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Treatments for Hepatitis C (HCV) -Understanding Your Options
The primary medication available to treat HCV is interferon. Interferon is often given in combination with ribavirin. The medications listed here are FDA approved for the treatment of Hepatitis C and are available from PharmaCare. The following chart summarizes these products:

Available Hepatitis C Therapies

Medication Name Mode of administration** Dose/Length of Treatment PEG-Intron® (Pegylated Interferon Alfa-2b SQ Dosed based on patient's weight. 1µg/kg once a week as monotherapy or 1.5µg/kg once a week in combination with ribavirin for up to 12 months. If intolerable side effects, dose can be reduced to one half the starting dose. Pegasys® (Pegylated Interferon Alfa-2a SQ 180µg once a week for up to 48 weeks. If intolerable side effects, dose can be reduced to 135µg or further reduced to 90µg. Rebetol® (Ribavirin) capsules PO Dosed based on patient's weight (<75 kg - 1000 mg daily, >75 kg - 1200mg daily) Copegus® (Ribavirin) tablets PO Dosed based on body wt. And disease characteristics: Genotype 1, 4: <75 kg =1000 mg daily, >= 75 kg =1200 mg daily for 48 weeks Genotype 2, 3: 800 mg for 24 weeks Rebetron® [Rebetol® (ribavirin) capsules + Intron-A (Interferon Alfa-2b)] SQ (Intron A) PO (Rebetol) Interferon alfa-2b 3 MIU 3 times a week, and ribavirin twice a day; dose of ribavirin is based on weight (<75 kg - 1000 mg daily, >75 kg - 1200mg daily) Infergen® (Interferon Alfacon-1) SQ Initially, 9 µg 3 times a week for 24 weeks (allowing 48 hrs. between doses) For relapse: 15 µg three times a week for 24 weeks (allow 48 hrs. between doses) Intron-A® (Interferon Alfa-2b) IM or SQ Initially, 3 MIU three times a week for up to 24 months. For relapse: Retreat with last successful dose. Roferon-A® (Interferon Alfa 2a) IM or SQ Initially, 3 MIU three times a week for 12 months. For relapse: 3 or 6 MIU three times a week for 6-12 months.

**IM=intramuscular administration, SQ= subcutaneous administration, PO = oral administration

At PharmaCare, we understand how difficult it can be to manage the injectable medication therapies used in the treatment of Hepatitis C. That's why we're proud to offer our specialized Hepatitis C pharmacy care program. Whether you choose service from one of our neighborhood locations or prefer the convenience of home delivery, you will receive personal care and individualized support when you need it, as you need it. Call us today: 1-800-238-7828

Why do HCV medications require specialized care from a specialty pharmacy?
Much like choosing a specialist to diagnose and treat HCV, it is equally as important to choose a specialty pharmacy for provision of your HCV medications needs. As opposed to a typical pharmacy which provides care to patients with every diagnosis, PharmaCare is experienced in providing pharmaceutical care to a select group of patients -just like a doctor who is a specialist in treating only conditions of the liver. This means that our pharmacists are experts in the drug therapy management of certain disease states including HCV. They have undergone rigorous and extensive education in managing complex medication regimens, and are able to address difficult questions with authority and know-how. Also, PharmaCare pharmacists are available by phone around the clock, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, because your medication-related issues do not necessarily occur 9 to 5.

• Expert pharmacists who understand you, your medication and your needs.
• Individual support to help make it easier to take your injectable medications as prescribed.
• Home delivery of all your medications from one source - wherever you live, wherever you travel.
• 24-hour medication and adherence counseling is always available.
• Educational materials to help you make informed decisions about your healthcare.

• Expert Pharmacists
  
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