Pronunciation: IN-ter-FEER-on BAY-ta
Generic Name: Interferon Beta-1b
Brand Name: Betaseron
Interferon Beta-1b Solution is used for:
Treating relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) to reduce the number of flare-ups and slow down the development of physical disability associated with MS.
Interferon Beta-1b Solution is a protein similar to one found in the body. Exactly how it works is not known.
Do NOT use Interferon Beta-1b Solution if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Interferon Beta-1b Solution, including albumin
- you are using another medicine that contains interferon beta-1b
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Interferon Beta-1b Solution:
Some medical conditions may interact with Interferon Beta-1b Solution. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have a history of liver problems, thyroid problems, blood problems (eg, anemia, easy bleeding or bruising), bone marrow problems, seizures, mood or mental problems (eg, depression), or suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Interferon Beta-1b Solution. However, no specific interactions with Interferon Beta-1b Solution are known at this time.
Ask your health care provider if Interferon Beta-1b Solution may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Interferon Beta-1b Solution:
Use Interferon Beta-1b Solution as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- An extra patient leaflet is available with Interferon Beta-1b Solution. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
- Interferon Beta-1b Solution is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using Interferon Beta-1b Solution at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Interferon Beta-1b Solution. Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.
- Do not use Interferon Beta-1b Solution if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
- Rotate injection sites. Do not inject into an area of the body where the skin is irritated, red, bruised, infected, or scarred in any way. If you experience a break in the skin, blue-black discoloration of the skin, or fluid drainage from the injection site, contact your health care provider at once before continuing use of Interferon Beta-1b Solution.
- Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.
- If you miss a dose of Interferon Beta-1b Solution, use it as soon as possible. Then use your next dose about 48 hours later. Do not use Interferon Beta-1b Solution 2 days in a row. Do not use 2 doses at once. Check with your doctor if you are unsure what to do if you miss a dose.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Interferon Beta-1b Solution.
Important safety information:
- Some patients become depressed or suicidal while taking Interferon Beta-1b Solution. If you begin to feel depressed or suicidal, contact your doctor.
- Interferon Beta-1b Solution commonly causes flu-like symptoms (eg, fever, chills, sweating, tiredness, muscle aches). Talk to your doctor about whether you should take a nonprescription medicine for pain or fever reduction before or after taking Interferon Beta-1b Solution.
- Interferon Beta-1b Solution may reduce the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood. Avoid activities that may cause bruising or injury. Tell your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding. Tell your doctor if you have dark, tarry, or bloody stools.
- Interferon Beta-1b Solution may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
- Interferon Beta-1b Solution contains albumin, which comes from human blood. There is a very rare risk of getting a viral disease or a central nervous system disease called Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease from products with albumin. No cases of these problems have been found in patients who have used Interferon Beta-1b Solution.
- Lab tests, including complete blood cell counts, liver function, and thyroid function, may be performed while you use Interferon Beta-1b Solution. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Interferon Beta-1b Solution should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Do not use Interferon Beta-1b Solution if you are pregnant. It may cause harm to the fetus. Avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. It is not known if Interferon Beta-1b Solution is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Interferon Beta-1b Solution, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Interferon Beta-1b Solution:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Decreased sexual ability; flu-like symptoms (eg, low-grade fever, chills, general body discomfort; unusual sweating); frequent urination; headache; joint pain; mild pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site; muscle pain or weakness; nausea; stomach upset; trouble sleeping; unusual spotting or menstrual bleeding; weakness.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing or swallowing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blue-black discoloration, skin breakdown, oozing, or persistent pain or swelling around the injection site; chest pain; decreased coordination; feeling cold or hot all the time; mood or mental changes (eg, depression, anxiety, nervousness, severe or persistent trouble sleeping); muscle stiffness; seizures; severe or persistent headache or dizziness; shortness of breath; suicidal thoughts or behaviors; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; swollen lymph nodes; symptoms of infection (eg, severe or persistent fever, chills, sore throat); symptoms of liver problems (eg, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, right-sided stomach pain); unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual weight gain or loss.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Interferon Beta-1b side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.
Proper storage of Interferon Beta-1b Solution:
Store Interferon Beta-1b Solution at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. After mixing, the medicine may be stored in the refrigerator, but should be used within 3 hours after mixing. Do not freeze. Keep Interferon Beta-1b Solution, as well as needles and syringes, out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Interferon Beta-1b Solution, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Interferon Beta-1b Solution is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Interferon Beta-1b Solution. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Interferon Beta-1b resources
- Interferon Beta-1b Side Effects (in more detail)
- Interferon Beta-1b Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Interferon Beta-1b Drug Interactions
- Interferon Beta-1b Support Group
- 2 Reviews for Interferon Beta-1b - Add your own review/rating
Compare Interferon Beta-1b with other medications
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- Colorectal Cancer
- Multiple Sclerosis
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