Interferon Beta-1a (Cont.)

Dosage Information for Interferon Beta-1a

The dose of interferon beta-1a that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Which product you take (Avonex or Rebif)
  • How you respond to interferon beta-1a
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Interferon Beta-1a Dosing for more information.)
 

Interferon Beta-1a Drug Interactions

Interferon beta-1a can interact with a few other medications (see Drug Interactions With Interferon Beta-1a).
 

What If I Take an Overdose of Interferon Beta-1a?

An interferon beta-1a overdose is unlikely, for various reasons. It is not known exactly what to expect from an overdose. If you think you may have taken too much interferon beta-1a, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Avonex Overdose or Rebif Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Interferon Beta-1a Be Stored?

The two forms of interferon beta-1a (Avonex and Rebif) are stored separately. For Avonex, both the vials and prefilled syringes must be stored in the refrigerator. Make sure to take your Avonex dose out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you inject it to allow it to come to room temperature. If absolutely necessary, Avonex can be stored outside the refrigerator, up to 77 degrees F, for a maximum of 30 days (for the unmixed vials) or for 7 days (for the prefilled syringes). Once you mix a vial of Avonex, it should be used as soon as possible within six hours (stored under refrigeration).
 
Rebif should be stored in the refrigerator. If this is not possible, it is okay for the medication to be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days. Because the syringes contain no preservatives, they can only be used once, even if you do not use the full amount in the syringe. Any unused portion (if you do not take a full dose) must be discarded.
 
In all cases, interferon beta-1a should be protected against high temperatures or light exposure. Keep interferon beta-1a and all other medications out of the reach of children.
 
(Interferon Beta-1a Continued: Page 5)

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;