#plegridy

[boogedyboogedyboo]

Anyone looking to get Plegridy?

Hmu I can help

[justkeepsmyelin]

Plegridy May Win Over MSers with Fewer Injections and Smaller Needles

This week the FDA approved Biogen Idec's new medication, Plegridy, for the treatment of RRMS. I love when new meds come on the market because it means more choices, and hope that research is advancing. Even better, Plegridy comes with improved convenience for many MSers. Plegridy is another interferon medication, joining the ranks of Rebif, Avonex, Betaseron, and Extavia. Biogen Idec thinks Plegridy has the capability of becoming the most popular interferon on the market because it is injected only once every two weeks, and is given subcutaneously which means the needle is smaller then Avonex's. Prior to Plegridy being FDA approved, Avonex (also a Biogen product) was the interferon given the least often- only one injection per week. This was always a stark contrast to Copaxone which was only offered as a daily injection, or other interferons like Rebif which is given three times a week. Recently Copaxone's three times a week formulation was FDA approved, which had many users jumping for joy and my telephone ringing off the hook with people wanting to switch! Many MSers on injectables wouldn't be opposed to getting the same benefits from fewer injections, so is Plegridy really as effective? (read tips on giving injections here)

In clinical trials when compared to placebo medications Plegridy reduced the rate of relapses by 35.6%, new lesions on MRI scans by 67%, and disability progression by 38% when given once every two weeks. There are no studies directly comparing Plegridy to other interferons but these numbers are on par with other interferons when they are compared with placebos. Therefore it appears that Plegridy is as effective as the other drugs in this class, but whether it is better remains to be seen.

Plegridy carries the same side effect profile as the other interferons including flu like symptoms, headache, fever, chills, muscle pain, chills, weakness, joint pain, injection site reactions, and elevated liver enzymes. Also like the other interferons it must be used with caution (or not at all) in those with a history of mental illness, thyroid/liver/bleeding/autoimmune/heart problems, and women who are pregnant or plan to be pregnant.

For more information visit the National MS Society's information on Plegridy, which includes links to the studies and prescribing information.  

[teamfums]

Another drug that we have to wait for because the FDA is not ready to approve it. This time its Plegidy (peginterferon beta-1a) a interferon med that only needs to be taken once every two week.

Please check out today's post on another drug waiting for the FDA to say okay

[teamfums]

FDA delays decision on Biogen's multiple sclerosis drug

(Reuters) - Biogen Idec Inc said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration extended the review process for the company's multiple sclerosis drug by three months to evaluate the application.

The drug is called Plegridy and in 2013 the results were called "excellent" http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/257962.php but now the FDA is saying they need more time to review he findings.  I'll have more on this on www.teamfums.org tomorrow.