Strategies to improve the tolerability of BETAFERON
Over time, lessons learned through clinical experience have improved the safety and tolerability of BETAFERON. As a result, later trials have observed a lower incidence rate of interferon beta-typical adverse events compared with earlier studies [1]. Furthermore, interferon beta-typical adverse events such as flu-like symptoms and injection site reactions diminish over time in most patients [2].
The following measures may improve safety and/or tolerability of BETAFERON:
- Dose titration at treatment initiation [3] (See figure for recommended titration scheme)
- Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [1,3] and administration of BETAFERON in the morning instead of the evening [4] may mitigate flu-like symptoms
- Use of an autoinjector may reduce injection site reactions [1,3]
- Use of thinner needles (30 G instead of 27 G) may also help to improve injection site tolerability [5]
Recommended titration scheme for BETAFERON [3]
References
- Lugaresi A et al. Expert Rev Neurother 2014; 14(9): 1029-42. Return to content
- Kappos L et al. Neurology 2006; 67(7): 1242-9. Return to content
- BETAFERON European Summary of Product Characteristics, October 2020. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/betaferon-epar-product-information_en.pdf Return to content
- Nadjar Y et al. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2011; 113: 316-22. Return to content
- Baum K et al. Mult Scler 2007; 13(9): 1153-60. Return to content
