Plegridy®
peginterferon beta-1a
Quick Facts
Pegylated form of interferon beta-1a. The pegylation process allows interferon beta-1a to last longer in the body.
Self-injected under skin or into muscle
Once every two weeks
Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting MS, and active secondary-progressive MS
Potential Benefit:
Over 1 year compared to placebo:
- 36% fewers relapses
- 38% lower risk of disability progression.
- 67% reduction in new or newly enlarging T2 lesions and 86% reduction in Gd-enhanced lesions
Common Potential Side Effects
Flu-like symptoms, injection-site skin reaction, white blood cell count and liver test abnormalities.
Prescription Assistance:
For assistance finding additional resources that might help cover the costs of your prescription, contact MSAA.
Hear from the Expert
Jeffrey English, MD
“We know from years of research that early treatment is most important for delaying disability progression.”
DRUGMAKER
Biogen
HOW Plegridy® WORKS
Plegridy® is a long-acting interferon. Interferons are proteins occurring naturally in the immune system. Plegridy® is thought to reduce inflammation and impede the immune response of attacking the body’s own myelin.
FDA-Approved
Plegridy® was FDA-approved in 2014 to treat relapsing forms of MS, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary-progressive disease, in adults.
Potential Side Effects
Flu-like symptoms, injection-site skin reaction, depression, white blood cell count and liver test abnormalities. Serious potential adverse events include liver failure. Potential side effects are usually temporary and manageable. Blood tests can monitor liver enzymes, blood-cell counts, and neutralizing antibodies.
OTHER KEY INFORMATION
Testing c:ompleted prior to starting Plegridy® includes:
- Blood Count
- Chemistry/liver function tests
- Pregnancy test
Regular testing completed every sixth months after starting Plegridy® includes:
- Blood count
- Chemistry/liver function tests
Patient advocates talk about
their treatment experience
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Kristie Salerno Kent
“I have had situations where treatments aren’t approved at first. My doctors, nurses, they actually go to bat for me and made it happen.” -
Azure Antoinette
"I will be undergoing my first disease-modifying therapy to help treat multiple sclerosis in my body and while I’m very nervous, I am equally as excited and looking forward to the positive effects of how I will feel physically, and mentally, and emotionally." -
Damian Washington
“Nobody’s going to be looking out for your best interests better than you.” -
Cathy Chester
“I think it’s really important to talk about how to age with this illness.” -
Lauren Hutton-Work
“Just because you have this disease does not mean that your work life should be awkward or uncomfortable.” -
Chernise Joseph
“My first neurologist was a frontline neurologist, he wasn’t an MS specialist.” -
Julian Gamboa
“If you’re newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis remember it’s always okay to get a second opinion.” -
Lauren and Sam Alcorn
“Our future is uncertain and we have to enjoy each other and love each other in the present.” -
Shawn Feliciano
“I want to know what medications might work best for someone who’s Hispanic.” -
Darlene Feigen
“The sooner you get on a therapy the better it is in the long run.” -
Birgit Bauer
“At the end of the appointment you should have an answer to the most important questions.” -
Ellen Tutton
“I looked up all the different disease-modifying therapies and compared them to my lifestyle.” -
Victoria Marie Reese
“I’m trying to show my daughter that taking care of yourself is cool.”
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