Actovex (Interferon beta-1a)

Dosage form:

Prefilled syringes containing 30 mcg Interferon beta-1a

What is Actovex (interferon beta-1a) used for?

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

Important notes before taking Actovex (interferon beta-1a):

• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have an allergy to interferon beta-1a 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 Actovex (interferon beta-1a):

• 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.

Actovex (interferon beta-1a) 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 thyroid problems like change in weight; feeling nervous, excitable, restless, or weak; hair thinning; depression; neck swelling; not able to focus; trouble with heat or cold; menstrual changes; shakiness; or sweating
• Signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) like blood in the urine, burning or pain when passing urine, feeling the need to pass urine often or right away, fever, lower stomach pain, or pelvic pain
• Chest pain
• Seizures
• Very bad dizziness or passing out
• Change in eyesight
• Swollen gland
• Low blood cell counts have happened with this drug. If blood cell counts get very low, this can lead to bleeding problems, infections, or anemia. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection like fever, chills, or sore throat; any unexplained bruising or bleeding; or if you feel very tired or weak

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:

• Flu-like signs. These include headache, weakness, fever, shakes, aches, pains, and sweating. Mild pain-killer drugs may help;
• Feeling dizzy, sleepy, tired, or weak;
• Upset stomach;
• Stomach pain;
• Back, muscle, or joint pain;
• Dry mouth;

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?

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it and go back to your normal time.

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.