• Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease.

Contraindicated in:

• Hypersensitivity to natural or recombinant interferon beta or human albumin.

Use Cautiously in:

• History of suicide attempt or depression
• HF (may worsen HF)
• Latex sensitivity
• OB: Safety not established in pregnancy
• Lactation: Use while breastfeeding only if potential maternal benefit justifies potential risk to infant
• Pedi: Safety and effectiveness not established in children.

CV: edema, chest pain, hypertension.

Derm: rash.

Endo: menstrual disorders, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, menorrhagia.

GI: abdominal pain, constipation, nausea, vomiting, autoimmune hepatitis, ↑ liver enzymes.

GU: urgency, erectile dysfunction, spontaneous abortion.

Hemat: neutropenia, anemia, HEMOLYTIC UREMIC SYNDROME, thrombocytopenia, THROMBOTIC THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA.

Local: injection-site reactions , injection site necrosis.

MS: myalgia, pain, muscle spasm.

Neuro: depression, headache, incoordination, insomnia, suicidal thoughts.

Resp: dyspnea.

Misc: chills, fever, flu-like symptoms, drug-induced lupus erythematosus, HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS(INCLUDING ANAPHYLAXIS) .

Drug-Drug:

• None reported.

• Powder for injection: 0.3 mg/vial;

• SC (Adults): 0.0625 mg every other day, then ↑ dose by 0.0625 mg every 2 wk to target dose of 0.25 mg every other day.

Betaseron

• Antiviral and immunoregulatory properties produced by interacting with specific receptor sites on cell surfaces may explain beneficial effects.
• Produced by recombinant DNA technology.

• Reduced incidence of relapse (neurologic dysfunction) and slowing of physical disability.

Therapeutic Classification: anti-multiple sclerosis agents, immune modifiers

Pharmacologic Classification: interferons

Absorption: 50% absorbed following subcutaneous administration.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Unknown.

Half-life: 8 min–4.3 hr.

(serum concentrations)

• Home Care Issues: Instruct patient in correct technique for injection, and care and disposal of equipment. Caution patient not to reuse needles or syringes and provide patient with a puncture-resistant container for disposal.
  • Instruct patient to take medication as directed; do not change dose or schedule without consulting health care professional. Take missed doses as soon as remembered. Take next injection 48 hr after injection; do not take medication on 2 consecutive days. Advise patient to read Medication Guide before starting therapy and with each Rx refill in case of changes.
  • Advise patient, family and caregivers to look for suicidality. Notify health care professional immediately if thoughts about suicide or dying, attempts to commit suicide, new or worse depression or anxiety, agitation or restlessness, panic attacks, insomnia, new or worse irritability, aggressiveness, acting on dangerous impulses, mania, or other changes in mood or behavior occur.
  • Inform patients with pre-existing HF to notify health care professional if signs and symptoms of worsening HF (swollen ankles, shortness of breath, decreased ability to exercise, fast heartbeat, tightness in chest, increased need to urinate at night, not being able to lay flat in bed) immediately.
  • Inform patient that flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, myalgia, sweating, malaise) may occur during therapy. Acetaminophen may be used for relief of fever and myalgias.
  • May cause injection site reactions, including injection site necrosis. Periodically assess patient understanding and use of aseptic self-injection techniques, particularly if injection site necrosis has occurred. Discontinuation of therapy following a single site of necrosis is based on the extent of necrosis. For patients who continue therapy after injection site necrosis has occurred, avoid administration into affected area until fully healed. If multiple lesions occur, change injection site or discontinue therapy until healing occurs.
  • Advise patient to notify health care professional if injection site reactions, rash, or necrosis (area is swollen and painful, looks infected, does not heal within a few days, has fluid draining from it, or breaks in your skin or blue-black skin discoloration) or signs and symptoms of liver problems (yellowing of eyes, itchy skin, nausea or vomiting, feeling very tired, flu-like symptoms, bruising easily or bleeding problems) occur.
  • Instruct patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and consult health care professional before taking any new medications.
  • Rep: Advise females of reproductive potential to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected, or if breastfeeding.

in-ter-FEER-on BAY-ta won-bee

NDC Code^*

• 0078- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
  • 0078-0569- EXTAVIA
    • 0078-0569-12- 15 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (0078-0569-12) > 1 KIT in 1 BLISTER PACK (0078-0569-61) * 3 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-USE * 1.2 mL in 1 SYRINGE

• 50419- Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.
  • 50419-524- Betaseron
    • 50419-524-05- 5 CARTON in 1 BOX (50419-524-05) > 1 KIT in 1 CARTON (50419-524-01) * 1 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-USE * 1.2 mL in 1 SYRINGE

• 50419- Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.
  • 50419-524- Betaseron
    • 50419-524-09- 1 CARTON in 1 BOX (50419-524-09) > 1 KIT in 1 CARTON (50419-524-01) * 1 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-USE * 1.2 mL in 1 SYRINGE

• 50419- Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.
  • 50419-524- Betaseron
    • 50419-524-35- 14 CARTON in 1 BOX (50419-524-35) > 1 KIT in 1 CARTON (50419-524-01) * 1 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-USE * 1.2 mL in 1 SYRINGE

• 50419- Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.
  • 50419-524- Betaseron
    • 50419-524-81- 14 CARTON in 1 BOX (50419-524-81) > 1 KIT in 1 CARTON (50419-524-01) * 1 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-USE * 1.2 mL in 1 SYRINGE