What is interferon beta-1b used for?
What is interferon beta-1b used for?
Interferon beta-1b is used to treat is used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). This medicine will not cure MS, but it may decrease flare-ups. Interferon beta-1b may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is interferon beta-1b?
Interferon beta-1b injection is used to reduce episodes of symptoms in patients with relapsing-remitting (course of disease where symptoms flare up from time to time) of multiple sclerosis (MS, a disease in which the nerves do not function properly and patients may experience weakness, numbness, loss of muscle …
What does interferon beta do in the body?
Beta interferon (sometimes referred to as interferon beta), released at the end of an immune attack, blocks the action of gamma interferon and helps to reduce inflammation and the body’s immune reaction. Five beta interferon drugs have been developed to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis: Avonex (interferon beta 1a)
How does interferon beta-1b work?
Mechanism of action Interferon beta balances the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory agents in the brain, and reduces the number of inflammatory cells that cross the blood brain barrier. Overall, therapy with interferon beta leads to a reduction of neuron inflammation.
How much does beta interferon cost?
| Active ingredients | Size | Drug tariff price |
|---|---|---|
| Interferon beta-1b 300 microgram | 15 | £596.63 |
What are the side effects of interferon beta?
Interferon beta-1a may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- tight muscles.
- dizziness.
- numbness, burning, tingling, or pain in hands or feet.
- joint pain.
- eye problems.
- runny nose.
- toothache.
- hair loss.
Is interferon beta 1b an immunosuppressant?
Interferon proteins are normally considered virus-fighters, but scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have found evidence that one of them, interferon beta (IFNβ), has an immune-suppressing effect that can help some viruses establish persistent infections.
Is beta interferon safe?
The IFN-βs are modestly effective, reducing relapse rates by about one-third and having a beneficial effect on imaging outcomes,2 but findings regarding longer-term effects on disability have been mixed. The IFN-βs are generally considered safe, especially compared to newer agents for MS.
How effective is beta interferon?
The effectiveness of beta interferons is classed as ‘moderate’. This is based on how much they reduce relapses and slow down how fast people’s disability gets worse. This means that in trials, on average, people saw a 33% drop in the number of relapses they had.
What is the side effect of beta interferon?
SIDE EFFECTS: Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Flu-like symptoms such as headache, fatigue, fever, chills, and muscle aches may occur when you first start this medication.
Is beta interferon an immunosuppressant?
How is Betaseron administered?
Betaseron® is an interferon beta indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). A disease-modifying drug (DMD), it is administered by subcutaneous injection (under the skin). Betaseron is intended to reduce the incidence of clinical exacerbations.
Can interferon beta-1a cause flu like symptoms?
The most common side effects of interferon beta-1a are: infections. Flu -like symptoms are commonly experienced when patients first start taking interferon beta-1a. These symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter pain and fever reducers, and usually decrease or go away over time.
Does interferon beta-1a cause depression?
Yes, the Interferon-beta-1a and 1b meds are known for sometimes causing depression or making it worse. Major or untolerable depression is an indication for discontinuing the interferon medications. The problem is that the side effects of the interferons is typically “sode-dependent”.
What is interferon beta?
Definition of interferon beta : beta interferon : beta interferon Derived from genetically modified hamster cells, the drug is identical to the human body’s own interferon beta, which acts to suppress wayward immune responses.