Drug Action
Peginterferon beta-1a is a polyethylene glycol-conjugated (’pegylated’) derivative of interferon beta; pegylation increases the persistence of interferon in the blood.
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Drug reference
Peginterferon beta-1a is a polyethylene glycol-conjugated (’pegylated’) derivative of interferon beta; pegylation increases the persistence of interferon in the blood.
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Treatment of relapsing, remitting multiple sclerosis ▶BY SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION ▶Adult: (consult product literature)
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Severe depression. suicidal ideation
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History of cardiac disorders. history of depressive disorders (avoid in severe depression or in those with suicidal ideation). history of seizures. history of severe myelosupression CAUTIONS, FURTHER INFORMATION Consult product literature for further information about cautions.
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NICE decisions ▶Peginterferon beta-1a for treating relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (February 2020) NICE TA624 Peginterferon beta-1a (Plegridy ®) is recommended, within its marketing authorisation, as an option for treating relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis in adults. www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta624 Immune system and malignant disease
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→Appendix 1: peginterferon beta
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▶Common or very common Arthralgia. asthenia. chills. depression. fever. headache. hyperthermia. influenza like illness. myalgia. nausea. pain. skin reactions. vomiting ▶Uncommon Seizure. thrombocytopenia ▶Rare or very rare Glomerulosclerosis. haemolytic uraemic syndrome. injection site necrosis. nephrotic syndrome. thrombotic microangiopathy ▶Frequency not known Pulmonary arterial hypertension
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Effective contraception required during treatment—consult product literature.
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Do not initiate during pregnancy. Avoid unless potential benefit outweighs risk.
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Avoid—no information available.
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Manufacturer advises caution in severe hepatic impairment.
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Caution in severe renal impairment.
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▶Monitor for signs of hepatic injury—hepatic failure has been reported rarely. ▶Thrombotic microangiopathy Patients should be monitored for clinical features of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), including thrombocytopenia, new onset hypertension, fever, central nervous system symptoms (e.g. confusion and paresis), and impaired renal function. Any signs of TMA should be investigated fully and, if diagnosed, interferon beta should be stopped immediately and treatment for TMA promptly initiated (consult product literature for details). ▶Nephrotic syndrome Patients should also be monitored for signs and symptoms of nephrotic syndrome, including oedema, proteinuria, and impaired renal function— monitor renal function periodically. If nephrotic syndrome develops, treat promptly and consider stopping interferon beta treatment.
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There can be variation in the licensing of different medicines containing the same drug. Solution for injection ▶Plegridy (Biogen Idec Ltd) Interferon beta-1a (as Peginterferon beta-1a) 126 microgram per 1 ml Plegridy 63micrograms/0.5ml solution for injection pre-filled pens | 1 pre-filled disposable injection P s Interferon beta-1a (as Peginterferon beta-1a) 188 microgram per 1 ml Plegridy 94micrograms/0.5ml solution for injection pre-filled pens | 1 pre-filled disposable injection P s Interferon beta-1a (as Peginterferon beta-1a) 250 microgram per 1 ml Plegridy 125micrograms/0.5ml solution for injection pre-filled pens | 2 pre-filled disposable injection P £654.00 IMMUNOSTIMULANTS › OTHER
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(consult product literature)
First-line fragment. Read the complete Indications and Dose section above.
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