Betaseron

Betaseron
Generic Name: interferon beta-1b (in ter FEAR on BAY ta 1b)
Brand Names: Betaseron, Extavia
FDA Approved: Jul 23 1993
Betaseron is rated 7.7/10

Betaseron (interferon beta-1b) is made from human proteins. Interferons help the body fight viral infections.

Betaseron is a prescription medicine used to reduce the number of relapses in people with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). This includes people who have had their first symptoms of multiple sclerosis and have an MRI consistent with multiple sclerosis.

Betaseron will not cure your MS but may decrease the number of flare-ups of the disease.

Betaseron dosing information
Usual Adult Dose of Betaseron for Multiple Sclerosis:

Initial dose: 0.0625 mg subcutaneously every other day, and increased (in 25% increments) every 2 weeks, over a 6 week period, to maintenance dose
Maintenance dose: 0.25 mg subcutaneously every other day

Schedule for dose titration:
Weeks 1 and 2: 0.0625 mg subcutaneously every other day (25% of recommended dose)
Weeks 3 and 4: 0.125 mg subcutaneously every other day (50% of recommended dose)
Weeks 5 and 6: 0.1875 mg subcutaneously every other day (75% of recommended dose)
Week 7 and beyond: 0.25 mg subcutaneously every other day (100% of recommended dose)

Important information
Betaseron may be harmful to an unborn baby, or may cause a miscarriage. Do not use Betaseron if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Before using Betaseron, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have liver disease, a thyroid disorder, epilepsy or other seizure disorder, a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder, anemia (low red blood cells), or a history of depression or suicidal behavior.

Serious allergic reactions can happen quickly and may happen after your first dose of Betaseron or after you have taken Betaseron many times. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of the mouth or tongue, rash, itching, or skin bumps.

Some patients using interferon medications have become very depressed or had thoughts of suicide. Stop using Betaseron if you have symptoms of depression (sadness, crying, loss of interest in things you once liked) or if you have any thoughts of hurting yourself.