Interferon beta-1a is used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (a certain type of disease affecting the brain and/or spinal cord). It reduces the incidence of flare-ups and helps slow down the progression of disabling effects of multiple sclerosis.
This medicine may also be used in individuals who have experienced a single clinical event that is likely to be the first sign of multiple sclerosis.
Different brands of Interferon beta-1a may be administered in various routes. It may either be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin) or intramuscularly (into a muscle).
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
If you or your caregiver had been given the proper training on the preparation and injection techniques of this medicine, you or your caregiver may do the administration.
Use Interferon beta-1a exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine is available as a solution for injection in a cartridge, pre-filled pen or syringe. Make sure you know how to use the specific device you have been given. If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Remember to rotate the injection sites. Do not inject into the same area all the time. New injection sites should be at least 1.5 inches away from the previous injection site. Do not inject near the navel (belly button).
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the dosage, schedule and treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Interferon beta-1a must be used regularly for it to be effective. Continue using Interferon beta-1a even when you feel better. Do not stop using it unless instructed by the doctor.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Interferon beta-1a.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
If you or a caregiver had been trained to administer this medicine, make sure to discuss with your doctor on how you should manage your injections if you miss a dose. Different brands of Interferon beta-1a may be given on different schedules and routes of administration depending on your condition.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to administer your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not use Interferon beta-1a if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- severe depression
- have thoughts of self-harm
as Interferon beta-1a may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- current or history of depression
- heart disease
- severe myelosuppression (a condition in which the blood cells are low)
- history of seizures
- history of alcohol abuse
- thyroid disease
- liver disease
- severe kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. complete blood count, liver and thyroid functions) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you will need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs of depression may also be needed.
Interferon beta-1a may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, muscle or joint pain, fever, chills, tiredness, difficulty sleeping, hair loss, excessive sweating, flushing and redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, mouth or throat
- having thoughts of self-harm
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, anxious, nervous, irritable or aggressive)
- hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent)
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, swelling in the legs and ankles
- fits or seizures
This medicine may cause the level of your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to drop.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Inform your doctor if you have a fever, or a cough or flu that does not go away.
Platelets help your blood to clot when there is a cut in the skin. A fall in the level of your platelets may put you at risk of bleeding more than usual. Do not take part in activities where you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Inform your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises, especially if the bruises appeared on their own) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines to treat epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- certain medicines for depression
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Do not allow to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used.
Protect from light.
If you notice that the injection has changed colour or has become cloudy, do not use it. Throw it away and use a new injection.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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