When your doctor tells you that you have Multiple Sclerosis (MS), you may be overwhelmed with questions and concerns. Now that you've been told to take the Interferon Beta-1b vaccine, you may be curious and even a little scared. "What is this medicine? How do I use it? Are there any side effects?" You may have many questions in your mind. Don't worry, today we'll talk about this medicine, everything you need to know, very simply, as if you were talking to a friend.
What is Interferon Beta-1b?
Simply put, Interferon Beta-1b is a medication that helps reduce the frequency of attacks or relapses of your Multiple Sclerosis (MS) symptoms. You can usually find it under the brand names Betaseron or Extavia.
It is very important to note that this medicine cannot completely cure MS. However, it can control the frequent exacerbations of the disease and give you great relief so that you can live a normal life.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
It is very important that your doctor has a complete picture of your health before starting this medication. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to inform your doctor about it.
| Health conditions you should report | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Depression or suicidal thoughts | This medication can sometimes affect mental states, so it's important to be aware of this beforehand. |
| Heart disease (such as heart failure) | You need to be concerned about the risk of worsening heart conditions. |
| Liver disease | Because the medication can affect the liver, your doctor should be aware of your liver function. |
| Low blood counts | If you have low red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets, this medicine may affect them further. |
| Other allergies | Tell us if you have any allergies to things like Interferon, Albumin, Mannitol, or other medications or foods. |
| Pregnancy or trying to get pregnant, and breastfeeding | You should discuss the use of this medicine with your doctor during pregnancy and breastfeeding. |
How is this vaccine used?
This medicine is given as an injection, just under the skin . Don't worry, your doctor or nurse will teach you how to do this yourself. They will clearly explain how to prepare the medicine, where to inject it (e.g., stomach, thigh), and how to do it.
Also, it is very important to get the vaccine on the scheduled date and time as prescribed by your doctor. Continue using it until your doctor tells you to stop.
How do you dispose of used needles and syringes?
This is very important. Never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. There is a special "sharps container" for them. If you don't have one, ask your doctor about how you can get one.
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose. There should be a gap of about 48 hours between doses. If you accidentally take two doses in a row, call your doctor immediately.
Special things to be aware of about the medicine
- Medical tests: Your doctor may need to check your condition and perform blood tests regularly while you are taking this medication. Do not skip these.
- Other medications: Tell your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements you are taking. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
- Overdose: If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Possible side effects of medication
Like any medication, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common. The important thing is to be aware of these.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Mental changes | Severe depression, suicidal thoughts, agitation. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark yellow/brown urine, pain in the upper right side of the stomach, extreme fatigue. |
| Heart attack symptoms | Difficulty breathing, sudden weight gain, swelling of the ankles and feet, abnormally fast heartbeat. |
| Bleeding or bruising | Unusual bleeding or bruising anywhere on the body. |
| Vaccination site | Black-blue discoloration, swelling, pus, or soreness at the injection site. |
| Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) | This is a rare but serious condition. Symptoms include purple spots on the skin or mouth, yellowing of the eyes, fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe headache, and difficulty speaking. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Flu-like symptoms | After receiving the vaccine, symptoms such as fever, body aches, and fatigue may occur. |
| Vaccination site | Redness, pain, or slight swelling at the injection site. |
| Other features | Headaches, muscle pain, insomnia, changes in menstrual cycle. |
How to store the medicine?
- Keep the medicine out of the reach of children and pets .
- Before mixing the medicine (unopened), follow the temperature instructions on the package for each brand. Some can be stored at room temperature, while others can be stored in the refrigerator.
- After mixing the medicine with water, if it is not to be used immediately, it should be refrigerated and used within 3 hours . Never freeze. Throw away any medicine left after 3 hours.
- Throw away expired medication.
Take-Home Message
- Interferon Beta-1b is a drug that controls MS attacks, but it is not a cure for the disease.
- Before starting this medication, tell your doctor about all your health conditions (especially depression, heart disease, liver disease) and all medications you are taking.
- Learn how to properly administer the vaccine and how to safely dispose of used needles.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as severe mental changes, yellowing of the eyes/skin, or difficulty breathing, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
- If you have any questions about this medicine, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor.
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