Plegridy

Generic name:peginterferon beta-1a [ peg-in-ter-FEAR-on-BAY-ta-- 1A ]
Drug class:Interferons

Medically reviewed by Judith Stewart, BPharm. Last updated on May 9, 2022.

What is Plegridy?

Plegridy is made from human proteins. Interferons stimulate the body's immune responses to infection or disease.

Plegridy is used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) (including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease) in adults who are 18 to 65 years old.

Plegridy will not cure multiple sclerosis, it will only decrease the frequency of relapse symptoms.

Plegridy is available in a single-dose prefilled pen or a single-dose prefilled syringe.

Warnings

Plegridy can cause serious side effects, including:

• Liver problems or worsening of liver problems, including liver failure and death. Symptoms may include: yellowing of your skin or the white part of your eye, nausea, loss of appetite, tiredness, bleeding more easily than normal, confusion, sleepiness, dark colored urine, and pale stools.
• During your treatment, you will need to see your healthcare provider and have regular blood tests to check for these possible side effects.
• Depression or suicidal thoughts. Symptoms may include: new or worsening depression (feeling hopeless or bad about yourself), thoughts of hurting yourself or suicide, irritability (getting upset easily), nervousness, or new or worsening anxiety.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the symptoms listed above.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Plegridy if you are allergic to peginterferon beta-1a.

To make sure Plegridy is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts or actions;

• liver disease;

• bleeding problems;

• an allergy to latex (if you use the prefilled syringe);

• low blood cell counts;

• heart disease;

• a thyroid disorder;

• a seizure; or

• an autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or psoriasis.

Some people have thoughts about suicide while using Plegridy. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of peginterferon beta-1a on the baby.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using Plegridy. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Plegridy is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 or older than 65 years old.

How is Plegridy given?

Plegridy is usually given once every 2 weeks. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read al...