Interferon Beta-1b 250 microgram/ml, powder and solvent for solution for injection

What Interferon Beta-1b is used for:

• Interferon beta-1a is in a class of medications called immunomodulators and is used in adults
• Who have experienced a first clinical episode and have MRI features consistent with multiple sclerosis.
• With relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis to decrease flare-ups of symptoms (such as balance problems, numbness or weakness) 
• Patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and two or more relapses within the last two years.

Do not take Interferon Beta-1b:

• If you are allergic to interferon beta, human albumin, or mannitol.  

Warnings & Precautions:

• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Interferon Beta-1a if you:
• Have depression or suicide signs and symptoms
• Have liver problems 
• Have bleeding problems or blood clots
• Have heart problems 
• Have thyroid problems
• Are at risk for seizures 
• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed

Possible Side Effects: 

• Skin reaction at the site of injection (itching, swelling, color change) 
• Insomnia 
• Influenza like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, headaches).

Other medicines and Interferon Beta-1b:

• Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you take,
• including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.
• Interferon Beta-1b and other medicines may affect each other causing side effects.
• Preferred to be used only with corticosteroids (prednisone, prednisolone..) and adrenocorticotropic hormone.
• Caution with medicinal products that have a narrow therapeutic index like digoxin, lithium, warfarin, and phenytoin.

How to take Interferon Beta-1b:

• Adults above 18 years of age:
• The usual dose is: 1 under the skin injected dose every other day

How To Use:

• It is given by injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection) every other day
• The best areas for injection are where the skin is loose and soft and away from the joints, nerves, and bones. Do not use the area near your navel or waistline. If you are very thin, use only the thigh or outer surface of the arm for injection.
• Inject exactly as your healthcare provider tells you. 
• First prepare the supplies, second mix the injection, third prepare the injection, fourth choose the injection site, fifth inject and finally dispose of the used syringes, needles and vials.
• The injection should be given immediately after mixing and allowing any foam in the solution to settle.
• Do not inject more than your healthcare provider tells you to. 
• Change (rotate) your injection site you choose with each injection. This will help decrease the chance that you will have an injection site reaction. 
• Do not inject into an area of the body where the skin is irritated, reddened, bruised, infected or scarred in any way.

How to store Interferon Beta-1a:

• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
• Store at room temperature 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Excursions of 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C) are permitted for up to 3 months. 
• After reconstitution, if not used immediately, refrigerate the reconstituted solution and use within three hours. Do not freeze. 
• Store the cartridge in the original package in order to protect from light.
• Do not use beyond the expiration date printed on packages.
• Do not throw used needles, syringes, or vials in your household trash or recycle.  
• Keep the disposal container, needles, syringes, and vials out of the reach of children
• Throw away any unused medicine. Do not save any unused medicine for a future dose