Peginterferon Alfa-2b and Ribavirin Combination Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis C

Abstract

Pegylated interferon and ribavirin have been the standard treatment for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) since 2001. In the USA, hepatitis C is the most common blood-borne infection and the leading cause of cirrhosis requiring liver transplantation. Due to heightened awareness, more patients are being screened and diagnosed with CHC. Interferon-based therapy will continue to be a mainstay of treatment for years to come. A familiarity with the drugs used for the treatment of CHC is beneficial for most healthcare providers. This article will discuss the use of peginterferon alfa-2b and ribavirin, including dosing, length of treatment, mechanism of action, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, side effects, monitoring and contraindications, and will provide a future perspective on the treatment of CHC.

Keywords: :

• chronic hepatitis C treatment
• peginterferon
• pegylated interferon
• ribavirin

Financial disclosures

Dr Gordon has a research grant, honoraria and a consulting agreement with Schering-Plough Corp.

The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Notes

ANC: Absolute neutrophil count; WBC: White blood cell.

Data adapted from [17].

Data adapted from [17,27–31].

Additional information

Funding

Dr Gordon has a research grant, honoraria and a consulting agreement with Schering-Plough Corp.