♦Interferon-beta-1b
(in-ter-feer’-on)
Betaseron, rIFN-B
Pregnancy Category C
Mechanism of Action
Not clearly understood; exerts antiviral and immunoregulatory biologic activities by binding to cell surface receptors.
Indications
To reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations in ambulatory patients with relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis.
Metabolism/Excretion
Metabolized in the kidney and liver and excreted in the urine. Serum concentrations peak between 1 to 8 hours after SQ injection and IV infusion. Elimination half-life: 8 minutes to 4.3 hours.
Dosage Range
♦ Adult: 0.25 mg (8 million IU) injected SQ every other day. Discontinue with unremitting disease progression of ≥ 6 months.
♦ Pediatric: Safety and efficacy not established.