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Betaseron, |Betaseron

Betaseron

Generic Name: interferon beta-1b (in ter FEER on BAY ta 1b)
Brand Names: Betaseron

What is interferon beta-1b?

Interferon beta-1b is made from human proteins. Interferons help the body fight viral infections.

Interferon beta-1b is used to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). This medication will not cure MS, it will only decrease the frequency of relapse symptoms.

Interferon beta-1b may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about interferon beta-1b?

Before using interferon beta-1b, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have liver disease, a thyroid disorder, epilepsy or other seizure disorder, a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder, anemia (low red blood cells), or a history of depression or suicidal behavior.

Interferon beta-1b is given as an injection under the skin, usually at bedtime every 48 hours (2 days). You may be given instructions on how to use your injections at home.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood and liver function will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your thyroid function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using interferon beta-1b?

Before using interferon beta-1b, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• liver disease;

• a thyroid disorder;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder, such as hemophilia;

• anemia (lack of red blood cells); or

• a history of depression or suicidal behavior.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use interferon beta-1b, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

How should I use interferon beta-1b?

Interferon beta-1b is given as an injection under the skin. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be given instructions on how to use your injections at home.

Interferon beta-1b is injected into a skin area of the thigh, stomach, buttocks, or back of the upper arm. This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Interferon beta-1b is usually given as one injection at bedtime every 48 hours (2 days). Follow the directions on your prescription label. Try to use your injections at the same time each dosing day.

Interferon beta-1b is a powder that comes in a single-use vial (bottle) with a liquid (diluent) that must be mixed with the powder in the vial. Gently swirl but do not shake the vial after mixing the medicine. Allow any bubbles or foam to settle before drawing the medicine into a syringe.

If the medicine has changed colors or has any particles in it, call your doctor for a new prescription.

Use each needle and syringe only one time. With your medicine you will receive a puncture-proof container for used needles and syringes. If you do not receive a container, ask your pharmacist for one. Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets. Your pharmacist can tell you how to properly dispose of the container.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood and liver function will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your thyroid function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medication as soon as you remember the missed dose. Then wait at least 48 hours before using another injection, and restart your dosing schedule at that time. Do not use more than one injection every 48 hours (2 days).

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while using interferon beta-1b?

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while using interferon beta-1b unless your doctor has told you otherwise.

Interferons can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Interferon beta-1b side effects

• depressed mood, anxiety, trouble sleeping, restlessness, or thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;

• bruising, swelling, oozing, or skin changes where the injection was given;

• weight changes, pounding heartbeats, feeling too hot or cold;

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; or

• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Continue using interferon beta-1b and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

• weakness;

• headache;

• muscle pain or weakness;

• sleep problems (insomnia);

• stomach pain;

• swelling in your hands or feet;

• skin rash; or

• irregular menstrual periods.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect interferon beta-1b?

There may be other drugs that can affect interferon beta-1b. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has information about interferon beta-1b written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Interferon beta-1b is available with a prescription under the brand name Betaseron. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with other, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ("Multum") is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum"s drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum"s drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.