Interferon beta-1a
Also known as: Avonex, Betaferon-1a, Betaseron, Extavia, IFN beta-1a, IFN‑β1a, Interferon beta‑1a, Plegridy (pegylated form), Rebif
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Summary
Recombinant human interferon beta‑1a used as a disease‑modifying therapy for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis; administered by injection to lower relapse rate and MRI activity.
Mechanism of Action
Binds the IFNAR1/IFNAR2 receptor complex, activating JAK‑STAT signaling that modulates expression of antiviral, anti‑inflammatory and immunoregulatory genes; reduces CNS inflammation and blood‑brain barrier permeability in multiple sclerosis.
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Reduction of MS relapse rateDisease ModificationHigh
- Reduce annualized relapse rateDisease ModifyingHigh
- Delay of second demyelinating event (CIS)Disease PreventionHigh
- Antiviral activityInfectious DiseaseLow
- Delay disability progressionEfficacyModerate
- Reduction of MRI lesion burdenNeurological / AutoimmuneHigh
- Decrease new/enlarging MRI lesionsRadiologicHigh
- Slowing disability progressionDisease ModificationHigh
Contraindications
- Severe active depression or suicidal ideationPsychiatricHigh
- Severe hepatic impairmentOrganModerateLiver function concerns
- Decompensated hepatic diseaseHepaticHigh
- PregnancyPopulationModeratePotential fetal risk or insufficient safety data
- Hypersensitivity to interferon beta‑1a or any excipientAllergyHigh
- Thyroid disease (uncontrolled)EndocrineModerate
- Hypersensitivity to natural or recombinant interferon beta or any excipientAllergy / ImmunologyHigh
Adverse Effects
- Hepatotoxicity / elevated liver enzymesHepaticUncommon
- Hematologic abnormalities (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia)HematologicUncommon
- LeukopeniaHematologicRareLow white blood cell count
- Neutralizing antibody formationImmunologicCommon
- Injection site reactionsLocalCommon
- Flu‑like syndromeSystemicCommon
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, myalgia, fatigue)Systemic / ConstitutionalCommon
- Depression and suicidal ideationPsychiatricUncommon
- DepressionPsychiatricUncommon
- Elevated liver enzymesHepaticUncommonIncrease in AST/ALT or other hepatic markers
Drug Interactions
- AntidepressantsLow
- Immunosuppressants (e.g., azathioprine)Moderate
- Live attenuated vaccinesHigh
- Hepatic enzyme inducers (e.g., rifampin)Moderate
- CYP450 substrates (e.g., warfarin, phenytoin)Low
- Myelosuppressive agents (e.g., azathioprine, methotrexate)Moderate
- Hepatotoxic drugs (e.g., statins, valproate, alcohol)Moderate
Population Constraints
- Pediatric patients (<18 years)AgeRelative
- Elderly (>65 years)AgeRelative
- Elderly patients (over 65)AgeRelative
- Patients with pre-existing severe psychiatric disordersPsychiatricRelative
- Pregnant womenReproductiveRelative
- Patients with severe renal impairmentOrgan ImpairmentRelative
- Pediatric patients (under 18)AgeRelative
Regulatory Status
- European UnionApprovedApproved: relapsing forms of multiple sclerosisBiosimilar versions approved; dosing similar to US.
- United StatesApprovedApproved: relapsing‑remitting multiple sclerosis, active secondary progressive multiple sclerosisAvonex (IM weekly), Rebif (SC three times weekly), Betaseron/Extavia (SC every other day).
- United KingdomApprovedApproved: relapsing‑remitting multiple sclerosisSame formulations as EU.
Multiple brand formulations (Avonex, Rebif, Betaseron, Extavia) differ in dosing schedule and route; biosimilar versions approved in EU.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Interferon beta-1a?
Recombinant human interferon beta‑1a used as a disease‑modifying therapy for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis; administered by injection to lower relapse rate and MRI activity.
What is Interferon beta-1a used for?
Interferon beta-1a is educationally associated with: Reduction of MS relapse rate, Reduce annualized relapse rate, Delay of second demyelinating event (CIS), Antiviral activity, Delay disability progression, Reduction of MRI lesion burden, Decrease new/enlarging MRI lesions, Slowing disability progression. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Interferon beta-1a administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Intramuscular, Subcutaneous.
What are the potential side effects of Interferon beta-1a?
Reported adverse effects include: Hepatotoxicity / elevated liver enzymes, Hematologic abnormalities (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia), Leukopenia, Neutralizing antibody formation, Injection site reactions, Flu‑like syndrome, Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, myalgia, fatigue), Depression and suicidal ideation, Depression, Elevated liver enzymes. This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Interferon beta-1a?
Recorded contraindications: Severe active depression or suicidal ideation, Severe hepatic impairment, Decompensated hepatic disease, Pregnancy, Hypersensitivity to interferon beta‑1a or any excipient, Thyroid disease (uncontrolled), Hypersensitivity to natural or recombinant interferon beta or any excipient. Consult a qualified clinician before use.