interferon beta-1b (Rx)

(see interferon beta-1 a)

Implementation Interferon beta-1 b - Reconstitute by injecting diluent provided (1.2 ml) into vial, swirl (8 milli-international units/ml), use 27-G needle for inj - Give acetaminophen for fever, headache; use SUBCUT route only; do not give IM or IV - Store reconstituted sol in refrigerator; do not freeze; do not use sol that contains precipitate or is discolored Subcut route - The manufacturers of Betaseron and of Extavia offer materials to assist with training on subcut use: call 1-800-788-1467 (Betaseron), 1-888-669-6682 (Extavia) - Premedication with acetaminophen or ibuprofen and use of product at bedtime may lessen the severity of flulike symptoms - Visually inspect parenteral products for particulate matter and discoloration prior to use. Do not use if particulate matter is present Reconstitution - Add 1.2 ml of 0.54% sodium chloride injection (supplied by the manufacturer) to the vial by using the vial adapter to attach the prefilled syringe that contains the diluent. Keep the plunger depressed, and gently swirl; do not shake. If you take your thumb off the plunger, the solution may come back into the syringe before the product is fully reconstituted. If foaming occurs, allow the vial to sit until the foam settles; final concentration (250 mcg interferon beta-1 b/ml, which corresponds to 8 million International Units/ml) - If not used immediately, store in the refrigerator for up to 3 hr; do not freeze; discard any unused portion after 3 hr Injection - Withdraw the desired amount of the reconstituted solution into the syringe by turning the vial and syringe to get the vial on top. Pull the plunger back to get the desired amount of product; turn the syringe to point the needle upward, and tap the syringe and release any air bubbles. Twist the vial adapter to remove it and the vial - Choose an injection site on the upper, back arms; abdomen; buttocks; or front thighs. Do not inject within 2 in of the navel or in a site where the skin is red, bruised, infected, broken, painful, uneven, or scabbed; rotate injection sites to minimize injection site reactions such as necrosis or localized infection - Inject subcutaneously. Take care not to inject intradermally