Plegridy

Plegridy
Generic Name: peginterferon beta-1a (peg in ter FEAR on BAY ta - 1A)
Brand Names: Plegridy
Company: Biogen IDEC.
FDA Approved: August 2014
Rated: 7.6/10

Plegridy (peginterferon beta-1a) is made from human proteins. Interferons stimulate the body's immune responses to infection or disease.

Plegridy is used to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) 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 dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Multiple Sclerosis:
Initial dose: 63 mcg injected subcutaneously on day 1, 94 mcg on day 15 (14 days later), reaching the full dose of 125 mcg on day 29 (after another 14 days)
Maintenance dose:125 mcg injected subcutaneously every 14 days

Comments:
-Patient should be advised to rotate sites for subcutaneous injections. The usual sites for subcutaneous injections are abdomen, back of the upper arm, and thigh.
-Prophylactic and concurrent use of analgesics and/or antipyretics may prevent or reduce flu-like symptoms sometimes experienced during treatment.

Important Information
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.