Interferon beta-1a belongs to the group of medications known as immunomodulators. It is a form of a protein that is naturally made by our body's cells to fight infections and tumours.
Available form
Injectable, Powder, Injectable
Dosage
Manufacturer
Emd Canada
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The recommended dose of interferon beta-1a for relapsing-remitting forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) is 44 µg injected under the skin 3 times per week. Your doctor may reduce this dose to 22 µg injected under the skin 3 times per week if you are experiencing unacceptable side effects.
The recommended dose of interferon beta-1a for a single clinical event of multiple sclerosis (MS) is 44 µg injected under the skin 3 times per week.
In order to reduce side effects when first starting treatment, it is recommended the dose be gradually increased as follows:
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
Interferon beta-1a is used with the guidance and supervision of a doctor. Your doctor or nurse may ask you to inject the medication at home once they have instructed you and are certain that you won't have any problems with doing it at home. Do not attempt to prepare or inject Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a) on your own until you completely understand how to mix and inject a dose.
It is important that Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a) be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you forget to take a dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not inject a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Interferon beta-1a should be stored in the refrigerator. If storing in the refrigerator, allow the medication to reach room temperature before injecting it. Alternatively, it may be stored for a limited period of time (up to 30 days) at room temperature.
Use a different injection site for each dose. You should avoid injecting Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a) into an area of skin that is sore, red, infected, or otherwise damaged. If you are having difficulty giving yourself injections, talk to your health care provider.
Please refer to the package insert (the written instructions that come in the medication package) for complete instructions on using Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a). Always wash your hands before preparing the medication and after you have used it.
Protect Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a) from light, moisture, freezing, and high temperatures. Keep Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a) out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a) with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a).
Rebif® prefilled syringe
22 µg
Each prefilled syringe with 0.5 mL of solution contains interferon beta-1a 22 µg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: mannitol, poloxamer-188, methionine, benzyl alcohol, and sodium acetate buffer. Preservative-free.
44 µg
Each prefilled syringe with 0.5 mL of solution contains interferon beta-1a 44 µg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: mannitol, poloxamer-188, methionine, benzyl alcohol, and sodium acetate buffer. Preservative-free.
Rebif® multi-dose prefilled cartridge
66 µg/1.5 mL cartridge
Each prefilled cartridge designed to deliver 3 doses of interferon beta-1a 22 µg/0.5 mL contains interferon beta-1a 66 µg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: mannitol, poloxamer-188, methionine, benzyl alcohol, and sodium acetate buffer.
132 µg/1.5 mL cartridge
Each prefilled cartridge designed to deliver 3 doses of interferon beta-1a 44 µg/0.5 mL contains interferon beta-1a 132 µg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: mannitol, poloxamer-188, methionine, benzyl alcohol, and sodium acetate buffer.
Do not use Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a) if you:
There may be an interaction between interferon beta-1a and any of the following:
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a).
Allergic reactions: In rare cases, some people may develop a Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) to Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a). Signs of an allergic reaction include a severe rash, hives, swollen face or throat, or difficulty breathing. If these occur, contact your doctor immediately. The needle cover on the prefilled syringe contains dry natural rubber. Before you start injections, tell your doctor if you have an allergy to rubber or latex.
Blood counts: Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a) can decrease the number of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection) and platelets (which help your blood to clot). Your doctor will do blood tests to monitor this. If you notice any signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, or sore throat) or unusual bleeding or bruising, contact your doctor immediately.
Depression: Depression has been reported by some people taking interferon medications. If you have a history of depression, discuss with your doctor how Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a), and whether any special monitoring is needed. People with depression should be closely monitored by their doctor. If you develop symptoms of depression such as poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, or thoughts of suicide while taking Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a), contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Heart problems: Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a) may worsen symptoms of heart disease. If you have heart disease such as Angina, Congestive Heart Failure, or arrhythmia, discuss with your doctor how Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you develop symptoms of heart problems such as shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or swollen ankles.
Kidney failure: Interferon beta-1a may cause decreased kidney function. If you have Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver damage: Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a) may cause severe liver damage. Although rare, this side effect can be very serious. If you have a history of poor liver function, alcohol abuse, or active liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor will test your liver function regularly while you are taking Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a). Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the signs of liver damage including yellow eyes or skin, easy bruising of the skin, nausea and vomiting, itching, or abdominal pain.
Seizures: Some people have had seizures while taking Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a), including people who have never had seizures before. If you have seizure disorder, discuss with your doctor how Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a), and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you have a seizure while taking Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a), you should call your doctor right away.
Thyroid problems: Some people taking Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a) develop changes in the function of their thyroid. Symptoms of these changes include feeling cold or hot all the time, a change in weight (gain or loss) without a change in your diet or amount of exercise you get, or feeling emotional. Contact your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
Pregnancy: Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a) should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a), contact your doctor immediately. Women who may become pregnant should use effective contraception while taking Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a).
Breast-feeding: Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a) may pass into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking interferon beta-1a, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Rebif (Interferon-beta-1a) have not been established for children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
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