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- The proper way to use
- Precautions to keep in mind
- Common known side effects
The proper way to use
If you are injecting this medicine yourself, use it exactly as directed by your doctor.
Special patient directions come with interferon beta-1a injection. Read the directions carefully before using the medicine. Make sure you understand:
- How to prepare the injection.
- Proper use of disposable syringes.
- How to give the injection.
- How long the injection is stable.
If you have any questions about any of this, check with your health care professional.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For injection dosage form:
- For multiple sclerosis (MS):
- Adults
- For Avonex
- 30 micrograms (mcg) once a week, injected into a muscle.
- For Rebif
- 22 micrograms (mcg) or 44 mcg 3 times a week, injected under the skin; your doctor may start you at a lower dose at first.
- For Avonex
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by the physician.
- Adults
- For genital warts:
- Adults
- For Rebif
- 3.67 micrograms (mcg) per lesion 3 times a week for 3 weeks
- For Rebif
- Adults
- For multiple sclerosis (MS):
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
The next injection should be scheduled at least 48 hours later.
Storage
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Store prefilled syringes or vials of interferon beta-1a in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. If refrigeration is not available, the vials that have not been mixed with diluent may be kept for up to 30 days at room temperature, as long as the temperature does not go above 77 °F.
