Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Interferon Beta-1b
Other Names: Betaseron
Drug Class: Interferons
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: No
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Betaseron? (Back to top)
INTERFERON BETA-1b helps to decrease the number of multiple sclerosis attacks in people with relapsing forms of the disease. This medicine does not cure multiple sclerosis. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• anemia
• bleeding problem
• depression
• heart disease or irregular heart beats/rhythm
• immune system problems
• liver disease
• seizures
• thyroid disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to interferon, albumin, mannitol, or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
The medicine is for injection under the skin. Make sure you understand how to prepare, inject, and store the medicine. Before preparing an injection, always wash your hands well with soap and water. Do not shake the solution before measuring or injecting a dose. The medicine should be clear and colorless. Do not use if you see color, particles, or flakes. Clean the injection site with alcohol. Do not inject into infected, red, or damaged skin. Also, rotate injection sites. Use a different injection site for each injection.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. Each dose should be separated by about 48 hours. If you accidentally take a dose on 2 consecutive days, call your doctor or health care professional.

What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)

• zidovudine, AZT

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• a skin sore with a black-blue color, swelling, or drainage
• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• depression or nervousness
• difficulty breathing
• fever, chills, or any other sign of infection
• rapid heartbeat or palpitations
• severe stomach pain
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusually weak or tired
• yellowing of the skin or eyes

• drowsiness
• headache
• menstrual changes
• muscle aches
• pain, redness, and irritation at the injection site

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need frequent blood checks.

Females of child-bearing age should use a reliable method of birth control. If you do get pregnant, immediately stop using the medicine, and contact your doctor or health care professional.

Flu-like symptoms are common with the medicine. Using this medicine at night may help. Ask your doctor or health care professional about taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen before your dose and for 24 hours after you receive your injection.

Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). After mixing, if not used immediately, refrigerate the product and use within 3 hours. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused diluted injection. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Last Updated:September 03, 2006

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