Plegridy Side Effects

Generic name: peginterferon beta-1a

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 28, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Plegridy Side Effects associated with peginterferon beta-1a. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Plegridy.

Applies to peginterferon beta-1a: solution.

Serious side effects of Plegridy

Along with its needed effects, peginterferon beta-1a (the active ingredient contained in Plegridy) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking peginterferon beta-1a:

More common side effects

• blue-green to black skin discoloration
• chills
• cough
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• extremely high fever or body temperature
• fast, shallow breathing
• fast, weak heartbeat
• fever
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• joint pain
• muscle aches, cramps, and pains
• pale, clammy skin
• runny nose
• seizures
• shivering
• sore throat
• sweating
• thirst
• trouble sleeping
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting

Less common side effects

• dark urine
• decreased appetite
• itching skin
• light-colored stools
• stomach pain
• yellow eyes or skin

Rare side effects

• chest tightness
• difficulty with swallowing
• hives or welts, skin rash
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• redness of the skin

Other side effects of Plegridy

Some side effects of peginterferon beta-1a may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• difficulty with moving
• itching, rash, redness, soreness, swelling, or warmth at the injection site
• lack or loss of strength
• muscle aches, cramps, pains, or stiffness
• pain, redness, or sloughing of the skin at the injection site

For healthcare professionals

Applies to peginterferon beta-1a: intramuscular solution, subcutaneous kit, subcutaneous solution.

General adverse events

The most common side effects were injection site erythema, influenza-like illness, pyrexia, headache, myalgia, chills, injection site pain, asthenia, injection site pruritus, and arthralgia.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, vomiting^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Congestive heart failure^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Decreased peripheral blood counts^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Common (1% to 10%): Alanine aminotransferase increased, aspartate aminotransferase increased, gamma-glutamyl-transferase increased
• Frequency not reported: hepatic injury^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anaphylaxis, angioedema, urticaria^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Very common (10% or more): Influenza like illness (47%)
• Frequency not reported: Autoimmune disorders^[Ref]

Local

• Very common (10% or more): Injection site erythema (62%), injection site pain (15%), injection site pruritus (13%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Injection site edema, injection site warmth, injection site hematoma, injection site rash^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Myalgia (19%), arthralgia (11%)^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (44%)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Seizures^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Pyrexia (45%), chills (17%), asthenia (13%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Hyperthermia, pain^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Depression, suicide^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• What are the new drugs used for multiple sclerosis (MS)?
• What is Plegridy used for and is it an immunosuppressant?
• How do you use the Plegridy pen and where do you inject?

Further information

Plegridy side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer