DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Dosing Information
The recommended starting dose is 0.0625 mg (0.25 mL) subcutaneously every other day, with dose increases over a six week period to the recommended dose of 0.25 mg (1 mL) every other day (see Table 1).
Table 1 Schedule for Dose Titration
|
Betaseron
Dose
|
Percentage of
recommended dose
|
Volume
|
Weeks 1-2
|
0.0625 mg
|
25%
|
0.25 mL
|
Weeks 3-4
|
0.125 mg
|
50%
|
0.5 mL
|
Weeks 5-6
|
0.1875 mg
|
75%
|
0.75 mL
|
Week 7 and thereafter
|
0.25 mg
|
100%
|
1 mL
|
Reconstitution of the Lyophilized Powder
(a) Prior to reconstitution, verify that the vial containing lyophilized Betaseron is not cracked or damaged. Do not use cracked or damaged vials.
(b) To reconstitute lyophilized Betaseron for injection, attach the prefilled syringe containing the diluent (Sodium Chloride, 0.54% Solution) to the Betaseron vial using the vial adapter.
(c) Slowly inject 1.2 mL of diluent into the Betaseron vial.
(d) Gently swirl the vial to dissolve the lyophilized powder completely; do not shake. Foaming may occur during reconstitution or if the vial is swirled or shaken too vigorously. If foaming occurs, allow the vial to sit undisturbed until the foam settles.
(e) 1 mL of reconstituted Betaseron solution contains 0.25 mg of interferon beta-1b.
(f) After reconstitution, if not used immediately, refrigerate the reconstituted Betaseron solution at 2 to 8°C (35 to 46°F) and use within three hours. Do not freeze.
Important Administration Instructions
(a) Perform the first Betaseron injection under the supervision of an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. If patients or caregivers are to administer Betaseron, train them in the proper subcutaneous injection technique and assess their ability to inject subcutaneously to ensure the proper administration of Betaseron.
(b) Visually inspect the reconstituted Betaseron solution before use; discard if it contains particulate matter or is discolored.
(c) Keeping the syringe and vial adapter in place, turn the assembly over so that the vial is on top. Withdraw the appropriate dose of Betaseron solution. Remove the vial from the vial adapter before injecting Betaseron.
(d) Use safe disposal procedures for needles and syringes.
(e) Do not re-use needles or syringes.
(f) Advise patients and caregivers to rotate sites for subcutaneous injections to minimize the likelihood of severe injection site reactions, including necrosis or localized infection.
Premedication for Flu-like Symptoms
Concurrent use of analgesics and/or antipyretics on treatment days may help ameliorate flu-like symptoms associated with Betaseron use [see Warnings and Precautions].
DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
For injection: 0.3 mg lyophilized powder in a single use vial for reconstitution.
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