Interferon Beta 1b
About Interferon Beta 1b
Interferon Beta 1b belongs to the class immunomodulators that are used in the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis is a condition in which the immune system attacks the protective covering of the nerves called myelin.
Interferon Beta 1b contains Interferon beta 1B, which belongs to the class of immunomodulators. The exact mechanism of this medicine is unknown. However, it works by preventing nerve damage, which may cause symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
Interferon Beta 1b may cause certain side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, decreased platelet count, pain, rash, abdominal pain, asthenia (lack of energy), insomnia, and injection site reactions. If the side effects bother you, inform your doctor. A trained healthcare professional will administer this injection. Hence, do not self-administer.
While taking Interferon Beta 1b if you experience any allergic reactions, inform your doctor. Before receiving this injection, inform your doctor if you have any pre-existing or a history of liver/kidney disease, active infections, skin problems, anxiety, depression, blood disorders, seizures, cardiac problems, or any allergic conditions. Interferon Beta 1b is known to cause foetal harm and cause miscarriage. Hence, inform your doctor if you are pregnant beforehand. Also inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Uses of Interferon Beta 1b
Medicinal Benefits
Interferon Beta 1b contains Interferon beta 1B, which is used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. The exact mechanism of Interferon Beta 1b for use in MS is not clear or unknown. However, it generally prevents nerve damage, which may cause symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Interferon Beta 1b
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Bruising or bleeding gums
- Pain at the site of injection
- Decreased platelet count
- Rashes
- Injection site reactions
- Flu-like symptoms
- Headache
- Myalgia
- Weakness
- Stomach pain
- Difficulty sleeping
Drug Warnings
Interferon Beta 1b should be avoided if you observe any allergic reactions during the treatment. Let your doctor know about your complete medical history, including current medication, to rule out any side effects/interactions. Before receiving this injection, inform your doctor if you have any history of liver/kidney disease, active infections, skin problems, depression, anxiety, seizures, cardiac problems, blood disorders, or any allergic conditions. Interferon Beta 1b may cause liver injury, depression, suicidal thoughts, congestive heart failure, injection site necrosis, leukopenia, thrombotic microangiopathy, drug-induced lupus erythematosus, seizures, and hypersensitivity reactions in some patients. Hence, careful monitoring should be done during the entire treatment. Interferon Beta 1b may cause Interferon Beta 1b is known to cause foetal harm or cause miscarriage. Hence, inform your physician if you are pregnant beforehand. Interferon Beta 1b is not recommended for use in children as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Interferon Beta 1b may interact with antidepressants (bupropion), antiviral drugs (zidovudine), monoclonal antibodies (natalizumab), and other medicines.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interaction found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, skin diseases, seizures, and cardiac problems before receiving Interferon Beta 1b.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionConsult your physician about drinking alcohol safely after getting an interferon beta-1b injection. Interferon Beta 1b side effects may worsen if alcohol is consumed. Also, inform your doctor if you drink or have ever drunk large amounts of alcohol.
Pregnancy
unsafeInterferon Beta 1b is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may cause fetal harm or cause miscarriage in some patients. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning to be pregnant, inform your doctor before receiving Interferon Beta 1b. During the treatment, suitable contraceptive pills should be used to avoid pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
cautionIf you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor. It is not known if Interferon Beta 1b passes into breast milk. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will take this medicine or breastfeed. You should not do both.
Driving
not applicable-
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving Interferon Beta 1b. Interferon Beta 1b may cause increased liver enzyme levels and liver failure. Hence, inform your doctor if you observe any symptoms, such as fatigue, yellow discolouration of eyes, and dark urine. Your doctor may suggest liver function tests during the treatment with this medicine.
Kidney
cautionLimited data is available. If you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before receiving Interferon Beta 1b.
Children
unsafeInterferon Beta 1b is not recommended for use in children as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- After your treatment begins, dietary adjustments can help you control side effects.
- Anyone suffering from a chronic illness, including cancer, should consume foods high in protein, healthy fats, whole grains, and vitamins and minerals.
- Plant-based proteins are among the greatest meals to take during chemotherapy or other cancer treatments. They have the highest concentrations of vitamins and minerals, such as nuts, seeds, beans, and legumes.
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
- Include leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, fatty fish, berries, yoghurt, apples, peaches, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, beans, and herbs.
- Get optimal sleep; rest well.
- Avoid fast and fried food, processed meats, refined carbs and added sugars.
Special Advise
- A blood test should be performed, such as a liver function test or renal function test, to check for liver/kidney function. Discontinue the treatment if severe liver injury occurs.
- Weekly blood tests should be done during the treatment to check for CBC (Complete blood count).
- The patient should be observed for any anaphylactic reactions. If multiple lesions occur, discontinue the treatment with Interferon Beta 1b.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Multiple sclerosis: Multiple sclerosis is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. The immune system attacks the protective covering of the nerves (myelin) and causes disrupted communication between the brain and body due to nerve damage. This causes symptoms such as problems with sensation, balance, vision, pain, impaired coordination, and fatigue.
FAQs
Interferon Beta 1b is used to treat Multiple sclerosis (MS).
Interferon Beta 1b contains Interferon beta 1B, which works by preventing nerve damage which may cause symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
Interferon Beta 1b may cause reactivation of serious infections, anaphylactic reactions, depression or suicidal thoughts, congestive heart failure, thrombotic microangiopathy, and drug-induced lupus erythematosus in some patients. Hence, inform your oncologist about your complete medical history, including current medication, to rule out any side effects or interactions.
