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Plegridy

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

What is Plegridy?

Plegridy is composed of human proteins. Interferons boost the body's immune system to fight illness or infection. Plegridy can be used to treat the relapsing symptoms of MS (including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing remitting disease, or active secondary progressive disorder) in people who are between the ages of 18 and 65. The treatment of plegridy cannot cure MS; it will just decrease the likelihood of relapses. Plegridy can be purchased as a one-dose prefilled pen or a single-dose prefilled syringe.

Warnings

Plegridy may cause severe side effects, such as:

  • Liver issues or the escalating of liver issues, such as the death of your liver. The symptoms could include: the skin turning yellow or the white area of your eye; nausea; lack of appetite; fatigue; bleeding more frequently than normal; confusion; tiredness; and dark-colored urine and stools that are pale.
  • In the course of your treatment, you'll need to visit your doctor and undergo regular tests of your blood to look for any possible adverse effects.
  • Suicidal or depression-related thoughts. The signs could include the onset of depression or its worsening (feeling depressed or feeling bad about yourself). thoughts of hurting yourself or taking your own life, anger (getting angry easily), and nervousness. an increase or worsening of anxiety.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience some of the signs described above.

Before you take this drug

You shouldn't make use of Plegridy in case you have an allergy to beta-1 peginterferon.

To be sure plegridy is appropriate for you, speak to your doctor about the symptoms you suffer from:

  • Depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts, actions, or thoughts;
  • Liver disease;
  • Bleeding issues;
  • An allergy to latex (if you fill the syringe);
  • Low blood cell count;
  • Heart disease;
  • An thyroid disorder;
  • A seizure; or
  • An autoimmune disorder like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or psoriasis.

Certain people are contemplating suicide when taking Plegridy. Keep an eye on any changes to your attitude or the symptoms.

If you're pregnant, then your name might be added to an OB-gyn registry to monitor how peginterferon affects beta-1a in the infant. It might not be safe to breastfeed when using Plegridy. Consult your physician about any potential risks. Plegridy has not been endorsed for use by anyone less than 18 or more than the age of 65.

How to take Plegridy?

Plegridy is typically given every two weeks. Follow the instructions on your prescription label, and review all medication guides and instructions sheets. The doctor might modify your dosage.

Plegridy can be injected under the skin or in muscles and is usually administered once every two weeks. The doctor may instruct you on how to use the drug yourself. Take note of and follow the instructions for use that come with your Plegridy pen syringe. Consult your physician or pharmacist for clarification if you aren't sure about the instructions.

Make an injection only when you are prepared to give it. Avoid using it when the medication is changing color or has particles. Consult your pharmacist about the latest medication. Your doctor will inform you of the area where you can inject Plegridy. You should use a different spot every time you administer an injection. Make sure you don't inject in the same spot twice in the same row. Within 2 hours of the injection, look for swelling, redness, or pain at the site of the injection. Contact your physician in the event of an allergic reaction to your skin that doesn't go away within a couple of days.

The condition can trigger flu-like symptoms. Your doctor might suggest taking a painkiller or fever reducer, such as aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), on the days that you receive injections. You'll need to take regular medical examinations. original container in the refrigerator, safe from the sun's rays.

At least 30 minutes prior to the injection, remove the pen or syringe from the fridge and let it be at room temperature. Don't warm the medication with hot water.

You can also keep Plegridy for a brief period in a cool, dry place that is protected from light. Don't leave the medication out of the refrigerator for more than 30 days, which includes all the time it has been removed and returned to the refrigerator. Do not put the medicine in the freezer, and dispose of it in case it's frozen.

The syringe, or injection pen, is designed for only one usage. Dispose of it after just one usage, regardless of whether there's still some medicine in it. Make use of a needle and the syringe once only, and put them in a punctureproof "sharps" container. Make sure you follow local or state laws on how to dispose of the container. Make sure it is out of reach of pets and children.

Details on dosage

Usual Adult Dose of Plegridy for Multiple Sclerosis:

The initial dose was 63 mg given subcutaneously or intramuscularly on day 1. 94 mg at day 15 (14 weeks later) to reach the full dose of 125 mg by day 29 (after another 14 days).
Dosage for maintenance: 125 mg injected either intramuscularly or subcutaneously once every 14 days
Comments:
The patient should be advised to rotate injection sites when receiving intramuscular or subcutaneous injections. The most common places for subcutaneous injections include the abdomen, the lower back, and the thigh. The preferred location for intramuscular injections is the thigh.
The use of a combination of antipyretics or analgesics can help to reduce or prevent symptoms of flu that are often observed in treatment.

Do I be concerned if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor for advice when you have missed a dose.

What will happen if I take excessively?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help Line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.

What should be avoided?

Do not inject this medicine into skin that is swollen, red, damaged, irritated, or bruised. damaged, or scarred.

Side effects Of Plegridy

Seek medical attention immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergy reaction, Plegridy: hives or itching lumps or bumps that appear on the skin; experiencing anxiety or being lightheaded; trouble breathing; swelling of your lips, face, tongue, throat, or face.

Peginterferon beta-1a may cause dangerous blood clots within the tiny blood vessels within your organs, like your kidneys or the brain. Seek medical help immediately if you notice symptoms of this disease like fatigue, fever, bruising, decreased urination, or nosebleeds.

Contact your doctor immediately. If you suffer from:

  • Persistent swelling, pain, or changes to the skin where the injection was administered;
  • A feeling of lightheadedness that makes you feel like you're passing out;
  • Sudden shifts in mood or behavior (feeling insecure, hopeless, angry, nervous, or depressed);
  • Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself;
  • A seizure;
  • Heart issues swelling rapidly, gaining weight, being short of breath, fast beats of the heart, pain in your chest that spreads to your shoulder or jaw, nausea, sweating;
  • Lower blood-cell counts: chills, fever, fatigue, skin sores, mouth sores, easily bruising, strange bleeding, pale skin, cold feet and hands, and feeling lightheaded or breathless;
  • Liver issues nausea, vomiting, and fatigue, as well as confusion, bruising that is easy or bleeding, black stools, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin),
  • Thyroid issues mood swings, sleeplessness, fatigue, hunger, diarrhea, and heartbeats that pound. Muscles weakness, sweating, the skin is dry hair loss, menstrual cycles as well as weight fluctuations and puffiness on your face feeling more sensitive to cold or hot temperatures.

Commonly, the side effects of plegridy may include:

  • Itching, pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site;
  • Influenza symptoms include headaches, chills, fever, tiredness, and body aches.

This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and others could happen. Contact your physician to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drugs

Other medications may interfere with peginterferon beta-1a, which includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Discuss with your physician your current medications as well as any medications you are about to start or stop taking.