Under no circumstances should ribavirin capsules be opened, crushed, or broken. Ribavirin capsules should be taken with food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Ribavirin capsules should not be used in patients with creatinine clearance < 50 mL/min.
2.1 Ribavirin/Peginterferon alfa-2b Combination Therapy
Adult Patients
The recommended dose of peginterferon alfa-2b is 1.5 mcg/kg/week subcutaneously in combination with 800 to 1400 mg ribavirin capsules orally based on patient body weight (see Table 1). The volume of peginterferon alfa-2b to be injected depends on the strength of peginterferon alfa-2b and patient’s body weight (see Table 1).
Duration of Treatment – Interferon Alpha-naïve Patients
The treatment duration for patients with genotype 1 is 48 weeks. Discontinuation of therapy should be considered in patients who do not achieve at least a 2 log10 drop or loss of HCV-RNA at 12 weeks, or if HCV-RNA remains detectable after 24 weeks of therapy. Patients with genotype 2 and 3 should be treated for 24 weeks.
Duration of Treatment – Retreatment with Peginterferon alfa-2b/Ribavirin of Prior Treatment Failures
The treatment duration for patients who previously failed therapy is 48 weeks, regardless of HCV genotype. Re-treated patients who fail to achieve undetectable HCV-RNA at week 12 of therapy, or whose HCV-RNA remains detectable after 24 weeks of therapy, are highly unlikely to achieve SVR and discontinuation of therapy should be considered [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].
Table 1: Recommended Ribavirin/Peginterferon alfa-2b Combination Therapy Dosing (Adults)
*
When reconstituted as directed.
†
For patients weighing >105 kg (>231 pounds), the peginterferon alfa-2b dose of 1.5 mcg/kg/week should be calculated based on an individual patient weight. Two vials of peginterferon alfa-2b may be necessary to provide the dose.
Body weight kg (lbs)
Peginterferon alfa-2b Vial Strength to Use
Amount of Peginterferon alfa-2b (mcg) to Administer
Volume (mL)* of Peginterferon alfa-2b to Administer
Ribavirin Capsules Daily Dose
Ribavirin Number of Capsules
<40
(<87)
50 mcg per
0.5 mL
50
0.5
800 mg/day
2 x 200 mg capsules A.M.
2 x 200 mg capsules P.M.
40-50
(87-111)
80 mcg per
0.5 mL
64
0.4
800 mg/day
2 x 200 mg capsules A.M.
2 x 200 mg capsules P.M.
51-60
(112-133)
80 mcg per
0.5 mL
80
0.5
800 mg/day
2 x 200 mg capsules A.M.
2 x 200 mg capsules P.M.
61-65
(134-144)
120 mcg per
0.5 mL
96
0.4
800 mg/day
2 x 200 mg capsules A.M.
2 x 200 mg capsules P.M.
66-75
(145-166)
120 mcg per
0.5 mL
96
0.4
1000 mg/day
2 x 200 mg capsules A.M.
3 x 200 mg capsules P.M.
76-80
(167-177)
120 mcg per
0.5 mL
120
0.5
1000 mg/day
2 x 200 mg capsules A.M.
3 x 200 mg capsules P.M.
81-85
(178-187)
120 mcg per
0.5 mL
120
0.5
1200 mg/day
3 x 200 mg capsules A.M.
3 x 200 mg capsules P.M.
86-105
(188-231)
150 mcg per
0.5 mL
150
0.5
1200 mg/day
3 x 200 mg capsules A.M.
3 x 200 mg capsules P.M.
>105
(>231)
†
†
†
1400 mg/day
3 x 200 mg capsules A.M.
4 x 200 mg capsules P.M.
Pediatric Patients
Dosing for pediatric patients is determined by body surface area for peginterferon alfa-2b and by body weight for ribavirin capsules. The recommended dose of peginterferon alfa-2b is 60 mcg/m2/week subcutaneously in combination with 15 mg/kg/day of ribavirin orally in two divided doses (see Table 2) for pediatric patients ages 3-17 years. Patients who reach their 18th birthday while receiving peginterferon alfa-2b/ribavirin should remain on the pediatric dosing regimen. The treatment duration for patients with genotype 1 is 48 weeks. Patients with genotype 2 and 3 should be treated for 24 weeks.
Table 2: Recommended Ribavirin Capsules* Dosing in Combination Therapy (Pediatrics)
*
Ribavirin capsules to be used in combination with Peginterferon alfa-2b 60 mcg/m
2 weekly.
Body weight kg (lbs)
Ribavirin Capsules
Daily Dose
Ribavirin Number of Capsules
47–59
(103–131)
800
mg/day
2 x 200 mg capsules A.M.
2 x 200 mg capsules P.M.
60–73
(132–162)
1000 mg/day
2 x 200 mg capsules A.M.
3 x 200 mg capsules P.M.
>73
(>162)
1200 mg/day
3 x 200 mg capsules A.M.
3 x 200 mg capsules P.M.
2.2 Ribavirin/Interferon alfa-2b Combination Therapy
Adults
Duration of Treatment – Interferon Alpha-naïve Patients
The recommended dose of interferon alfa-2b is 3 million IU three times weekly subcutaneously. The recommended dose of ribavirin depends on the patient’s body weight (refer to Table 3). The recommended duration of treatment for patients previously untreated with interferon is 24 to 48 weeks. The duration of treatment should be individualized to the patient depending on baseline disease characteristics, response to therapy, and tolerability of the regimen [see Indications and Usage (1.1), Adverse Reactions (6.1), and Clinical Studies (14)]. After 24 weeks of treatment, virologic response should be assessed. Treatment discontinuation should be considered in any patient who has not achieved an HCV-RNA below the limit of detection of the assay by 24 weeks. There are no safety and efficacy data on treatment for longer than 48 weeks in the previously untreated patient population.
Duration of Treatment – Retreatment with Interferon alfa-2b/Ribavirin in Relapse Patients
In patients who relapse following nonpegylated interferon monotherapy, the recommended duration of treatment is 24 weeks.
Table 3. Recommended Dosing
Body weight
Ribavirin capsules
≤75 kg
2 times 200 mg capsules A.M.
3 times 200 mg capsules P.M.
daily orally
>75 kg
3 times 200 mg capsules A.M.
3 times 200 mg capsules P.M.
daily orally
Pediatrics
The recommended dose of ribavirin capsules is 15 mg/kg per day orally (divided dose A.M. and P.M.). Refer to Table 2 for Pediatric Dosing of ribavirin capsules in combination with interferon alfa-2b. Interferon alfa-2b for Injection by body weight of 25 kg to 61 kg is 3 million IU/m2 three times weekly subcutaneously. Refer to the adult dosing table for > 61 kg body weight.
The recommended duration of treatment is 48 weeks for pediatric patients with genotype 1. After 24 weeks of treatment, virologic response should be assessed. Treatment discontinuation should be considered in any patient who has not achieved an HCV-RNA below the limit of detection of the assay by this time. The recommended duration of treatment for pediatric patients with genotype 2/3 is 24 weeks.
2.3 Laboratory Tests
The following laboratory tests are recommended for all patients treated with ribavirin capsules, prior to beginning treatment and then periodically thereafter.
•
Standard hematologic tests - including hemoglobin (pretreatment, Week 2 and Week 4 of therapy, and as clinically appropriate [see
Warnings and Precautions (5.2, 5.7)], complete and differential white blood cell counts, and platelet count.
•
Blood chemistries - liver function tests and TSH.
•
Pregnancy - including monthly monitoring for women of childbearing potential.
•
ECG [see
Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
2.4 Dose Modifications
If severe adverse reactions or laboratory abnormalities develop during combination ribavirin/interferon alfa-2b therapy or ribavirin/peginterferon alfa-2b therapy, modified, or discontinue the dose until the adverse reaction abates or decreases in severity [see Warnings and Precautions (5)]. If intolerance persists after dose adjustment, combination therapy should be discontinued. Dose reduction of peginterferon alfa-2b in adult patients on ribavirin/peginterferon alfa-2b combination therapy is accomplished in a two-step process from the original starting dose of 1.5 mcg/kg/week, to 1 mcg/kg/week, then to 0.5 mcg/kg/week, if needed. Dose reduction of peginterferon alfa-2b in adults may be accomplished by utilizing a lower dose strength or administering a lesser volume as shown in Table 4.
In the adult combination therapy study 2 dose reductions occurred in 42% of subjects receiving peginterferon alfa-2b 1.5 mcg/kg plus ribavirin 800 mg daily including 57% of those subjects weighing 60 kg or less. In Study 4, 16% of subjects had a dose reduction of peginterferon alfa-2b to 1 mcg/kg in combination with ribavirin, with an additional 4% requiring the second dose reduction of peginterferon alfa-2b to 0.5 mcg/kg due to adverse events [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
Table 4: Two-Step Dose Reduction of Peginterferon alfa-2b in Combination Therapy in Adults
*
When reconstituted as directed
†
Must use vial. Minimum delivery for peginterferon alfa-2b 0.3 mL
First Dose Reduction to Peginterferon alfa-2b
1 mcg/kg
Second Dose Reduction to Peginterferon alfa-2b 0.5 mcg/kg
Body weight kg (lbs)
Peginterferon alfa-2b Vial Strength to Use
Amount of Peginterferon alfa-2b (mcg) to Administer
Volume (mL)* of Peginterferon alfa-2b to Administer
Body weight kg (lbs)
Peginterferon alfa-2b Vial Strength to Use
Amount of Peginterferon alfa-2b (mcg) to Administer
Volume (mL)* of Peginterferon alfa-2b to Administer
<40
(<88)
50 mcg per 0.5 mL
35
0.35
<40
(<88)
50 mcg per 0.5 mL†
20
0.2
40–50
(88–111)
45
0.45
40–50
(88–111)
25
0.25
51–60
(112–133)
50
0.5
51–60
(112–133)
50 mcg per 0.5 mL
30
0.3
61–75
(134–166)
80 mcg per 0.5 mL
64
0.4
61–75
(134–166)
35
0.35
76–85
(167–187)
80
0.5
76–85
(167–187)
45
0.45
86–104
(188–230)
120 mcg per 0.5 mL
96
0.4
86–104
(188–230)
50
0.5
105–125
(231–275)
108
0.45
105–125
(231–275)
80 mcg per 0.5 mL
64
0.4
>125
(>275)
150 mcg per 0.5 mL
135
0.45
>125
(>275)
72
0.45
Dose reduction in pediatric patients is accomplished by modifying the recommended peginterferon alfa-2b dose in a two-step process from the original starting dose of 60 mcg/m2/week, to 40 mcg/m2/week, then to 20 mcg/m2/week, if needed (see Table 5). In the pediatric combination therapy trial, dose reductions occurred in 25% of subjects receiving peginterferon alfa-2b 60 mcg/m2 weekly plus ribavirin 15 mg/kg daily. Dose reduction in pediatric patients is accomplished by modifying the recommended ribavirin dose from the original starting dose of 15 mg/kg daily in a two-step process to 12 mg/kg/day, then to 8 mg/kg/day, if needed (see Table 5).
Ribavirin capsules should not be used in patients with creatinine clearance < 50 mL/min. Subjects with impaired renal function and those over the age of 50 should be carefully monitored with respect to development of anemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2), Use in Specific Populations (8.5), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Ribavirin capsules should be administered with caution to patients with pre-existing cardiac disease. Patients should be assessed before commencement of therapy and should be appropriately monitored during therapy. If there is any deterioration of cardiovascular status, therapy should be stopped [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
For patients with a history of stable cardiovascular disease, a permanent dose reduction is required if the hemoglobin decreases by ≥ 2 g/dL during any 4-week period. In addition, for these cardiac history patients, if the hemoglobin remains < 12 g/dL after 4 weeks on a reduced dose, the patient should discontinue combination therapy.
It is recommended that a patient whose hemoglobin level falls below 10 g/dL have his/her ribavirin capsules dose modified or discontinued per Table 5[see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Table 5: Guidelines for Dose Modification and Discontinuation of Peginterferon alfa-2b, Interferon alfa-2b or Peginterferon alfa-2b/Ribavirin Capsules Based on Laboratory Parameters in Adults and Pediatrics
*
For adult patients with a history of stable cardiac disease receiving peginterferon alfa-2b or interferon alfa-2b in combination with ribavirin, the peginterferon alfa-2b or interferon alfa-2b dose should be reduced by half and the ribavirin dose by 200 mg/day if a > 2 g/dL decrease in hemoglobin is observed during any 4-week period. Both peginterferon alfa-2b and ribavirin capsules or interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin capsules should be permanently discontinued if patients have hemoglobin levels < 12 g/dL after this ribavirin dose reduction. Pediatric patients who have pre-existing cardiac conditions and experience a hemoglobin decrease ≥ 2 g/dL during any 4-week period during treatment should have weekly evaluations and hematology testing.
†
1
st dose reduction of ribavirin is by 200 mg/day, except in patients receiving the 1400 mg dose it is by 400 mg/day; 2
nd dose reduction of ribavirin (if needed) is by an additional 200 mg/day.
‡
For patients on ribavirin/peginterferon alfa-2b combination therapy: 1
st dose reduction of peginterferon alfa-2b is to 1 mcg/kg/week, 2
nd dose reduction (if needed) of peginterferon alfa-2b is to 0.5 mcg/kg/week. For patients on ribavirin/interferon alfa-2b combination therapy, reduce interferon alfa-2b dose by 50%.
Laboratory Values
Adults
Pediatrics
Adults
Pediatrics
Peginterferon alfa-2b
/Interferon
alfa-2b
Peginterferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b
Ribavirin capsules
Hgb < 10g/dL
For patients with cardiac disease, reduce by 50%*
See footnote*
See footnote*
Adjust Dose†
1st reduction to 12 mg/kg/day
2nd reduction to 8 mg/kg/day
WBC < 1.5 x 109/L
Neutrophils < 0.75 x 109/L
Platelets< 50 x 109/L (Adults)
< 70 x 109/L (Pediatrics)
Adjust Dose‡
1st reduction to 40 mcg/m2/week
2nd reduction to 20 mcg/m2/week
Reduce by 50%
No Dose Change
No Dose Change
Hgb < 8.5g/dL
WBC < 1 x 109/L
Neutrophils < 0.5 x 109/L
Creatinine > 2 mg/dL (Pediatrics)
Platelets < 25 x 109/L (Adults)
< 50 x 109/L (Pediatrics)
Permanently Discontinue
Permanently Discontinue
Permanently Discontinue
Permanently Discontinue
Permanently Discontinue
Refer to the Intron A Package Insert or PegIntron Powder for Injection Package Insert for additional information about how to reduce an interferon alfa-2b or peginterferon alfa-2b dose.
2.5 Discontinuation of Dosing
Adults
It is recommended that HCV genotype 1 interferon-alfa-naïve patients receiving peginterferon alfa-2b in combination with ribavirin, be discontinued from therapy if there is not at least a 2 log10 drop or loss of HCV-RNA at 12 weeks of therapy, or whose HCV-RNA levels remain detectable (>10-20 IU/mL) after 24 weeks of therapy. Regardless of genotype, previously treated patients who have detectable HCV-RNA at week 12 or 24 are highly unlikely to achieve SVR and discontinuation of therapy should be considered.
Pediatrics (3-17 years of age)
It is recommended that patients receiving peginterferon alfa-2b/ribavirin combination (excluding HCV Genotype 2 and 3) be discontinued from therapy at 12 weeks if their treatment Week 12 HCV-RNA dropped < 2 log10 compared to a pretreatment or at 24 weeks if they have detectable HCV-RNA (>10-20 IU/mL) at treatment Week 24.