peginterferon beta-1a (Plegridy)

  • Pharmacy Author:
    Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

    Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

  • Medical Editor: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD
    Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

    Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

    Dr. Charles "Pat" Davis, MD, PhD, is a board certified Emergency Medicine doctor who currently practices as a consultant and staff member for hospitals. He has a PhD in Microbiology (UT at Austin), and the MD (Univ. Texas Medical Branch, Galveston). He is a Clinical Professor (retired) in the Division of Emergency Medicine, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and has been the Chief of Emergency Medicine at UT Medical Branch and at UTHSCSA with over 250 publications.

Is peginterferon beta-1a plegridy safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

Use of peginterferon beta-1a has not been adequately evaluated in pregnant women. Due to the lack of conclusive safety data, peginterferon beta-1a should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Peginterferon beta-1a is classified as FDA pregnancy risk category C. This designation indicates fetal harm from the drug has been shown in animal studies, but information on effects in pregnant women is not clear.

It is not known if peginterferon beta-1a is excreted in breast milk. As many drugs enter breast milk and can potentially cause harm to the nursing infant, peginterferon beta-1a should be used cautiously in nursing mothers. 

What else should I know about peginterferon beta-1a plegridy?

What preparations of peginterferon beta-1a plegridy are available?

Plegridy is available in prefilled pens or syringes for subcutaneous injection.

Injection: 125 mcg/0.5 ml solution in single-dose prefilled syringe or single-dose prefilled pen.

Injection starter pack: containing 63 mcg/0.5 ml and 94 mcg/0.5 ml solution in single-dose prefilled pens or syringes.

How should I keep peginterferon beta-1a plegridy stored?

Preferably peginterferon beta-1a should be stored refrigerated at a temperature from 2 C to 8 C (36 F to 46 F). Peginterferon beta-1a should be warmed to room temperature before injecting. If refrigeration is not available, peginterferon beta-1a can be stored from 2 C to 25 C (36 F to 77 F) for up to 30 days.

REFERENCE: FDA Prescribing Information

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