Plegridy vs. Rebif

Plegridy (peginterferon beta-1a) Autoinjector and Rebif (interferon beta-1a) Injection are forms of interferon beta-1a used to treat patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.

Side effects of Plegridy and Rebif that are similar include injection site reactions (redness, itching, pain, swelling, warmth, rash, bruising), flu-like illness, fever, headache, muscle aches or pain, and chills.

Side effects of Plegridy that are different from Rebif include joint pain, weakness, nausea, and vomiting.

Side effects of Rebif that are different from Plegridy include dizziness, fatigue, stomach pain, and runny or stuffy nose.

Both Plegridy and Rebif may interact with other drugs.

Common side effects of Plegridy include:

• injection site reactions (redness, itching, pain, swelling, warmth, rash, bruising),
• flu-like illness,
• fever,
• headache,
• muscle or joint pain,
• chills,
• weakness,
• nausea, and
• vomiting

Common side effects of Rebif include pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site. Flu-like symptoms such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, fever, chills, stomach pain, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches may occur when you first start Rebif. These symptoms usually improve or go away after a few months of continued use of Rebif. Some patients using interferon medications such as Rebif become depressed or have suicidal thoughts. Tell your doctor immediately if this occurs. Tell your doctor if you have serious side effects of Rebif including:

• mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, rare thoughts of suicide),
• vision changes,
• gradual change in weight,
• intolerance to cold or heat,
• increased urination,
• pus or change in skin color at the injection site,
• signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat, cough),
• easy bruising or bleeding,
• fast or irregular heartbeat,
• sudden increase in weight,
• swelling hands/legs/feet,
• severe stomach or abdominal pain,
• yellowing eyes or skin, or
• dark urine.

Plegridy (peginterferon beta-1a) Autoinjector is an interferon beta-1a used to treat patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.

Rebif (interferon beta-1a) Injection is made from human proteins and is used to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). Rebif will not cure MS; it will only decrease the frequency of relapse symptoms. Common side effects of Rebif include pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site. Flu-like symptoms such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, fever, chills, stomach pain, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches may occur when you first start Rebif. These symptoms usually improve or go away after a few months of continued use of Rebif. Some patients using interferon medications such as Rebif become depressed or have suicidal thoughts. Tell your doctor immediately if this occurs.

Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. During pregnancy, Plegridy should be used only if prescribed. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Rebif may interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you take. Talk to your doctor about how to drink alcohol safely while using this medication. Rebif should not be used during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or think you might become pregnant during treatment. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

The recommended dosage of Plegridy is 125 micrograms injected subcutaneously every 14 days.

The recommended dosage of Rebif is 22 mcg to 44 mcg injected subcutaneously three times per week. Rebif is intended for use under the supervision of a physician. Patients may self-inject only after proper training.