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| Pronunciation |
|
 (in
ter FEER on BAY ta won
bee) |
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|
| Brand Names |
|
| Betaseron® |
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|
| Therapeutic
Categories |
|
|
Interferon |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
|
|
If you have an allergy to interferon beta-1b or any other part of
this medicine.
Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
If you are breast-feeding. |
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|
| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
This medicine is used to treat multiple
sclerosis. |
|
|
| How does it work? |
|
|
Interferon beta-1b helps the body's immune system fight multiple
sclerosis.
It may decrease the number of attacks and the
disabilities. |
|
|
| How is it best taken? |
|
|
This medicine is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin.
Your healthcare provider may teach you how to give the shot.
Take this medicine at bedtime to help with flu-like symptoms.
Move site where you give the shot with each shot.
Wash your hands before and after use.
Throw away needles in needle/sharp disposal box and return box to
healthcare provider when full. |
|
|
| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
|
|
Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and
return to your regular schedule.
Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
Do not change dose, brand, or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare
provider. |
|
|
| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
If you have mental illness, talk with healthcare provider.
Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix
well with other medicines.
Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while
taking this medicine. |
|
|
| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
Irritation where the shot is given.
Flu-like symptoms. These include headache, weakness, fever, shakes,
aches, pains, and sweating. Mild pain medicine may
help. |
|
|
| What should I monitor? |
|
|
Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the
same?
Follow up with healthcare provider. |
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|
| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center
immediately or dial 911.
Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest
tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs or symptoms of depression, suicidal thoughts, nervousness,
emotional ups and downs, abnormal thinking, anxiety, or lack of interest in
life.
Severe skin irritation.
Any rash.
For females, if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.
No improvement in condition or feeling
worse. |
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|
| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
|
Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze. |
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| General statements |
|
|
Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products,
supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare
provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter, natural products, or
vitamins. |
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