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Plegridy vs. Tecfidera

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Plegridy (peginterferon beta-1a) and dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera) are both used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), but they have some key differences. Plegridy is an injectable medication given every two weeks, while Tecfidera is an oral capsule taken twice a day. Plegridy belongs to the biologic drug class called interferon beta, whereas Tecfidera is a fumaric acid derivative. Both medications can cause liver damage and changes in blood counts, requiring regular blood tests. Additionally, Plegridy can also cause depression and heart problems, whereas dimethyl fumarate can cause flushing and serious stomach issues. Tecfidera is available as a lower-cost generic, while Plegridy does not have a generic form.

Plegridy

(peginterferon beta-1a)

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Dimethyl fumarate

(Tecfidera)

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Summary for Plegridy

Prescription only

Plegridy (peginterferon beta-1a) is an interferon beta. It's used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults. It's given either as an injection under the skin or into the muscle once every 2 weeks. Some of the more common side effects of Plegridy (peginterferon beta-1a) include redness at the injection site and flu-like symptoms. Though rare, it can also cause more serious side effects like depression and liver damage, so it's best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Plegridy (peginterferon beta-1a).

Indications for Plegridy

Pros and Cons for Plegridy

Pros

  • Works well as a disease-modifying therapy (DMT) to treat relapsing forms of MS
  • Only has to be injected every 14 days
  • Can be kept at room temperature for up to 30 days, which can be convenient if you're traveling

Cons

  • Might be difficult for some people to administer correctly
  • Can potentially cause a lot of serious side effects like liver damage and mental health problems
  • It's not completely known if Plegridy (peginterferon beta-1a) is safe in pregnant or breastfeeding women

Common Side Effects for Plegridy

  • Injection-site redness (62%)
  • Flu-like symptoms (47%)
  • Fever (45%)
  • Headache (44%)
  • Muscle pain (19%)
  • Chills (17%)
  • Injection-site pain and itching (up to 15%)
  • Weakness (13%)
  • Joint pain (11%)

Warnings for Plegridy

  • Liver damage
  • Depression and suicide
  • Severe allergic and injection-site reactions
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Lower blood cell counts
  • High blood pressure in the lungs
  • Autoimmune problems
  • Seizures

Summary for Tecfidera

Prescription only

Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera) is used to treat adults with certain types of multiple sclerosis (MS), a condition that affects your nervous system. This medication is a disease-modifying therapy (DMT) that belongs to the drug class called fumaric acid derivatives. Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera) is available as a brand-name medication and a lower-cost generic. The capsules are taken by mouth twice per day. The most common side effects are stomach upset and flushing (e.g., facial warmth, redness, burning sensation).

Indications for Tecfidera

Pros and Cons for Tecfidera

Pros

  • Works well to lessen MS relapses
  • Can take with or without food
  • Available as a lower-cost generic medication
  • No known interactions with other medications or supplements

Cons

Common Side Effects for Tecfidera

  • Flushing (40%)
  • Stomach pain (18%)
  • Diarrhea (14%)
  • Nausea (12%)
  • Vomiting (9%)
  • Itchiness (8%)
  • Rash (8%)

Warnings for Tecfidera

  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Serious infections
  • Low white blood cell counts (lymphopenia)
  • Liver damage
  • Flushing
  • Serious stomach and intestine problems

Prices with our coupons for Plegridy vs. Tecfidera

Price Card Drug Icon
Plegridy1 package / 2 pens of 125mcg
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Price Card Drug Icon
Dimethyl Fumarate1 bottle / 60 capsules of 240mg
$41.33$8,932.31
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