greater mean half-life, permitting a reduced dosing frequency. At effective therapeutic doses, PegIntron has approximately 10-fold greater Cmax and 50-fold greater AUC than interferon alfa-2b.
This shows the dosing information for neupogen while on hcv tx. According to this information the neupogen should be stopped or taken less often if the anc is over 1000. Mine was at 6500 after five injections, and my doc tells me to keep taking the neupogen.
Granulocyte Stimulating Colony Factor Criteria for Use
for Hepatitis C Treatment-Related Neutropenia
VHA Pharmacy Benefits Management Strategic Healthcare Group and Medical Advisory Panel
Prepared by: K. Tortorice, PharmD BCPS , H.
Pegasys is a brand name for Peginterferon alfa-2a or Pegylated interferon alfa-2a which is an antiviral drug made by La Roche. It is given by injection. It is used in combination with another medication called Ribavirin (a pill), and a third medication, either Victrellis or Incivek, which are both pills, to treat Hepatitis C.
Let us know if you have further questions.
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