interferon beta-1a

What is the most important information I should know about interferon beta-1a?

Some people have thoughts about suicide while using interferon beta-1a. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.

What is interferon beta-1a?

Interferon beta-1a is used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults (including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease).

This medicine will not cure MS, it will only decrease the frequency of relapse symptoms.

Interferon beta-1a may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using interferon beta-1a?

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• bleeding problems or a blood clot;
• depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts or actions;
• liver disease;
• bleeding problems;
• low blood cell counts;
• heart disease;
• a thyroid disorder;
• a latex allergy;
• an autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or psoriasis;
• a seizure; or
• if you drink alcohol.

Some brands of interferon beta-1a contain donated human plasma and may contain viruses or other infectious agents. Donated plasma is tested and treated to reduce the risk of contamination, but there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Ask your doctor about any possible risk.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.

How should I use interferon beta-1a?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Interferon beta-1a is given by injection. A healthcare provider may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand all instructions.

Avonex is injected into a muscle, usually once weekly at bedtime, on the same day each week (such as every Monday).

Rebif is injected under the skin, usually 3 times per week (such as Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) at the same time on each dosing day.

The powder form of this medicine must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Your care provider will show you where on your body to inject interferon beta-1a. Use a different place each time you give an injection. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.

This medicine can cause flu-like symptoms, especially when you first start using it. You may be given other medications to help prevent these symptoms. Keep using these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

You will need frequent medical tests.

Each prefilled syringe or injection pen is for one use only. Throw it away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.

After mixing the powder form of interferon beta-1a with a diluent, store the mixture in a refrigerator and use it within 6 hours.

The Avonex prefilled syringe or autoinjector may be removed from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before your injection, to reach room temperature. Do not warm the medicine under hot water.

• Do not leave the Avonex prefilled syringe or autoinjector out of a refrigerator for longer than 7 days.
• Do not leave the Avonex vial or the Rebif prefilled syringe or autoinjector out of a refrigerator for longer than a total of 30 days.

Do not freeze interferon beta-1a, and throw away the medicine if it has become frozen.

Each vial, syringe, or autoinjector is for one use only. Throw it away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.

Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

What happens if I miss a dose?

For Avonex: Use the medicine as soon as you can, but do not inject Avonex two days in a row. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while using interferon beta-1a?

Avoid injecting this medicine into skin that is red, bruised, irritated, scarred, or infected.

What are the possible side effects of interferon beta-1a?

• pain, swelling, bruising, redness, oozing, or skin changes where the injection was given;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• unusual changes in mood or behavior (feeling hopeless, anxious, nervous, irritable, or depressed);
• thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself;
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding;
• a seizure;
• heart problems --swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath, rapid heartbeats, chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating;
• liver problems --nausea, loss of appetite, tiredness, confusion, easy bruising or bleeding, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes);
• signs of infection --fever, chills, cough with mucus, bloody diarrhea, pain or burning when you urinate; or
• thyroid problems --mood swings, trouble sleeping, tiredness, hunger, diarrhea, pounding heartbeats, muscle weakness, sweating, dry skin, thinning hair, menstrual changes, weight changes, puffiness in your face, feeling more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures.

Common side effects may include:

• low blood cell counts;
• skin changes where the injection was given;
• depression;
• abnormal liver function tests;
• stomach pain; or
• flu symptoms --headache, fever, chills, chest pain, back pain, tiredness, weakness, muscle aches.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect interferon beta-1a?

Other drugs may affect interferon beta-1a, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about interferon beta-1a.