Actoferon (Interferon beta-1b)

Dosage form:

Vial of lyophilized powder 300 mcg

What is Actoferon (interferon beta-1b) used for?

It is used to treat relapsing forms of MS (multiple sclerosis). Interferon beta-1b will not cure MS, it will only decrease the frequency of relapse symptoms.

Important notes before taking Actoferon (interferon beta-1b):

• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have an allergy to interferon beta-1b or any other part of this drug.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems.
• Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
• The use of the drug during pregnancy must be based on the physician’s decision.
• This drug is compatible with breast-feeding.

Important notes while taking Actoferon (interferon beta-1b):

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• If you have a latex allergy, talk with your doctor. Some products have latex.
• Have laboratory tests as you have been told by your doctor.
• Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol.
• This drug is not a cure for MS (multiple sclerosis). Stay under the care of your doctor.
• A lot of times, reactions happen where the injection was given. Sometimes, bad reactions may happen. Check with your doctor if you have any reaction that bothers you or does not go away. Call your doctor right away if you have any break in the skin, color changes (blue or black), swelling, or drainage of fluid where the injection was given.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

Actoferon (interferon beta-1b) side effects:

Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes
• Signs or symptoms of depression, suicidal thoughts, emotional ups and downs, abnormal thinking, anxiety, or lack of interest in life
• Signs of lupus like a rash on the cheeks or other body parts, sunburn easy, muscle or joint pain, chest pain or shortness of breath, or swelling in the arms or legs
• Signs of high blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight
• Swelling
• Seizures
• Change in balance
• Swollen gland
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Any unexplained bruising or bleeding
• Not able to get or keep an erection
• Vaginal bleeding that is not normal
• Low white blood cell counts have happened with this drug. This may lead to a higher chance of getting an infection. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection like fever, chills, or sore throat
• Heart problems like heart failure may get worse with this drug. Call your doctor right away if you have a fast heartbeat, a need to pass more urine at night, shortness of breath, swollen ankles, or tightness in the chest. Call your doctor right away if you are not able to exercise as much or if you cannot lay flat in bed.

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Irritation where the injection is given;
• Flu-like signs. These include headache, weakness, fever, shakes, aches, pains, and sweating. Mild pain-killer drugs may help;
• Stomach pain;
• Trouble sleeping;
• Muscle pain;
• Tense muscles;
• Passing urine more often;
• Feeling tired or weak;

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Use a missed dose as soon as you think about it. Then use your next dose about 48 hours later.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Keep in the refrigerator, between 2 to 8 centigrade.
• Do not freeze.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out unused or expired drugs. Throw out used needle in a safety box.