Pegintron

Pegintron is an antiviral immunomodulatory drug. Its active element is extracted from an analogue of Escherichia coli containing a plasmid hybrid, obtained using genetic engineering. This hybrid deals with the coding of human leukocyte α-2β-interferon. Cellular reactions of such interferons develop during synthesis with specific endings of the walls on cell surfaces. At the same time, tests with the study of other interferons revealed their species specificity.

The drug shows immunomodulatory and immunostimulating activity.

[1],

Indications Pegintron

It is used for the treatment of hepatitis C, which has a chronic nature.

[2], [3]

Release form

The release of the therapeutic component is in the form of a lyophilisate for intravenous injectable fluid, and in addition, inside the syringe pen.

[4]

Pharmacodynamics

The interferon element is synthesized with the cell wall, activating individual intracellular reactions, including the induction of certain enzymes. As a result, blocking of viral replication occurs in the area of affected cells and an increase in the phagocytic effect of macrophages with lymphocytes on target cells. In addition, cell proliferation is suppressed.

Pharmacokinetics

When s / c use of the drug substance reaches Cmax after 15-44 hours. This indicator is maintained within 2-3 days. There is also a direct dependence of the values of Cmax and AUC on the portion size. When reused, there is an accumulation of immunoreactive interferons, although their bioactivity increases only slightly.

The term plasma half-life of a drug is approximately 30 hours.

After 1 single dose of the drug in a dose of 1 µg / kg, in patients with renal disorders an increase in the level of AUC and Cmax is observed, and in addition, the extension of the term half-life is in accordance with the intensity of the renal impairment. If renal function is impaired very much (the level of CC is less than 50 ml per minute), the values of Pegintron's clearance decrease.

Dosing and administration

The drug is injected through injections - s / c method. Often, the serving size is 0.5-1 μg / kg. It is necessary to perform injection procedures 1-fold per week within a 6-month period.

In addition, the introduction of a portion of 1.5 µg / kg is allowed - with combined use with rebetol. A medical specialist should select the appropriate dosage, taking into account the probable therapeutic efficacy of Pegintron and its side effects. If after 0.5 year the viral RNA is still excreted from the serum, the treatment is continued for another 6 months.

The size of the dosage portion of the drug can be reduced when it is needed in people with disorders of the kidney work.

In order to manufacture an injection substance, it is necessary to inject a 0.7 ml sterile injection liquid through a syringe into a bottle of medication. Next, you need to shake the vial to dissolve the lyophilisate. The required amount of drugs is drawn through a sterile syringe. When changing the color of the liquid it is forbidden to use. The remains of the medicine required to destroy.

The drug is allowed to be diluted only with the supplied solvent. It is forbidden to mix Pegintron with other therapeutic substances. It is recommended to administer the drug immediately after dissolving the powder.

[8], [9]

Use Pegintron during pregnancy

There is no adequate information regarding the use of α-2β-interferon during pregnancy. Because it is determined that this component has an abortive effect in primates, there is reason to assume that Pegintron is able to exert a similar effect. For a person, the potential risk is not determined. Use of medication during pregnancy is allowed only in situations where the likelihood of benefits is higher than the risk of complications in the fetus.

There is no evidence of whether the drug is excreted in breast milk. Because of the presence of the likelihood of negative symptoms in infants, it is necessary to stop breastfeeding before starting therapy.

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Contraindications

The main contraindications:

• use in case of severe intolerance associated with its components;
• severe stages of mental illness;
• disorders of the thyroid;
• epilepsy;
• severe degree of insufficiency of the liver or kidneys.

[6]

Side effects Pegintron

The following side effects may occur: anxiety that has a viral etiology of infection, epidermal itching or rash, and also dryness of the oral mucosa and pain in the area of the right hypochondrium. There may also be flatulence, dyspepsia, thyroid disorder, severe arousal, paresthesia, and an increase in blood pressure values. In addition, erythema, nasal congestion, visual disturbance, apathy, epidermal dryness, unstable stool and menstrual disorders are noted. At the same time, vomiting, hyperhidrosis, dyspnea, emotional instability, neutropenia, sternum pain, drowsiness, coughing, constipation, flushing, confusion and hallucinations are possible. In addition, there is sinusitis, hypesthesia, weakening of libido, menorrhagia, pain in the eye area and conjunctivitis.

Occasionally, platelet or granulocytopenia, retinal changes, arrhythmias, diabetes mellitus, suicidal tendencies, hearing impairment or hepatopathy can be recorded.

During clinical tests, negative signs often had moderate or light intensity. It was not necessary to stop treatment.

With the development of negative manifestations, you need to reduce the dose of drugs by half. If this measure does not bring any effect, the therapy should be stopped.

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Interactions with other drugs

Interferon-α subtypes cause a decrease in the level of clearance of approximately 50%, as well as a twofold increase in plasma indicators of theophylline. Theophylline is a substrate of the component CYP1A2. Therefore, although Pegintron, after a single injection, does not affect the hemoproteins CYP1A2 and CYP2D6 with CYP2C8 / C9, and in addition, the hepatic CYP3A4 together with the N-acetyltransferase, it is recommended to combine these drugs very carefully.

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Storage conditions

Pegintron is required to be stored in a dark and protected from moisture place, at temperature values in the range of 12-15 ° C. The prepared liquid can be stored for 24 hours at temperature marks of 2-8 ° C.

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Shelf life

Pegintron can be used for a 36-month period from the moment of sale of the drug.

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Application for children

In combination with ribavirin, Pegintron can be used in children over 3 years of age (at the chronic stage of previously untreated hepatitis type C, with the presence of RNA-HCV and the absence of hepatic decompensation). But, because the use of complex treatment inhibits the growth of a child, which does not always recover after the end of the course, it is necessary to decide on the use of drugs personally.

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Analogs

The analogue of the drug is a tool Pegaltevir.

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Reviews

Pegintron gets quite a variety of reviews, but usually patients talk about it as a good tool. People who used the drug recommend constantly changing the injection site to avoid irritation and pain in the injection area.

From the negative phenomena, the possibility of the development of adverse symptoms (for example, psychosis, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts and aggression) is distinguished.

[22],