Interferon Beta 1b

DEA Class;  Rx

Common Brand Names; Betaseron, Extavia

• Injection site reaction (85%)
• Flu-like syndrome (60%)
• Headache (57%)
• Myasthenia (46%)
• Fever (36%)
• Nausea (27%)
• Chills (25%)
• Constipation (20%)
• Abd pain (19%)
• Leukopenia (18%)
• Chest pain (11%)
• Malaise (8%)
• Inj site necrosis (5%)
• Hypersensitivity (3%)
• Lymphopenia (>5%)
• Myalgia (>5%)
• Neutropenia (>5%)
• Increased liver enzymes (>5%)
• Hypertonia (>5%)
• Pain (>5%)
• Rash (>5%)
• Insomnia (>5%)
• Abdominal pain (>5%)
• Asthenia (>5%)

Do not administer into affected area until fully healed; if multiple lesions occur, discontinue therapy until skin lesions heal

Abortifacient potential

Increased risk of infection

Betaseron & Extavia, although dosed similarly, not considered therapeutically equivalent

Leukopenia may occur; monitor complete blood count

Anaphylaxis reported as a rare complication of interferon beta-1b use; other allergic reactions have included dyspnea, bronchospasm, tongue edema, skin rash, and urticaria; discontinue therapy if anaphylaxis occurs; the removable rubber cap of the diluent (0.54% sodium chloride solution, USP) pre-filled syringe contains natural rubber latex, which may cause allergic reactions and should not be handled by latex-sensitive individuals; the safe use of pre-filled syringe in latex-sensitive individuals has not been studied

Although there have been no well-controlled studies in pregnant women, available data, which includes prospective observational studies, have not generally indicated a drug-associated risk of major birth defects during pregnancy

There are no data on presence of drug in human milk, effects on breastfed infant, or on milk production