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Betaferon®
This section does not contain all the available information regarding drug therapy. It does not take the place of talking to your neurologist, general practitioner or pharmacist. Further information is also available from the MS Society in your state and from the pharmaceutical companies.
What is Betaferon®?
The active ingredient of Betaferon® is interferon beta-1b. Interferons are proteins produced naturally in the human body to help fight infections and regulate the immune system. Beta interferons have been shown to slow down activity and disease progression in MS. They do this by helping regulate the immune system, reducing attacks on myelin or nerves. Researchers are still investigating exactly how this process works.
How well does Betaferon® work?
Clinical trials found that Betaferon® (interferon beta -1b) has a significant beneficial effect in people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis by reducing the accumulation of permanent physical disability, exacerbation frequency and disease activity measured by gadolinium-enhanced lesions on brain magnetic resonance images (MRI). If you would like information about the results of the trials, please contact your local MS organisation.
How is Betaferon® available?
Betaferon® is taken every second day. A month’s supply consists of fifteen injections.
Betaferon® is available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). As it is a very expensive medication, your doctor will need to gain an authority to prescribe the medication for you, and only a neurologist can write your
first prescription. There are a number of criteria you must meet before your doctor can obtain authority to write this prescription.
Further details of the criteria you need to meet to receive Betaferon®
through the PBS are available from the official PBS website at:
How much does Betaferon® cost?
If you are eligible for medications through the PBS, you will need to pay a contribution fee for each month’s supply. The Federal Government pays for the remaining cost. The amount of the contribution fee depends upon whether or not you have a pension or concession card and the number of prescriptions you have had dispensed in a year. The amount of this fee is set each year by the Federal Government. The fee in 2009 for people with a Medicare card is $32.90. The fee is $5.30 for people with a Medicare card and a pension or concession card.
Information about the PBS and your entitlements is available on the Medicare Australia website at:
If you are not eligible for Betaferon® through the PBS, for example if you are a visitor from overseas, your neurologist may write a private prescription. This means you will have to pay the full cost to the pharmacy that dispenses your medication. The cost is likely to be over $1000 per month. You will need to request a quote from your pharmacist for the price of any medication which is not subsidised by the PBS.
General information
Most pharmacies will not keep Betaferon® in stock. Instead they will place an order with the manufacturer to have stock delivered especially for you. This means it is important to let your pharmacist know a few days before you need the medication.
Betaferon® needs to be stored below 25°C. If the outside temperature is warm it is a good idea to take your medication home in an ice cooler. Your pharmacist may be able to assist with this. Medication should NOT be
left in the boot or glove box of the car, or left for 30 minutes in a parked car.
Where can I get more information?
- You can obtain information from your neurologist, GP or pharmacist.
- Your local MS organisation on their toll free number 1800 042 138
- Bayer Australia runs a toll free helpline called Betaplus ®? 1800 557 960
Betaferon® is manufactured by:
Bayer Australia Ltd.
875 Pacific Hwy
Pymble 2073
© 2009 MS Australia
