Download Pegylated Interferon with Ribavirin (Pegasys RBV)

Pegylated Interferon with Ribavirin (Pegasys RBV)
BC’s PharmaCare Eligibility for Pegylated
Interferon with Ribavirin (Pegasys RBV)
Pegylated Interferon with Ribavirin (Pegasys
RBV) – General Information
Commonly Abbreviations: PR, PegIFN/RBV
Approvals:
Federal/Canada: Yes PharmaCare: Yes
Targeted Genotype: 2 – 6, also prescribed for 1
when used with DAA combinations
How They Works: Interferons are proteins
produced by the body in response to a viral
infection. The interferons used in hep C
treatments are manufactured by pharmaceutical
companies. They are taken in higher doses than
those which occur naturally. They can boost a
person’s immune response and stop viruses.
‘Pegylated’ interferon extends the duration of the
treatment’s effect. Ribavirin (RBV) is a drug that
alters the body’s immune response towards
viruses. It helps treatments cure.
Dose: Once weekly pegylated
injection and twice daily ribavirin pill
interferon
Length of Treatment: 12 - 44 weeks
Common Side Effects: Diarrhea, flulike
symptoms, nausea, tiredness, mild anxiety,
depression, skin rash, anemia
Direct-Acting Antivirals that may be
Prescribed with PR in BC:
•
•
•
•
Victrelis (boceprevir)
Galexos (simeprevir)
Sovaldi (sofosbuvir)
Harvoni (ledipasvir and sofosbuvir)
PharmaCare coverage of PR is received through
a Special Authority request, a request submitted
by a specialist. Ask your doctor for more
information.
It is for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C
genotype 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 in:
•
•
Patients who haven’t tried hep C treatment
Patients with or without cirrhosis
AND who have ALL of the following:
•
•
•
•
•
Lab-confirmed hepatitis C genotype 2 - 6
A prescription for the treatment from a
qualified healthcare provider
Detectable levels of hep C in the last 6
months
A liver fibrosis stage F2 or greater
Special Authority request completed by a
specialist or experienced physician
Re-treatment requests are NOT considered.
PEGAssist Patient Support Program
Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. offers this patient
assistance program for people who have been
prescribed peginterferon (Pegasys) as part of
hep C treatment. http://www.pegasys.com/hcp/
patient-support/pegassist. For more information,
contact your doctor, nurse, or call the program
at: 1-877-734-2797.
This information is meant as a resource only and
is not intended to replace qualified medical
attention
© PHCN’s Hepatatis C Treatment Information Project (www.pacifichepc.org/hepctip), May 2015