What Is Interferon Beta-1b Used For?

Interferon beta-1b is used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). Specifically, it is used for treating MS in people with relapsing forms of the disease. At this time, the medication is only approved for people 18 years old and over. Healthcare providers may also occasionally recommend off-label interferon beta-1b uses, such as for treating other types of multiple sclerosis.

 

An Overview on Interferon Beta-1b Uses

Interferon beta-1b (Betaseron®) is a prescription medication approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (also known as MS, for short). It is part of a group of medications known as interferons. As with other interferons, interferon beta-1b must be given by injection. It is injected subcutaneously (just under the skin) every other day.
 
Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and is the leading cause of disability among young adults. Early symptoms of multiple sclerosis include:
 
  • Loss of balance
  • Blurred or double vision and/or eye pain
  • Muscle weakness
  • Tingling or numbness
  • Fatigue (see Multiple Sclerosis Fatigue).
     
As the disease worsens, other possible multiple sclerosis symptoms include:
 
There are four basic patterns or types of multiple sclerosis. The most common pattern is relapsing-remitting MS, which consists of episodes of symptoms that lasts for days or weeks, followed by a period of no symptoms for weeks or months. A less common pattern of multiple sclerosis is progressive MS, a steady worsening of symptoms from the first sign of illness. The two other main forms of multiple sclerosis include secondary-progressive and progressive-relapsing. Interferon beta-1b is approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis in people with relapsing forms of the disease.
 
It is important to understand that the multiple sclerosis prognosis can vary widely and that a multiple sclerosis diagnosis does not necessarily lead to a shorter life or to a life of disability. Not only are there treatments to help manage the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, but there are several new multiple sclerosis medications that actually alter the course of the disease. Interferon beta-1b is one of these medications.
 
(What Is Interferon Beta-1b Used For? Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;