Interferon Beta
Class: Immunomodulatory Agents
- Cytokines
- Biologic Response Modifiers
VA Class: IM900
Chemical Name: Interferon β1 (human fibroblast protein moiety)
Molecular Formula: C908H1406N246O252S7C908H1406N246O252S5
CAS Number: 145258-61-3
Brands: Avonex, Betaseron, Extavia, Rebif
Introduction
Biologic response modifier; biosynthetic (recombinant DNA origin) form of endogenous human interferon beta. Available as interferon beta-1a and interferon beta-1b. Interferon beta-1a also is available covalently bound to polyethylene glycol (PEG) (i.e., peginterferon beta-1a).
Uses for Interferon Beta
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Management of relapsing forms of MS (e.g., relapsing-remitting MS [RRMS]).
Has been shown to reduce frequency of clinical exacerbations and slow accumulation of physical disability in adults with RRMS; also shown to delay time to clinically definite MS in patients who have experienced an isolated demyelinating event and have magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features consistent with MS.
Interferon beta is one of several disease-modifying therapies used in the management of RRMS. Although not curative, these therapies have all been shown to modify several measures of disease activity, including relapse rates, new or enhancing MRI lesions, and disability progression.
The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) recommends that disease-modifying therapy be offered to patients with RRMS who have had recent relapses and/or MRI activity. Clinicians should consider adverse effects, tolerability, method of administration, safety, efficacy, and cost of the drugs in addition to patient preferences when selecting an appropriate therapy.
Has been used with equivocal results in the management of secondary progressive MS†.
Also has been used for primary progressive MS†; although beneficial effects on MRI measures of disease activity observed, no effect on disease progression.
Interferon Beta Dosage and Administration
General
Intended for use under the guidance and supervision of a clinician; however, may be self-administered if clinician determines that the patient or caregiver is competent to prepare and safely administer the drug.
If home use is prescribed, carefully instruct patients and/or their caregivers on appropriate use; provide a puncture-resistant container for proper, safe disposal of used syringes and needles. Perform initial injection under the supervision of a qualified clinician.
Patients may feel worse or experience a temporary worsening of MS symptoms immediately following initiation of interferon beta therapy; these effects often abate with continued therapy and should not be interpreted as an indication of treatment failure.
To minimize flu-like symptoms, may premedicate patient with analgesics and/or antipyretics on treatment days; administration of interferon beta in the evening also may improve tolerability.
Administration
Administer by IM or sub-Q injection.
Interferon beta-1a is commercially available as a once-weekly IM injection (Avonex) or a 3-times-weekly sub-Q injection (R.
