Plegridy Pen and Sitagliptin Phosphate

• Generic Name: peginterferon beta-1a
• Dosage Forms: subcutaneous injection
• Other Brand Names: Plegridy, Plegridy Pen, Plegridy Pen Starter Pack, Plegridy Starter Pack

Peginterferon beta-1a injection is used to treat the relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). This medicine will not cure MS, but it may slow some of the disabling effects and decrease the number of relapses of the disease. Peginterferons are natural substances that are produced in the body to help fight infections. Peginterferon beta-1a is a synthetic (man-made) version of these substances.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

• Generic Name: sitagliptin
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Januvia

Used as monotherapy as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Used in combination with immediate- or extended-release metformin given separately or as a fixed combination (Janumet or Janumet XR, respectively) as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus when treatment with both sitagliptin and metformin is appropriate.

Used in fixed combination with ertugliflozin (Steglujan) as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus when treatment with both drugs is appropriate.

Used in combination with other oral antidiabetic agents (e.g., metformin, a sulfonylurea, a thiazolidinedione [peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ agonist]) or insulin as an adjunct to diet and exercise in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who have not achieved adequate glycemic control with one or more oral antidiabetic agents and/or insulin.

American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists/American College of Endocrinology (AACE/ACE) suggests a DPP-4 inhibitor as one of several alternatives for initial monotherapy in patients with metformin contraindications (e.g., renal disease, hepatic disease, GI intolerance, risk of lactic acidosis). DPP-4 inhibitors also recommended as part of combination therapy, particularly with both postprandial and fasting plasma glucose elevations.

Not indicated for use in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis; insulin is required in these conditions.