- What is PEG?
- What is pegylation?
- How effective is high-dose, low-frequency PLEGRIDY?
- How do patients take high-dose, low-frequency PLEGRIDY? Should titration be used for patients starting treatment with PLEGRIDY?
- Is titration available with the PLEGRIDY PEN?
- What areas of the body should patients use when injecting high-dose, low-frequency PLEGRIDY?
- What is the pH of the PLEGRIDY formulation?
- How should PLEGRIDY be stored, and is it stable at room temperature?
- What are the common adverse reactions associated with high-dose, low-frequency PLEGRIDY?
- How can patients get PLEGRIDY?
- What patient support services are available?
- Is additional injection training available for my patients taking high-dose, low-frequency PLEGRIDY?
What is PEG?
PEG is polyethylene glycol, which is a synthetic polymer manufactured from ethylene oxide.1
What is pegylation?
Pegylation involves the attachment of a polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymer chain to a molecule. This attachment increases molecular mass and contributes to a subsequent reduction in renal clearance.2
How effective is high-dose, low-frequency PLEGRIDY?
In the ADVANCE trial, the efficacy of PLEGRIDY was assessed from the placebo-controlled first year (48 weeks) of a 2-year, randomized, double-blind clinical study, including 1,512 patients with relapsing forms of MS.2,3
- PLEGRIDY significantly reduced the proportion of patients with disability progression
- PLEGRIDY significantly reduced relapse rates
- PLEGRIDY significantly reduced the number of new and newly enlarging T2 and Gd-enhancing MRI lesions
Learn more about the efficacy of high-dose, low-frequency PLEGRIDY
How do patients take high-dose, low-frequency PLEGRIDY? Should titration be used for patients starting treatment with PLEGRIDY?
PLEGRIDY is injected subcutaneously at a recommended dosage of 125 micrograms once every 14 days. Since titration is recommended, patients should start treatment with 63 micrograms on day 1. On day 15 (14 days later), the dose should be increased to 94 micrograms. The full dose of 125 micrograms is reached on day 29 (after another 14 days). Patients continue with the full dose (125 micrograms) every 14 days thereafter. Furthermore, patients have options with the PLEGRIDY PEN and prefilled syringe.2
Nurse Educators, available through the Above MS™ program from Biogen, can offer additional injection and product education through one-on-one guidance—at no cost to your patients.
See additional dosing information for high-dose, low-frequency PLEGRIDY
Is titration available with the PLEGRIDY PEN?
Yes. Patients should titrate using the PLEGRIDY PEN or prefilled syringe. The PLEGRIDY Starter Pack contains the 63 mcg and 94 mcg color-coded doses in both administration options.2
Learn more about the PLEGRIDY Starter Pack
What areas of the body should patients use when injecting high-dose, low-frequency PLEGRIDY?
Patients should inject in their thigh, abdomen, or back of their upper arm. Patients should also be advised to rotate the injection site, avoiding 2 or more consecutive injections in the same site in order to minimize injection site reactions.4
Learn more about the Instructions for Use
What is the pH of the PLEGRIDY formulation?
The pH of PLEGRIDY is approximately 4.8.2
How should PLEGRIDY be stored, and is it stable at room temperature?
PLEGRIDY should be stored in a refrigerator between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze. If refrigeration is unavailable, PLEGRIDY may be stored between 2°C to 25°C (36°F to 77°F) for a period up to 30 days, protected from light. The total combined time out of refrigeration within this temperature range should not exceed 30 days.2
What are the common adverse reactions associated with high-dose, low-frequency PLEGRIDY?
The most common adverse reactions (incidence more than 10% and at least 2% more frequent on PLEGRIDY than on placebo) associated with PLEGRIDY treatment are injection site erythema, influenza‐like illness, pyrexia, headache, myalgia, chills, injection site pain, asthenia, injection site pruritus, and arthralgia.2
See additional safety information for PLEGRIDY
See additional tolerability information for PLEGRIDY
How can patients get PLEGRIDY?
PLEGRIDY is available through a limited distribution model, providing access through a network of preferred specialty pharmacies. This allows for every patient with relapsing MS to receive a consistent level of pharmacy services that facilitates access to PLEGRIDY. PLEGRIDY Specialty Pharmacy Network comprises 2 subgroups of specialty pharmacies:
- PLEGRIDY Pharmacy Network: Traditional specialty pharmacies, including national and regional specialty pharmacies that may be payer-owned, pharmacy benefit manager (PBM)-owned, or independent.
- PLEGRIDY Alternate Care Pharmacy Network: Specialty pharmacies that are typically part of integrated healthcare systems, and provide specialty pharmaceutical services to patients through outpatient facilities.
Learn more about specialty pharmacies
What patient support services are available?
The Above MS™ program from Biogen offers helpful services for you and your practice to support your patients.
For your practice:
- Benefits investigation to help determine the best coverage options for patients
- Insurance counseling for the uninsured and underinsured
- Tools for navigating the US healthcare reform law
- Nurse Educator reporting on patient progress between office visits (if applicable)
For your patients:
- A variety of financial and insurance support services
- 24/7 phone assistance from Nurse Educators. Support is available in Spanish
- Support finding assistance from charitable organizations
- Information about Biogen’s relapsing MS treatment options
- Tips for managing common side effects once prescribed treatment
- Disease-state education
Is additional injection training available for patients taking high-dose, low-frequency PLEGRIDY?
Whether your patients are just starting treatment or have been on treatment for a while, Nurse Educators are available by phone 24/7 to provide extra support and to answer their questions. The Above MS™ program from Biogen also provides additional injection training for people taking an injectable Biogen treatment for relapsing MS. This may include a Nurse Educator visiting their home (if needed). Nurse Educators can be reached by calling 1-800-456-2255. Support is available in Spanish.