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Peg-interferon and ribavirin
The current standard of care is a combination of two medicines: peg-interferon and ribavirin.
About peg-interferon and ribavirin
Interferon is a naturally occurring chemical in the body that helps fight Hep C infection and protects cells from the Hep C virus. Peg-interferon is an engineered form of basic interferon with a polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecule attached to it to keep the blood levels of the drug higher for longer periods of time. This increases its presence and activity in the body. It is injected under the skin once a week.
There are two forms of this drug. Peg-interferon alpha-2b is known as Pegetron (when sold in combination with ribavirin) or Unitron Peg (when sold on its own) and is made by Merck. Peg-interferon alpha-2a is called Pegasys and is made by Hoffman-La Roche. Both types of peg-interferon have been shown to effectively treat Hep C in people.
Ribavirin is an antiviral medication that is a weak HCV fighter on its own but when combined with peg-interferon it is quite effective at helping reduce or eliminate HCV from the body. It is taken orally twice a day in a pill form and the dose used depends on the patient's weight (usually between 800–1,200 mg/day).
Merck makes ribavirin in pill form, which it markets together with peg-interferon in a combination called Pegetron. Hoffman-La Roche makes ribavirin in pill form called Copegus, which is sold with Pegasys. Both versions are the same drug and are effective at treating Hep C when combined with peg-interferon.
Length of Treatment
With peg-interferon and ribavirin, treatment duration is determined by the hepatitis C virus genotype. Treatment for genotype 1 generally lasts 48 weeks (one year). Currently, genotypes 4, 5 and 6 are treated the same way as genotype 1. About 45% of people with genotype 1 will clear the virus. People with genotypes 2 and 3 respond better to the medications and are generally treated for 24 weeks (six months). About 80% of people with genotype 2 or 3 will clear the virus.
Revised 2011.
