Interferon Beta-1b Injection

Brands: Betaseron, Extavia

Uses

For multiple sclerosis.

Instructions

This medicine is used by injecting it into the skin. Please ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for the correct places on your body where this medicine can be injected.

Read and make sure you understand the instructions for measuring dose and using syringe. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Dilute the powder with the liquid provided. Gently swirl the vial until the medicine is completely dissolved. Do not shake the vial.

Do not dilute the medicine until ready to use.

If using the vial, do not remove the medicine from the vial until ready to use.

The liquid should be clear and colorless.

Check the medicine before each use. If the liquid medicine has any particles in it, appears discolored, or if the vial appears damaged, do not use it.

If the medicine becomes frozen, you will need to throw it away.

Store this medicine at room temperature - below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C).

Protect medicine from light.

Never use any medicine that has expired.

Discard any unused, mixed medicine after 3 hours in the refrigerator.

Please ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist how to discard unused medicines safely.

This medicine should be used at about the same time of day, preferably in the late afternoon or evening.

Using medicine before bedtime may lessen side effects.

Change the location of the injection each time. Choose a location at least 1 inch from the last injection.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to latex.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Pain or fever reducers may relieve some side effects. Please speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.

This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

It is unknown if this medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

Ask your pharmacist how to properly throw away used needles or syringes.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• pain in the abdomen
• constipation or diarrhea
• fever
• flu-like symptoms
• headaches
• pain, redness, swelling near injection
• nausea
• stomach upset or abdominal pain

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• bleeding or bruising
• chest pain
• changes in memory, mood, or thinking
• feeling cold
• confusion
• depression or feeling sad
• swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
• feeling of heat or flushing
• fever or chills
• fast or irregular heart beats
• pain in the joints
• signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
• mood changes
• butterfly-shaped rash on nose and cheeks
• seizures
• shortness of breath
• suicidal thoughts
• increased urinary frequency
• urinating less often
• dark urine
• severe or persistent vomiting
• sudden or unexplained weight gain

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Extra

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice. There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist. The display and use of this drug information is subject to Terms of Use. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.