HCV 101: Hepatitis C Treatment: Combination Therapy

Monotherapy is no longer the standard of care for initial treatment.

* Rebetron is interferon alfa-2b packaged with ribavirin (Schering Plough).

** Ribavirin is FDA approved for use in combination therapy as Rebetron or with PEG-Intron as Rebetol only.

*** All Schering prices are adjusted wholesale prices (AWP). All Roche Prices are wholesale acquisition cost (WAC). The pricing shown should be considered a maximum price. Substantially discounted pricing may be available based upon the type of pharmacy purchasing medications (ex. institutional, retail, government operated). In addition, quantity or market share rebates from the manufacturer may be available. Prices are subject to change at any time.

**** Most of the reported adverse reactions are considered mild to moderate and are manageable.

***** Note: In some larger studies, close to 70% of patients required some sort of psychiatric support while on therapy, including antidepressants. If patients begin experiencing depression while on HCV treatment, treatment with antidepressants should be initiated. Benzodiazepines should be avoided. Psychiatric support may also be appropriate in some cases.

Adapted from Chronic Hepatitis C: Current Disease Management. NIH Publication No. 99-4230, May 1999.

Additional Information from:

1. Product insert, available at www.hepatitis innovations.com/pro/rebetol/rebetol_pi.html

2. Product insert, available at www.rebetron.com/pro/rebetron/pi.html

3. Product insert, available at www.hepatitisinnovations.com/pro/introna/pi.html

4. Product insert, available at www.hepatitisinnovations.com/pro/pegintron/product_info.html

5. Product insert, available at www.rocheusa.com/products/roferon/pi.html

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