Plegridy (Peginterferon Beta-1A)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Plegridy Used For?
Plegridy is a prescription medicine that contains peginterferon beta-1a, which belongs to a group of medicines called interferons. It is specifically designed to help manage multiple sclerosis symptoms.
Primary Uses
Plegridy is used to treat people with relapsing forms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It is not known if Plegridy is safe and effective in people under 18 or over 65 years of age.
How It Works
In MS, the body’s immune system attacks its own myelin (the protective covering around nerve fibers). While the exact way interferons work in MS is not fully understood, Plegridy is thought to work by reducing the unwanted immune reaction against myelin. Interferons naturally exist in the body to help fight viral infections and regulate immunity.
Good to know: The positive effects of Plegridy are not seen immediately but occur with long-term treatment, so it’s important to continue treatment as prescribed.
How to Take Plegridy
Plegridy is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneously) every 14 days. Your dose will be gradually increased when you first start treatment to help your body adjust to the medication.
Dosage Instructions
Starting dose: First injection of 63 micrograms, followed by 94 micrograms two weeks later. Full dose: 125 micrograms every 14 days thereafter. Try to inject at the same time on the same day every time. Your healthcare provider will teach you how to self-inject or arrange for training.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your dose at the usual time, inject as soon as you remember and then resume your regular schedule. However, never inject more than once in a 7-day period.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose, as this may increase your chance of side effects.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- headache
- muscle or joint pain
- feeling sick or having flu-like symptoms
- feeling cold or tired
- nausea
- vomiting
- itchy skin
- injection site reactions
- fever and chills
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- seizures
- allergic reactions (shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, rash, hives)
- liver injury (yellowing of skin or eyes, itching all over, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, tiredness, confusion, easy bleeding/bruising, dark urine, pale stools)
- depression or thoughts of suicide
- difficulty breathing or increased tiredness (signs of pulmonary arterial hypertension)
Important Warnings
There are several important safety considerations before starting Plegridy treatment. Make sure to discuss your complete medical history with your doctor.
Who Should Not Take Plegridy
Do not use Plegridy if you are allergic to interferon beta, peginterferon, or any ingredients in the medication. Do not use if you have severe depression or thoughts of suicide. Do not use if you are already pregnant.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: depression or mood problems, history of suicide thoughts, seizures or fits, liver problems, bleeding problems or easy bruising, heart problems, thyroid problems, bone marrow suppression, or frequent infections.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not start Plegridy if you are already pregnant. If you could become pregnant, use contraception while using Plegridy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Mental Health Warning: Call your doctor immediately if you develop new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, feeling hopeless, thoughts of hurting yourself, irritability, nervousness, or new anxiety.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Plegridy and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.
- medicines to treat epilepsy
- medicines to treat depression
- other medicines broken down by the liver
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with alcohol consumption and driving while taking Plegridy, as it may affect your ability to perform these activities safely.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Alcohol may increase the risk of liver injury when combined with Plegridy.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Plegridy affects you.
Storage
Keep Plegridy in its original pack until ready to use. Store in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C – do not freeze. If needed, Plegridy can be kept out of the refrigerator for up to 30 days at 2°C to 25°C, as long as it’s kept away from light. Do not use if it has been out of the refrigerator for more than 30 days.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Plegridy, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia, or 0800 POISON or 0800 764 766 in New Zealand), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
The positive effects of Plegridy are not seen immediately. They occur with long-term treatment, so it’s important to continue treatment as prescribed by your doctor.
Plegridy is injected under the skin once every 14 days (two weeks). Try to inject at the same time on the same day each time.
Do not stop using Plegridy or change the dosage without checking with your doctor first. It’s important to continue treatment unless your doctor tells you to stop.
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol, as alcohol may increase the risk of liver injury when combined with Plegridy.
If you miss your dose, inject as soon as you remember and then resume your regular schedule. However, never inject more than once in a 7-day period, and never take a double dose.
Do not start Plegridy if you are already pregnant. If you could become pregnant, you need to use contraception while using Plegridy. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant during treatment.
Keep Plegridy in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C and do not freeze. If needed, it can be kept out of the refrigerator for up to 30 days at 2°C to 25°C, away from light.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.