Monograph Details
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Immune System
> Immunomodulators
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BETASERON |
| Manufacturer |
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Bayer Corp, Pharmaceutical Div. |
| Legal Classification |
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Rx
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| Generic Name |
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Interferon beta-1b 0.3mg; per vial; pwd for SC inj after reconstitution; contains albumin (human), mannitol; preservative-free. |
| Indications |
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To reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations in patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), and in those who have experienced a first clinical episode and have MRI features consistent with MS. |
| Children |
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<18 years: not recommended. |
| Adults |
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≥18yrs: initially 0.0625mg (0.25mL) SC every other day; increase over 6 weeks to 0.25mg (1mL) SC every other day. |
| Contraindications |
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Hypersensitivity to E. coli-derived products. |
| Precautions |
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Depression. Suicidal ideation. Myelosuppression. Monitor hemoglobin, CBC, differential, platelets, blood chemistries; liver function (at 1, 3, and 6 months then periodically). Pregnancy (Cat.C): may be abortifacient; consider discontinuing drug. Nursing mothers: not recommended. |
| Interactions |
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Monitor with myelosuppressants. |
| Adverse Reactions |
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Inj site reactions/necrosis, flu-like symptoms; peripheral vascular, menstrual or mental disorders (eg, depression, anxiety); hypertension, GI upset, blood dyscrasias, dyspnea, cystitis, pain, hepatic failure. |
| How Supplied |
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Single-use vials (w. prefilled diluent syringes)—15 |
| Additional Resources |
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• Related Prescribing Note |
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