Betaferon

What is it?

A preparation acting on the immune system (an immunomodulator), comprising 0.25mg per ml of interferon beta lb, available in pre-filled syringes for injection.

Medical Uses

Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis - patients who have experienced two or more attacks in the last 24 months. Also, for active, secondary progressive multiple sclerosis in which relapsing attacks are occurring.

Dosage

Adults only, treatment to be given under the supervision of a specialist physician; 0.25mg by subcutaneous injection every second day.

Special Care

Patient must be monitored and treatment should be withdrawn if there is no response or improvement within a suitable time period. Heart disease, suppression of bone marrow function, blood disorders (anaemia, thrombocytopaenia), monoclonal gammopathy (in which there are abnormally high levels of gamma globulin (immune antibody) in the blood), kidney disease, history of depression or fits. Patient must be monitored before and during treatment for haematology, liver and kidney function, occurrence of suicidal thoughts, neutropenia (abnormal decline in certain white blood cells) with accompanying fever and infection. Drug may need to be withdrawn. Women of child-bearing age should use effective contraception.

Avoid Use

Children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, history of severe depression or suicidal thoughts, epilepsy that is not well controlled, certain forms of liver disease, known allergy to interferon beta (natural or recombinant) or albumin.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Drugs that affect the formation of blood cells by the bone marrow, immunomodulators (except ACTH and corticosteroids), drugs metabolised by enzymes in the liver.

Known Side Effects

Fever, malaise, 'flu-like symptoms, pain and reactions at injection site, localised tissue death and damage, adverse blood reactions (anaemia, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia), high blood pressure, alterations in muscle tone. Also, itching, nettle rash, allergic responses, muscle pain, hair loss, gastrointestinal disturbance. Rarely, depression, anxiety, emotional upset, thoughts or attempts of suicide, thyroid disorders, palpitations, fits. Also, sweating, menstrual disruption, malaise, chest pain, raised heart beat, bronchospasm, breathing difficulties, hepatitis, pancreatitis, discolouration of skin, disease of heart muscle (withdraw drug).