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Interferon Beta-1a
Pronunciation
U.S. Brand Names
Generic Available
Synonyms
Pharmacological Index
Use
Pregnancy Risk Factor
Contraindications
Warnings/Precautions
Adverse Reactions
Overdosage/Toxicology
Drug Interactions
Stability
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics
Usual Dosage
Administration
Monitoring Parameters
Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status
Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment
Dental Health: Local Anesthetic/Vasoconstrictor Precautions
Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment
Patient Information
Nursing Implications
Dosage Forms

Pronunciation
(in ter FEER on BAY ta won aye)

U.S. Brand Names
Avonex™

Generic Available

No


Synonyms
rIFN-b

Pharmacological Index

Biological Response Modulator


Use

Treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS); to slow the accumulation of physical disability and decrease the frequency of clinical exacerbations


Pregnancy Risk Factor

C


Contraindications

History of hypersensitivity to natural or recombinant interferon beta, human albumin, or any other component of the formulation


Warnings/Precautions

Interferon beta-1a should be used with caution in patients with a history of depression, seizures, or cardiac disease; because its use has not been evaluated during lactation, its use in breast-feeding mothers may not be safe and should be warned against


Adverse Reactions

1% to 10%:

Central nervous system: Headache, lethargy, depression, emotional lability, anxiety, suicidal ideations, somnolence, agitation, confusion

Dermatologic: Alopecia (rare)

Endocrine & metabolic: Hypocalcemia

Gastrointestinal: Nausea, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, chronic weight loss

Hematologic: Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia (frequent, dose-related, but not usually severe)

Hepatic: Elevated liver enzymes (mild, transient)

Local: Pain/redness at injection site (80%)

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Weakness

Ocular: Retinal toxicity/visual changes

Renal: Elevated BUN and Scr

Miscellaneous: Flu-like syndrome (fever, nausea, malaise, myalgia) occurs in most patients, but is usually controlled by acetaminophen or NSAIDs; dose related abortifacient activity was reported in Rhesus monkeys


Overdosage/Toxicology

Symptoms of overdose include CNS depression, obtundation, flu-like symptoms, myelosuppression

Treatment is supportive


Drug Interactions

Decreases clearance of zidovudine thus increasing zidovudine toxicity


Stability

The reconstituted product contains no preservative and is for single use only; discard unused portion; store unreconstituted vial or reconstituted vial at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F); use the reconstituted product within 6 hours


Mechanism of Action

Interferon beta differs from naturally occurring human protein by a single amino acid substitution and the lack of carbohydrate side chains; alters the expression and response to surface antigens and can enhance immune cell activities. Properties of interferon beta that modify biologic responses are mediated by cell surface receptor interactions; mechanism in the treatment of MS is unknown.


Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics

Limited data due to small doses used

Time to peak serum concentration: 3-15 hours


Usual Dosage

Adults >18 years: I.M.: 30 mcg once weekly


Administration

Reconstitute with 1.1 mL of diluent and swirl gently to dissolve


Monitoring Parameters

Hemoglobin, liver function, and blood chemistries


Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status

May cause sedation, depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, agitation, or confusion


Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment

May cause leukopenia; use caution with clozapine and carbamazepine; concurrent use with psychotropics may produce additive sedation


Dental Health: Local Anesthetic/Vasoconstrictor Precautions

No information available to require special precautions


Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

No effects or complications reported


Patient Information

This is not a cure for MS; you will continue to receive regular treatment and follow-up for MS. Use as directed; do not change dosage or schedule of administration without consulting prescriber. Maintain adequate hydration (2-3 L/day of fluids unless instructed to restrict fluid intake). You may experience flu-like syndrome (acetaminophen may help); nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite (frequent small meals, frequent mouth care, sucking lozenges, or chewing gum may help); drowsiness, dizziness, agitation, or abnormal thinking (use caution when driving or engaging in tasks requiring alertness until response to drug is known). Report unusual bruising or bleeding; persistent abdominal disturbances; unusual fatigue; muscle pain or tremors; chest pain or palpitations, swelling of extremities; visual disturbances; pain, swelling, or redness at injection site; or other unusual symptoms. Pregnancy/breast-feeding precautions: Inform prescriber if you are or intend to be pregnant. Do not breast-feed.


Nursing Implications

Patient should be informed of possible side effects, especially depression, suicidal ideations, and the risk of abortion; flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever, malaise, diaphoresis, and myalgia are common


Dosage Forms

Powder for injection, lyophilized: 33 mcg [6.6 million units]


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