Find out if BETASERON (Interferon Beta-1b) is the best option for you
WHAT EXACTLY IS BETASERON? This drug is a type of protein (Interferon beta-1b) that occurs naturally in the human body. It was the first treatment for Relapsing and Remitting forms of Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This particular drug gives you the highest dose of all the interferons (250 mcg) given every other day via subcutaneous injections. Studies have shown that long term use of this drug after the first event – attack - may reduce the risk of a second MS attack by 50%. 
Several studies also indicate that it can be used indefinitely. It has a comparable safety record to other interferon-based drugs, which are considered safe for long-term use as long as appropriate monitoring for liver function and blood cell count are maintained. THE HISTORY Betaseron is manufactured by the pharmaceutical corporation Bayer and it became available for the treatment of Relapsing Remitting MS (RRMS) in 1993. SOME NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS YOU NEED TO REMEMBER WHEN TAKING THIS MEDICINE You need to do blood tests every three months during the first year to check white blood cell count and liver function. After 12 months, blood work can be reduced to once every four months. WHAT ARE PATIENTS SAYING ABOUT THIS TREATMENT OPTION? The needle is 0.5 inches long, and is 27gauge which makes it a pretty thin needle to use with the automatic injecting device provided with the medication called Betaject 3 This MS treatment option is the interferon with the longest record of clinical evidence and has been shown to be safe in people using it for over 17 continuous years. THE MOST FREQUENT SIDE EFFECTS ARE : The side effects of this medication are similar to those of other interferon-based therapies.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW Contraindications/Precautions: Not contraindicated for use with any drug, including high dose steroids (Solu-Medrol). People with a history of depression should be monitored closely while using it. During clinical trials, there were five suicide attempts (one successful) among people taking Betaseron. Treatment with Betaseron is not advised for those patients suffering from blood problems such as anemia.PREGNANCY: This drug has a pregnancy category C, which means that it caused some harm to fetuses in animal studies, but the effect in humans is unknown. It should not be used by women who are pregnant and should be stopped before trying to conceive for some time (usually one to three months) - discuss this with your doctor. This medication should not be used by women who are breastfeeding.YOUR DRUG COST: The cost of this medication is between US $22,000 and US $33,000 a year. (You can check exact prices at DestinationRx.comBetaseron is covered by most private insurance plans. Additionally, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals operates the Betaseron Patient Assistance Program to help patients who, after pursuing other forms of coverage and assistance, cannot otherwise afford the drug. You can call (877) 836-5724 for more information or contact MSPathways.com for help Your doctor's office or your local chapter of the The National MS Society should also be able to assist you in determining financial options for affordable treatment. Go back to top of the page Go from Betaseron page back to MS multiple sclerosis symptoms home page Go to the MS'ers Place About Me | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact Me New! CommentsHave your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below. |
