Interferon Beta-1B (Injection) (Betaseron) - Drugs Information, Side Effects, & Interactions

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Interferon Beta-1b (in-ter-FEER-on BAY-ta-1b)

Reduces frequency of flare-ups (relapses) in people who have multiple sclerosis (MS).

Betaseron
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to interferon or human albumin.

Injectable

Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin, usually every other day.
This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
This medicine comes as a powder that must be mixed with the liquid provided before it is given. Do not shake the medicine after mixing it.
Use the medicine right away after mixing.
You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas. Do not inject this medicine into skin that is damaged or injured.
Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
Each vial of medicine should be used only once.
Using this medicine at bedtime may help you avoid some of the flu-like side effects.
Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Always wait at least 48 hours between injections.
Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

If you can't give your shot right away, you can keep the medicine in the refrigerator for up to 3 hours. Do not freeze it.
Store unmixed medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
After you have received 1 dose of this medicine, throw away any medicine left in the vial.
Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
Keep all medicine away from children.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant may cause you to have a miscarriage. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease.
Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
Broken skin, sores, bruising, swelling, oozing, or severe pain where the shot is given
Depression, thoughts of hurting yourself, or other unusual thoughts or behaviors
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Changes in menstrual periods
Fast heartbeat
Feeling like you have the flu (fever, chills, sweating, muscle aches, tiredness)
Mild, short-term redness, pain, or swelling where the shot is given

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