Betaseron, also known as Interferon beta 1b, is a prescription medication approved by the FDA for adults who have had their first episode of multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms and whose MRI scans are compatible with a diagnosis of MS. Here are some key points about Betaseron:
Overview
- Brand Names: Betaseron, Extavia Show Full Answer
Betaseron, also known as Interferon beta 1b, is a prescription medication approved by the FDA for adults who have had their first episode of multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms and whose MRI scans are compatible with a diagnosis of MS. Here are some key points about Betaseron:
Overview
- Brand Names: Betaseron, Extavia (identical product)
- Purpose: Not a cure for MS, but helps decrease the number of flare-ups, increase time between flare-ups, and decrease the severity of flare-ups in people with relapsing forms of MS.
Usage
- Administration: Given every other day as a subcutaneous injection in the upper arm or upper/outer thigh.
- Injection Sites: Rotate sites to avoid injecting into scarred, infected, bruised, or irritated skin.
- Storage: Store at room temperature.
- Dosage: Your doctor may start you on a low dose and gradually increase it.
Monitoring
- Blood Tests: Your doctor may order extra blood tests to monitor liver function and blood cell counts.
Side Effects
- Common: Flu-like symptoms during the first few days.
- Serious: Liver and heart problems, seizures, skin damage, mood or behavioral problems, allergic reactions.
- Liver Problems: Signs include yellowing skin, jaundice, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, dark urine, pale feces, easy bruising.
- Heart Problems: Symptoms include swollen ankles, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, tight chest feeling.
- Injection Site Necrosis: Swelling, blue-black discoloration, fluid drainage at injection sites.
- Mood/Behavioral Problems: Depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, irritability, hallucinations.
- Allergic Reactions: Difficulty breathing, swelling in face, throat, eyes, lips, or tongue.
Precautions
- Not Suitable For: Pregnant women, women planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding women, people allergic to interferon beta, human albumin, or mannitol.
- Caution: People with a history of depression, seizures, heart or liver problems.
Studies and Results
- Clinical Trials: Approved by the FDA in 1993 based on four clinical trials.
- Study 1 (1991): Showed fewer MS-related hospitalizations and brain lesions in those taking Betaseron.
- Studies 2 and 3 (1993): Showed lower relapse rates and fewer brain lesions in people with progressive MS.
- Study 4 (2006): Showed fewer second attacks and new brain lesions in people who had one attack of MS-like symptoms.
- 16-Year Follow-Up (2009): Showed lower rates of disability in long-term users.
Mechanism
- Function: Believed to reduce inflammation in the brain and may promote nerve growth.
Always follow your doctor's instructions exactly when taking Betaseron. If you experience any severe side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
July 15, 2024
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