← Search & browse all drugs
ANTINEOPLASTIC AND IMMUNOMODULATING AGENTS › IMMUNOSTIMULANTS › IMMUNOSTIMULANTS › Interferons
interferon beta natural
L03AB02
Forms & Strengths
- Lyophilized powder for injection: 3 million IU, 6 million IU, 9 million IU, 18 million IU per vial
- Solution for injection: 3 million IU/mL, 6 million IU/mL, 9 million IU/mL, 18 million IU/mL
Adult Dosing
- Multiple Sclerosis (Relapsing-Remitting): 6 million IU to 9 million IU subcutaneously or intramuscularly every other day
- Hepatitis B / C (off-label/historical): 3 million IU to 6 million IU subcutaneously or intramuscularly 3 times weekly for 16-24 weeks
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and efficacy not well established in pediatric patients under 12 years of age for multiple sclerosis
- Adolescents (>=12 years) with MS: Dosing similar to adult regimens based on body surface area or weight, typically 3 to 6 million IU subcutaneously every other day
Indications
- Treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis to reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations
- Treatment of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis with active disease
Mechanism of Action
- Binds to specific cell surface receptors, initiating intracellular signaling cascades that induce the expression of interferon-stimulated genes
- Exerts immunomodulatory effects including down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reduction of antigen presentation, and inhibition of T-cell migration across the blood-brain barrier
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to natural interferon beta or human albumin
- Severe depressive illness and/or suicidal ideation
- Pregnancy (category depends on formulation, generally advised against due to spontaneous abortion risk)
Adverse Reactions
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, myalgia, fatigue, headache) particularly common post-injection
- Injection site reactions (pain, erythema, necrosis)
- Hematologic abnormalities (leukopenia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia)
- Liver enzyme elevations and potential hepatotoxicity
- Depression and suicidal ideation
Drug Interactions
- Myelosuppressive agents: Increased risk of bone marrow suppression and cytopenias
- Hepatotoxic drugs: Increased risk of hepatotoxicity
- CYP450 inhibitors/inducers: Interferons can downregulate cytochrome P450 enzymes, potentially altering the metabolism of co-administered drugs like warfarin, anticonvulsants, or certain antidepressants
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use