Brand Name
Betaseron
Common Name
interferon beta-1b
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Interferon beta-1b belongs to a class of medications known as immunomodulators. It is used to reduce the frequency of exacerbations (worsening of symptoms) in people suffering with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is caused by the body's own defense system attacking the lining of the nerves of the body. Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis is associated with worsening of the disease (a relapse) followed by remission (a period of normal or near normal health). Interferon beta-1b works by slowing down the attack of the body's defense cells on the nerves. This helps to reduce the frequency of relapses that a person with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis experiences. Interferon beta-1b can also slow the progression of disability and reduce the frequency of relapses in people with another type of MS called SPMS (secondary progressive multiple sclerosis). It can also be used to delay the onset of clinically definite MS for people who have had a single MS attack (also called a demyelinating event) combined with at least two MS lesions on their MRI scans
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not share this medication with anyone, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
How should I use this medication?
Interferon beta-1b is given by injection. A doctor or trained health professional will instruct you in the preparation and self-injection technique of interferon beta-1b. The recommended adult dose is 0.25 mg (8 MIU) injected s.c. (subcutaneously, meaning under the skin) every other day. In some cases the doctor may prescribe a lower dose (4 MIU every other day) for two weeks before increasing the dose to the recommended adult dose.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. Your doctor may recommend a different dose than the ones listed here. This medication should be used only as recommended by your doctor. If you miss a dose of medication, use it as soon as you remember.
Interferon beta-1b should be kept at room temperature, between 15°C and 30°C.
See the package insert for instructions on choosing the injection site, preparing the injection, and injecting the medication. After mixing, the vial or syringe containing the medication should be kept in a refrigerator and used within three hours. It is very important that you use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Each single-use vial of lyophilized powder contains interferon beta-1b 0.3 mg (9.6 MIU), 15 mg albumin human USP and 15 mg mannitol USP.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Who should NOT take this medication?
This medication should not be used by people who are allergic to natural or recombinant interferon beta, albumin human, or any other ingredient of the product.
What side effects are possible with this medication?
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your health professional. They may be able to help you to deal with some of the effects.
The following side effects may go away as your body becomes used to the medication; check with your doctor if they continue or become bothersome.
More common
o constipation
o diarrhea
o dizziness
o laryngitis (loss of voice)
o menstrual pain or other changes
o unusual tiredness or weakness
Less common
o anxiety
o drowsiness
o hair loss
o nervousness
o vomiting
Contact your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
o abdominal pain
o break in the skin at place of injection, with blue-black discoloration, swelling, or drainage of fluid
o flu-like symptoms including chills, fever, generalized feeling of discomfort or illness, increased sweating, and muscle pain
o headache or migraine
o hives, itching, or swelling at place of injection
o high blood pressure
o irregular or pounding heartbeat
o pain at place of injection
o redness or feeling of heat at place of injection
o stuffy nose
Less common
o breast pain
o bloody or cloudy urine
o changes in vision
o cold hands and feet
o difficult, burning, or painful urination
o difficulty breathing
o fast or racing heartbeat
o frequent urge to urinate
o pain
o pelvic pain
o swollen glands
o unusual weight gain
Rare
o abnormal growth or lump in breast
o bleeding problems
o bloating or swelling
o changes in menstrual periods
o confusion
o convulsions (seizures)
o cysts (abnormal growths filled with fluid or semisolid material)
o decreased sexual ability (in males)
o depression with thoughts of suicide
o dry, puffy skin
o easy bruising of the skin
o feeling cold
o hyperactivity
o increased muscle tone
o increased urge to urinate
o itching on body areas other than the site of injections
o loss of memory
o problems with speaking
o red, itching, or swollen eyes
o swelling of front part of neck
o unusual weight loss
o yellow eyes or skin
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Heart disease: People who have heart disease should be closely monitored by their doctors while using this medication.
Liver damage: This medication may cause severe liver damage. This side effect is rare, but can be very serious. It usually occurs during the first six months of treatment, but may also occur later in treatment. Your doctor will test your liver function regularly while you are taking this medication. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the signs of liver damage, including yellow eyes or skin, easy bruising of the skin, nausea and vomiting, itching, or abdominal pain. People with a history of poor liver function, alcohol abuse, or active liver disease should be closely monitored by their doctor while taking this medication.
Pregnancy: There are no adequate or well-controlled studies on the use of this medication by pregnant women. Women of childbearing age should take reliable birth control measures. If you become pregnant while using interferon beta-1b, stop treatment and talk with your doctor.
Breast-feeding: There is a potential for serious adverse reactions in infants whose mothers are using this medication. A decision should be made to stop breast-feeding or stop the medication, taking into consideration the importance of interferon beta-1b to the mother.
Children and adolescents: The safety and effectiveness of this medication has not been established for those 18 years and younger.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
Interactions between interferon beta-1b and other medications have not been evaluated.
Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
o stop taking one of the medications,
o change one of the medications to another,
o change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
o leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
The contents of this site are for informational purposes only and are meant to be discussed with your physician or other qualified health care professional before being acted on. Never disregard any advice given to you by your doctor or other qualified health care professional. Always seek the advice of a physician or other licensed health care professional regarding any questions you have about your medical condition(s) and treatment(s). This site is not a substitute for medical advice.
© 1996 - 2008 MediResource Inc. - Targeted Health Solutions