PEGINTRON® REDIPEN®

The proven efficacy of PEGINTRON® in an easy-to-use pen

The PEGINTRON® (Peginterferon alfa-2b) Powder for Injection REDIPEN® is the first and only pen delivery system approved for administering pegylated interferon therapy for chronic hepatitis C. It's an easy-to-use alternative for those who may be intimidated by using a traditional vial and syringe.

PEGINTRON® is indicated for use in combination with REBETOL® (ribavirin) for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in patients 3 years of age and older with compensated liver disease.

The following points should be considered when initiating therapy with PEGINTRON® in combination with REBETOL®: (1) These indications are based on achieving undetectable HCV RNA after treatment for 24 or 48 weeks and maintaining a Sustained Virologic Response (SVR) 24 weeks after the last dose. (2) Patients with the following characteristics are less likely to benefit from re-treatment after failing a course of therapy: previous nonresponse, previous pegylated interferon treatment, significant bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis, and genotype 1 infection. (3) No safety and efficacy data are available for treatment of longer than one year.

PEGINTRON® is also indicated for use alone for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in patients with compensated liver disease previously untreated with interferon alpha and who are at least 18 years of age.

The following points should be considered when initiating therapy with PEGINTRON® alone: Combination therapy with REBETOL® is preferred over PEGINTRON® monotherapy unless there are contraindications to, or significant intolerance of, REBETOL®. Combination therapy provides substantially better response rates than monotherapy.

Ask your doctor whether the PEGINTRON® REDIPEN® is right for you, or call a nurse counselor with The Be In Charge® Program at 1-888-437-2608.

The PEGINTRON® REDIPEN® is a disposable one-time use delivery system that allows you to administer PEGINTRON® in four easy steps:

1. Mixing occurs by pushing down on the pen to combine the PEGINTRON® powder with sterile water, both stored in the pen
2. Attaching the injection needle straight into the REDIPEN® rubber membrane "primes" the needle and allows the extra liquid and air in the pen to be removed.
3. Dialing allows you to accurately select your predetermined individualized weight-based dose by turning the dosing button until the dosing button aligns with the dosing tab's solid line.
4. Delivery occurs by pushing the dosing button completely and holding for five seconds. The five-second period helps ensure that you get the complete dose.

For more details about how to use the PEGINTRON® REDIPEN®, view this descriptive video, see the Medication Guide, and of course, talk to your doctor.

Features and benefits

• Small needle (30 gauge) to help minimize discomfort
• Self-contained: everything you need is in one box
• Easy to grip pen
• If you are currently being treated with PEGINTRON® vial and syringe, ask your doctor if the PEGINTRON® REDIPEN® is right for you

Accurate dosing

• Individualized dosing through 4 pen strengths
  (50, 80, 120, and 150 mcg) each indicated by a color-coded label and dosing button.
• Attaching the injection needle straight into the REDIPEN® rubber membrane "primes" the needle and allows the extra liquid and air in the pen to be removed.
• Precise dial-up dosing for individualized weight-based dosing of PEGINTRON®
• Easy to read dosing button

Talk to your doctor about the PEGINTRON® REDIPEN®

See Also:

• PEGINTRON® Prescribing Information
• REBETOL® Prescribing Information

• Email Page
• Print this Page

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

For additional important product information, see the PEGINTRON® Package Insert.

The Be In Charge® Program is brought to you as a service of Schering Corporation.
Copyright © 2010, Schering Corporation, Kenilworth, NJ 07033. All rights reserved.