Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Brand name: Pegasys TM

Active ingredients: peginterferon alfa-2a

What it is used for

Chronic Hepatitis C (CHC): The combination of PEGASYS and COPEGUS is indicated for the treatment of chronic heptitis C in patients who have received no prior interferon therapy (treatment naive patients) and patients who have failed previous treatment with interferon alfa (pegylated or non-pegylated) alone or in combination therapy with ribavirin. The combination of PEGASYS and COPEGUS is also indicated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in patients with clinically stable human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection who have previously not received interferon therapy. PEGASYS monotherapy is indicated for the for the treatment of chronic heptitis C in treatment naive patients (see Dosage and Administration; Chronic Hepatitis C: Treatment naive patients). Patients must be 18 years of age or older and have compensated liver disease. Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB): PEGASYS is indicated for the treatment of chronic heptitis B in adult patients with evidence of viral replication and liver inflammation and compensated liver disease.

How to take it

The way to take this medicine is: Subcutaneous. This medicine is injected, usually with a short needle or pen-like device, into the fat just beneath the skin.

  • Store at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius
  • Do not Shake
  • Protect from Light
  • Shelf lifetime is 4 Years.

You should seek medical advice in relation to medicines and use only as directed by a healthcare professional.

Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.

Visual appearance

Clear, colourless to light yellow solution, practically free from particles.

Do I need a prescription?

This medicine is available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is Schedule 4 : Prescription Only Medicine.

Is this medicine subsidised?

This medicine was verified as being available on the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) on April 1, 2024. To learn more about this subsidy, visit the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) website.

Pregnant or planning a pregnancy?

For the active ingredient peginterferon alfa-2a

You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist about taking this medicine. They can help you balance the risks and the benefits of this medicine during pregnancy.

Consumer Medicines Information (CMI)

For side effects, taking other medicines and more

Print the CMI.

Listen to the CMI.


Reporting side effects

You can help ensure medicines are safe by reporting the side effects you experience.

You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems

Back to top back to top

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Queensland Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.