Peginterferon Beta-1a Injection

What is this medication?

PEGINTERFERON BETA-1a (peg in ter FEER on BAY ta) treats multiple sclerosis (MS). It works by slowing down an overactive immune system, which prevents or delays worsening symptoms. It also decreases the number of flare-ups.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): PLEGRIDY

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Bleeding disorder
• Depression
• Frequently drink alcohol
• Heart disease
• History of irregular heartbeat
• Immune system problems
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Low blood counts, such as low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
• Mental health condition
• Seizures
• Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt by you or a family member
• Thyroid disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to peginterferon, other interferons, latex, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected under the skin or into a muscle. You will be taught how to prepare and give it. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.

This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions have not been studied.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You may need blood work done while taking this medication.

Flu-like symptoms are common with this medication, especially when first taking it. Ask your care team about taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen to manage these symptoms.

This medication can cause a blood clotting problem called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). TTP is a rare but serious medical condition that can be deadly. Get medical help right away if you have purple spots on your skin or inside your mouth, pale skin, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue, fever, fast or irregular heartbeat, confusion, change in vision, trouble speaking, or trouble walking.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
• High thyroid levels (hyperthyroidism)—fast or irregular heartbeat, weight loss, excessive sweating or sensitivity to heat, tremors or shaking, anxiety, nervousness, irregular menstrual cycle or spotting
• Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Low red blood cell level—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing
• Low thyroid levels (hypothyroidism)—unusual weakness or fatigue, increased sensitivity to cold, constipation, hair loss, dry skin, weight gain, feelings of depression
• Mood and behavior changes—anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
• Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)—shortness of breath, unusual weakness or fatigue, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, blue skin or lips
• Seizures
• Stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, pale skin, unusual weakness or fatigue, decrease in the amount of urine, which may be signs of hemolytic uremic syndrome
• TTP—purple spots on the skin or inside the mouth, pale skin, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue, fever, fast or irregular heartbeat, confusion, change in vision, trouble speaking, trouble walking
• Unusual bruising or bleeding

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Flu-like symptoms—fever, chills, muscle pain, cough, headache, fatigue
• Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
• Unusual weakness or fatigue

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep this medication in the original carton until you are ready to use it. Protect from light. Remove the dose from the carton about 30 minutes before it is time for you to use it. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

If refrigeration is not available, this medication may be stored up to 25 degrees C (up to 77 degrees F) for up to 30 days. Protect from light. The injection can be put back in a refrigerator if necessary. The total combined time out of refrigeration should not exceed 30 days.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.