Pegasys Patients | Echo Therapeutics

Your doctor has recommended Pegasys® (peginterferon alfa-2a) as a suitable treatment option for you. As a
patient currently being prescribed Pegasys® we wanted to update you on some important changes that will
impact how you receive your treatment moving forward.

From 1 September 2024, Australian patients prescribed Pegasys® will only be able to access this treatment through the new dedicated Pegasys® Home Delivery Program. This program is delivered by Echo Therapeutics (the sponsor of Pegasys® in Australia) through its EchoCare™ service, in partnership with JustMeds – a local
specialist medicines delivery provider. This is initially a short- to medium-term solution to make sure Australian patients prescribed Pegasys® can continue to access treatment when needed.

Please find below information and the steps to how to arrange delivery of Pegasys® (peginterferon alfa-2a) from

1 September 2024.

If you would like to speak to someone from the JustMeds team, please click here to email the team or phone

07 4000 4124.

Patient Information - Instruction Guide for existing and new Patients

Please select from the below, to be directed to the most appropriate information. You are able to download the resources to your mobile or to your computer to print them.

Existing Pegasys Patient

More information for patients

New Pegasys Patient

Frequently Asked Questions

I am an EXISTING PATIENT, click on the image's to download the brochures:

Existing patient

New Patient Information

I am an NEW PATIENT, click on the image to download the brochure:

Why won’t Pegasys® (peginterferon alfa-2a) be available in local pharmacies?

● Echo Therapeutics (the sponsor of Pegasys® in Australia) is concerned about the unauthorised export of Pegasys®, which involves certain healthcare companies selling local supply of the therapy overseas. ● To ensure this local treatment supply stays in the country for Australian patients, the Pegasys® Home Delivery Program will start to roll out from 1 September 2024. ● In developing this solution, Echo Therapeutics engaged with representatives from the Haematology Society of Australia & New Zealand (HSANZ) and MPN Alliance Australia (MPN AA), to confirm the suitability of this option for patients and healthcare professionals.
Why did this have to start on 1 September? Why can’t I have more time to transition to the new home delivery program?

● While the Pegasys® Home Delivery Program will roll out from 1 September, this is not a strict cut-off date. ● As it may take some time for people to adjust to this new process, there is flexibility to transition across to the Pegasys® Home Delivery Program at the right time for you. ● This means you can still receive Pegasys® from your local pharmacy for several weeks, until the transition to the home delivery program is completed.
How long will the home delivery option be in place for? When will Pegasys® be available in local retail pharmacies again?

● The Pegasys® Home Delivery Program is a short- to medium-term solution. ● It will be in place until Echo Therapeutics is satisfied the local supply chain for Pegasys® is more intact and there is a lower risk of unauthorised export. ● Once confirmed, it is expected that Pegasys® will become available in retail pharmacies again.
How long will it take for Pegasys® to arrive once an order has been placed with JustMeds?

● 2-4 business days, depending on where you are based. ● Deliveries are available daily, from Monday-Friday, for people living in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA and NT. ● Weekly deliveries will be made to people living in Tasmania and the ACT. ● Shipping and delivery is not available on weekends.
What if I am not home during the day (i.e. working full-time, travelling, have existing appointments, etc.) to receive my Pegasys® delivery?

● Deliveries can be sent to the location that is most convenient for you, such as your workplace, or to a family member’s home. ● You (or your family member) will just need to be present at the delivery address to receive and sign for the delivery, as Pegasys® needs to be refrigerated immediately to maintain the cold-chain integrity. ● Your Pegasys® delivery will never be left unattended, or delivered to a post office box. ● It can only be delivered to a physical location/address, to ensure the quality and integrity of the medicine is always maintained.
What if I am away on holidays/travelling when my Pegasys® delivery is due?

● JustMeds will work with you to find a suitable location to deliver your Pegasys®, so you never have to go without your medicine when you need it.
Who can I contact about the Pegasys® Home Delivery Program?

● For any questions or concerns about the delivery process, please contact JustMeds directly by calling 07 4000 4124, or by emailing rx@justmeds.com.au. ● For other enquiries please reach out to the Echo Therapeutics team.
What if I live in a rural or regional area that already experiences issues with courier deliveries?

● For people living in regional, rural or remote areas, JustMeds will work with different couriers that can guarantee secure cold-chain transport and delivery to these areas. ● JustMeds will only work with reputable couriers who are experienced in transporting and delivering medicines in special packaging that keeps the medicine at 2º-8º C. ● JustMeds will liaise with you directly throughout the process to ensure there are no concerns with your Pegasys® delivery. ● While having someone available at the delivery location to sign and receive your medicine is preferred, we understand this is not always going to be possible. You can discuss this with the JustMeds team when you place your Pegasys® order and agree on what works best for your individual circumstances.
How can I be sure that Pegasys® will be stored in a fridge at the recommended temperature of 2º-8º C?

● Prior to being packed and shipped, Pegasys® will be stored in refrigerators at JustMeds, at the recommended temperature of 2º-8º C. ● Once an order has been processed, JustMeds will dispense, pack and ship Pegasys® to you in a refrigerated truck – where the temperature is also kept at 2º-8º C – ensuring the quality and integrity of the medicine is never compromised. ● You will also receive reminders via SMS (or via a landline if you do not have a mobile phone), and by stickers placed on the delivery box, to make sure Pegasys® is placed in a refrigerator immediately after you (or your family member) have received the delivery.
What if I’m not home to receive my Pegasys® delivery and it goes off?

● Your P egasys® delivery will never be left unattended, or delivered to a post office box. ● It can only be delivered to a physical location/address, to ensure the quality and integrity of the medicine is always maintained. ● You (or your family member) will just need to be present at the delivery address to receive and sign for the delivery, as Pegasys® needs to be refrigerated immediately to maintain the cold-chain integrity. ● If someone is not at the delivery address to receive and sign for your medicine, it will stay in the refrigerated truck and returned to the JustMeds pharmacy for storing in their on-site refrigerators. Throughout this process, your Pegasys® delivery will be transported and stored at the recommended temperature of 2º-8º C, to ensure the quality and integrity of the medicine is never compromised. ● Once JustMeds has confirmed another suitable day for your delivery, they will pack and ship Pegasys® to you in a refrigerated truck.

Frequently Asked Questions