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| Administration Route: | Injection |
| Injection site: | SC |
| Frequency: | Three times a week |
| TGA approval date: | Jan 2000 |
| PBS listed: | Yes |
| Mechanism of action | Immunomodulation which is unclear including inhibition of T-cell activation and proliferation; apoptosis of autoreactive T cells; induction of regulatory T cells; inhibition of leukocyte migration across the blood-brain barrier; cytokine modulation; and potential antiviral activity. |
| %reduction in relapse rate, impact of progression | 34% RRR in annual relapes rate,43% RRR for new Gad Lesions, 63% RRR new T2 lesions, 21% RRR Brain atrophy, 25% RRR disability |
| Pregnancy Category | D |
| Safe in Pregnancy | Suspected to have caused or may be expected to cause, an increased incidence of human fetal malformations or irreversible damage. These drugs may also have adverse pharmacological effects. |
| Breastfeeding (information predominatly from LACTMED database) | The levels of interferon beta-1a in breastmilk are minuscule. In addition, because interferon is poorly absorbed orally, it is not likely to reach the bloodstream of the infant. A small number of nursing mothers receiving interferon beta-1a while partially breastfeeding their infants and one woman exclusively breastfed her infant while taking interferon beta-1b and reported no adverse effects. |
| Monitoring requirements | Full Blood count, Liver function test (6–12 monthly) |
| Potential side effects (not a comprehensive list) | Injection site reaction. Flu like symptoms, depression, thyroid dysfunction and liver enzyme abnormalities. |
| Manufacturer | Merck Serono |
