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 |