What is interferon beta-1b?

Interferon beta-1b is made from human proteins. Interferons help the body fight viral infections.

Interferon beta-1b is used to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). This medication will not cure MS, it will only decrease the frequency of relapse symptoms.

Interferon beta-1b may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to interferons or human albumin.

Some patients using interferon medications have become very depressed or had thoughts of suicide. Stop using interferon beta-1b 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.

Before using interferon beta-1b, 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, such as hemophilia;
• anemia (lack of red blood cells); or
• a history of depression or suicidal behavior.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use interferon beta-1b.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby, or may cause a miscarriage. Do not use interferon beta-1b if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether interferon beta-1b passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using interferon beta-1b.

Interferons can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

▲ Back to top

Use the medication as soon as you remember the missed dose. Then wait at least 48 hours before using another injection, and restart your dosing schedule at that time. Do not use more than one injection every 48 hours (2 days).

▲ Back to top

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using intereron beta-1b and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• depressed mood, anxiety, trouble sleeping, restlessness, or thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;
• bruising, swelling, oozing, or skin changes where the injection was given;
• weight changes, pounding heartbeats, feeling too hot or cold;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; or
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• weakness;
• headache;
• muscle pain or weakness;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• stomach pain;
• swelling in your hands or feet;
• skin rash; or
• irregular menstrual periods.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

▲ Back to top

There may be other drugs that can affect interferon beta-1b. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Betaseron and interferon beta-1b

▲ Back to top