Interferon beta-1b

Generic name: Interferon Beta-1b
Dosage form: subcutaneous powder for injection (0.3 mg)
Drug class: Interferons

Usage of Interferon beta-1b

Interferon beta-1b is used to treat is used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). interferon beta-1b will not cure MS, but it may decrease flare-ups.

Interferon beta-1b may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Interferon beta-1b side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some patients using interferon medicines have become very depressed or had thoughts of suicide. Report any new or worsening symptoms of depression to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, trouble sleeping, hallucinations, or if you feel impulsive, hostile, aggressive, depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Interferon beta-1b may cause serious side effects. Stop using interferon beta-1b and call your doctor at once if you have:

fever, chills, sweating, tiredness, body aches;

a seizure;

pain, swelling, redness, or skin changes where an injection was given;

heart problems--chest tightness, swelling, rapid weight gain, trouble lying flat in bed, feeling short of breath;

liver problems--nausea, vomiting, itching, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes); or

new or worsening symptoms of lupus--joint pain, and a skin rash on your cheeks or arms that worsens in sunlight.

Common side effects of interferon beta-1b may include:

low white blood cell counts;

abnormal liver function tests;

headache, weakness;

sleep problems (insomnia);

stomach pain;

muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness;

rash;

flu symptoms; or

a skin reaction where the medicine was injected.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Interferon beta-1b

You should not use interferon beta-1b if you are allergic to interferon beta, albumin, or mannitol.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

liver disease;

heart problems;

a seizure;

depression, anxiety, or sleep problems;

a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder;

low white blood cell (WBC) counts;

anemia (lack of red blood cells); or

an allergy to latex.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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How to use Interferon beta-1b

Usual Adult Dose for Multiple Sclerosis:

Initial dose: 0.0625 mg subcutaneously every other day, and increased (in 25% increments) every 2 weeks, over a 6 week period, to maintenance doseMaintenance dose: 0.25 mg subcutaneously every other daySchedule for dose titration:Weeks 1 and 2: 0.0625 mg subcutaneously every other day (25% of recommended dose)Weeks 3 and 4: 0.125 mg subcutaneously every other day (50% of recommended dose)Weeks 5 and 6: 0.1875 mg subcutaneously every other day (75% of recommended dose)Week 7 and beyond: 0.25 mg subcutaneously every other day (100% of recommended dose)Use: For the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis to reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations. Patients with multiple sclerosis in whom efficacy has been demonstrated include patients who have experienced a first clinical episode and have MRI features consistent with multiple sclerosis.

Warnings

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as a rash, itching, or swelling in your mouth or tongue.

Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking interferon beta-1b. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.

Interferon beta-1b can harm your liver. Call your doctor at once if you have nausea, vomiting, itching, bruising or bleeding, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

What other drugs will affect Interferon beta-1b

Other drugs may affect interferon beta-1b, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

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