How does it work?

This injection contains interferon beta-1b. Interferons are a family of small protein molecules that are produced and secreted by cells in response to viral infections or various synthetic and biological inducers. Three major classes of interferons have been identified: alfa, beta and gamma. They work in a complicated way that is not fully understood, but are thought to boost the immune system, causing it to attack infected or cancerous cells. Interferon beta is used to treat multiple sclerosis. In some patients multiple sclerosis follows a course of relapse and remission, where symptoms worsen for a while then improve before worsening again. It is these patients who can benefit from interferon beta, which helps to reduce the frequency and severity of the relapses. As interferon beta is not effective in all patients with multiple sclerosis, and because it can have significant side effects, it is recommended that all paitents are assessed by a neurologist before starting treatment. Frequent blood tests are also needed to monitor the interferon's effect on blood composition and liver function.

What is it used for?

Relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis

Warning!

This medicine may reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.

For use only under specialist medical supervision

Effective contraceptive measures are required whilst taking this medicine.

This medicine may increase the risk of spontaneous abortion.

Use with caution in

Breastfeeding

Decreased blood cell production by the bone marrow

Depression

Heart disease

Seizure disorders, eg due to brain injury or epilepsy

Severely decreased kidney function

Severely decreased liver function

Not to be used in

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

Pregnancy

Severe depression

Uncontrolled epilepsy

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used in pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine should be used with caution by breastfeeding mothers, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Rash

Diarrhoea

Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)

Changes in mood

Depression

Confusion

Seizures (convulsions)

Hair loss (alopecia)

Disturbance in the components of the blood

Irregular menstrual cycle

Cold or flu-like symptoms

Dizziness

Nausea and vomiting

Pain in the joints (arthralgia)

Loss of appetite

Local pain and swelling at the site of injection

Allergy to one or more of the ingredients (hypersensitivity)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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