Betaseron® (Interferon beta-1b) is a purified, sterile, lyophilized protein product produced by recombinant DNA techniques and formulated for use by injection. Interferon beta-1b is manufactured by bacterial fermentation of a strain of Escherichia coli that bears a genetically engineered plasmid containing the gene for human interferon beta _ser17 . The native gene was obtained from human fibroblasts and altered in a way that substitutes serine for the cysteine residue found at position 17. Interferon beta-1b is a highly purified protein that has 165 amino acids and an approximate molecular weight of 18,500 daltons. It does not include the carbohydrate side chains found in the natural material.

The specific activity of Betaseron is approximately 32 million international units (IU)/mg Interferon beta-1b. Each vial contains 0.3 mg of Interferon beta-1b. The unit measurement is derived by comparing the antiviral activity of the product to the World Health Organization (WHO) reference standard of recombinant human interferon beta. Dextrose and Albumin Human, USP (15 mg each/vial) are added as stabilizers. Prior to 1993, a different analytical standard was used to determine potency. It assigned 54 million IU to 0.3 mg Interferon beta-1b.

Lyophilized Betaseron is a sterile, white to off-white powder intended for subcutaneous injection after reconstitution with the diluent supplied (Sodium Chloride, 0.54% Solution).

General:   Interferons are a family of naturally occurring proteins, which have molecular weights ranging from 15,000 to 21,000 daltons. Three major classes of interferons have been identified: alfa, beta, and gamma. Interferon beta-1b, interferon alfa, and interferon gamma have overlapping yet distinct biologic activities. ^1-5 The activities of Interferon beta-1b are species-restricted and, therefore, the most pertinent pharmacologic information on Betaseron is derived from studies of human cells in culture and in humans.

Biologic Activities:   Interferon beta-1b has been shown to possess both antiviral and immunoregulatory activities. The mechanisms by which Betaseron exerts its actions in multiple sclerosis (MS) are not clearly understood. However, it is known that the biologic response-modifying properties of Interferon beta-1b are mediated through its interactions with specific cell receptors found on the surface of human cells. The binding of Interferon beta-1b to these receptors induces the expression of a number of interferon-induced gene products (e.g., 2', 5'-oligoadenylate synthetase, protein kinase, and indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase) that are believed to be the mediators of the biological actions of Interferon beta-1b. ^1,3,6-10 A number of these interferon-induced products have been readily measured in the serum and cellular fractions of blood collected from patients treated with Interferon beta-1b. ^11,12

:   Because serum concentrations of Interferon beta-1b are low or not detectable following subcutaneous administration of 0.25 mg or less of Betaseron, pharmacokinetic information in patients with MS receiving the recommended dose of Betaseron is not available. Following single and multiple daily subcutaneous administrations of 0.5 mg Betaseron to healthy volunteers (N=12), serum Interferon beta-1b concentrations were generally below 100 IU/mL. Peak serum Interferon beta-1b concentrations occurred between 1 to 8 hours, with a mean peak serum interferon concentration of 40 IU/mL. Bioavailability, based on a total dose of 0.5 mg Betaseron given as two subcutaneous injections at different sites, was approximately 50%.

After intravenous administration of Betaseron (0.006 mg to 2.0 mg), similar pharmacokinetic profiles were obtained from healthy volunteers (N=12) and from patients with diseases other than MS (N=142). In patients receiving single intravenous doses up to 2.0 mg, increases in serum concentrations were dose proportional. Mean serum clearance values ranged from 9.4 mL/min·kg ^-1 to 28.9 mL/min·kg ^-1 and were independent of dose. Mean terminal elimination half-life values ranged from 8.0 minutes to 4.3 hours and mean steady-state volume of distribution values ranged from 0.25 L/kg to 2.88 L/kg. Three-times-a-week intravenous dosing for 2 weeks resulted in no accumulation of Interferon beta-1b in the serum of patients. Pharmacokinetic parameters after single and multiple intravenous doses of Betaseron were comparable.

Clinical Trials:   The effectiveness of Betaseron in relapsing-remitting MS was evaluated in a double-blind, multiclinic (11 sites: 4 Canadian and 7 United States), randomized, parallel, placebo-controlled clinical investigation of 2 years duration. The study enrolled MS patients, aged 18 to 50, who were ambulatory (Kurtzke expanded disability status scale [EDSS] of </=5.5), exhibited a relapsing-remitting clinical course, met Poser's criteria ¹³ for clinically definite and/or laboratory supported definite MS and had experienced at least two exacerbations over 2 years preceding the trial without exacerbation in the preceding month. Patients who had received prior immunosuppressant therapy were excluded.

An exacerbation was defined, per protocol, as the appearance of a new clinical sign/symptom or the clinical worsening of a previous sign/symptom (one that had been stable for at least 30 days) that persisted for a minimum of 24 hours.

Patients selected for study were randomized to treatment with either placebo (N=123), 0.05 mg of Betaseron (N=125), or 0.25 mg of Betaseron (N=124) self-administered subcutaneously every other day. Outcome based on the 372 randomized patients was evaluated after 2 years.

Patients who required more than three 28-day courses of corticosteroids were removed from the study. Minor analgesics (acetaminophen, codeine), antidepressants, and oral baclofen were allowed ad libitum but chronic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use was not allowed.

The primary, protocol defined, outcome assessment measures were 1) frequency of exacerbations per patient and 2) proportion of exacerbation free patients. A number of secondary outcome measures were also employed as described in Table 1.

In addition to clinical measures, annual magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed and quantitated for extent of disease as determined by changes in total area of lesions. In a substudy of patients (N=52) at one site, MRIs were performed every 6 weeks and quantitated for disease activity as determined by changes in size and number of lesions.

Results at the protocol designated endpoint of 2 years (see TABLE 1): In the 2-year analysis, there was a 31% reduction in annual exacerbation rate, from 1.31 in the placebo group to 0.9 in the 0.25 mg group. The p-value for this difference was 0.0001. The proportion of patients free of exacerbations was 16% in the placebo group, compared with 25% in the Betaseron® (Interferon beta-1b) 0.25 mg group.

Of the 372 patients randomized, 72 (19%) failed to complete 2 full years on their assigned treatments. The reasons given for withdrawal varied with treatment assignment. Excessive use of steroids accounted for 11 of the 26 placebo withdrawals, but only 2 of the 21 withdrawals from the 0.05 mg assigned group and 1 of the 25 withdrawals from the 0.25 mg assigned group. Withdrawals for adverse events attributed to study article, however, were more common among Betaseron-treated patients: 1, 5, and 10 withdrew from the placebo, 0.05 mg, and 0.25 mg groups, respectively.

Over the 2-year period, there were 25 MS-related hospitalizations in the 0.25 mg Betaseron-treated group compared to 48 hospitalizations in the placebo group. In comparison, non-MS hospitalizations were evenly distributed among the groups, with 16 in the 0.25 mg Betaseron group and 15 in the placebo group. The average number of days of MS-related steroid use was 41 days in the 0.25 mg Betaseron group and 55 days in the placebo group (p=0.004).

MRI data were also analyzed for patients in this study. A frequency distribution of the observed percent changes in MRI area at the end of 2 years was obtained by grouping the percentages in successive intervals of equal width. Figure 1 displays a histogram of the proportions of patients who fell into each of these intervals. The median percent change in MRI area for the 0.25 mg group was -1.1% which was significantly smaller than the 16.5% observed for the placebo group (p=0.0001).

In an evaluation of frequent MRI scans (every 6 weeks) on 52 patients at one site, the percent of scans with new or expanding lesions was 29% in the placebo group and 6% in the 0.25 mg treatment group (p=0.006).

MRI scanning is viewed as a useful means to visualize changes in white matter that are believed to be a reflection of the pathologic changes that, appropriately located within the central nervous system (CNS), account for some of the signs and symptoms that typify relapsing-remitting MS. The exact relationship between MRI findings and the clinical status of patients is unknown. Changes in lesion area often do not correlate with clinical exacerbations probably because many of the lesions affect so-called "silent" regions of the CNS. Moreover, it is not clear what fraction of the lesions seen on MRI become foci of irreversible demyelinization (i.e., classic white matter plaques). The prognostic significance of the MRI findings in this study has not been evaluated.

At the end of 2 years on assigned treatment, patients in the study had the option of continuing on treatment under blinded conditions. Approximately 80% of patients under each treatment accepted. Although there was a trend toward patient benefit in the Betaseron® (Interferon beta-1b) groups during the third year, particularly in the 0.25 mg group, there was no statistically significant difference between the Betaseron-treated vs. placebo-treated patients in exacerbation rate, or in any of the secondary endpoints described in Table 1. As noted above, in the 2-year analysis, there was a 31% reduction in exacerbation rate in the 0.25 mg group, compared with placebo. The p-value for this difference was 0.0001. In the analysis of the third year alone, the difference between treatment groups was 28%. The p-value was 0.065. The lower number of patients may account for the loss of statistical significance, and lack of direct comparability among the patient groups in this extension study make the interpretation of these results difficult. The third year MRI data did not show a trend toward additional benefit in the Betaseron arm compared with the placebo arm.

Throughout the clinical trial, serum samples from patients were monitored for the development of antibodies to Interferon beta-1b. In patients receiving 0.25 mg of Betaseron (N=124) every other day in the clinical trial, 45% were found to have serum neutralizing activity at one or more of the time points tested. The relationship between antibody formation and clinical efficacy is not known.

Betaseron is indicated for use in ambulatory patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis to reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations. (See , Clinical Trials section.) Relapsing-remitting MS is characterized by recurrent attacks of neurologic dysfunction followed by complete or incomplete recovery. The safety and efficacy of Betaseron in chronic-progressive MS has not been evaluated.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Betaseron is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to natural or recombinant interferon beta, Albumin Human USP, or any other component of the formulation.

One suicide and 4 attempted suicides were observed among 372 study patients during a 3-year period. All five patients received Betaseron (three in the 0.05 mg group and two in the 0.25 mg). There were no attempted suicides in patients on study who did not receive Betaseron. Depression and suicide have been reported to occur in patients receiving interferon alfa, a related compound. Patients to be treated with Betaseron should be informed that depression and suicidal ideation may be a side effect of the treatment and should report these symptoms immediately to the prescribing physician. Patients exhibiting depression should be monitored closely and cessation of therapy should be considered.

Injection site necrosis (ISN) has been reported in 5% of patients in controlled clinical trials (see ADVERSE REACTIONS section). Typically, injection site necrosis occurs within the first 4 months of therapy, although post-marketing reports have been received of ISN occurring over 1 year after initiation of therapy. Necrosis may occur at single or multiple injection sites. The necrotic lesions are typically 3 cm or less in diameter, but larger areas have been reported. While necrosis has commonly extended only to suhcutaneous fat, there are also reports of necrosis extending to and including fascia overlaying muscle. In some lesions where biopsy results are available, vasculitis has been reported. For some lesions debridement and, infrequently, skin grafting has been required.

As with any open lesion, it is important to avoid infection and, if it occurs, to treat the infection. Time to healing has varied depending on the severity of the necrosis at the time treatment was begun. In most cases healing was associated with scarring.

Some patients have experienced healing of necrotic skin lesions while Betaseron® (Interferon beta-1b) therapy continued, others have not. Whether to discontinue therapy following a single site of necrosis is dependent on the extent of necrosis. For patients who continue therapy with Betaseron® (Interferon beta-1b) after injection site necrosis has occurred. Betaseron should not be administered into the affected area until it is fully healed. If multiple lesions occur, therapy should be discontinued until healing occurs.

Patient understanding and use of aseptic self-injection techniques and procedures should be periodically reevaluated, particularly if injection site necrosis has occured.

PRECAUTIONS

General:  

Patients should be instructed in injection techniques to assure the safe self-administration of Betaseron. (See PRECAUTIONS : Information to patients , and Betaseron Patient Information sheet.)

Information to patients:

Instruction on self-injection technique and procedures. Patients should be instructed in the use of aseptic technique when administering Betaseron. Appropriate instruction for reconstitution of Betaseron and self-injection should be given including careful review of the Betaseron Patient Information sheet. If possible, the first injection should be performed under the supervision of an appropriately qualified health care professional.

Patients should be cautioned against the re-use of needles or syringes and instructed in safe disposal procedures. A puncture resistant container for disposal of used needles and syringes should be supplied to the patient along with instructions for safe disposal of full containers.

Patients should be advised of the importance of rotating areas of injection with each dose, to minimize the likelihood of severe injection site reactions or necrosis (see Rotating Injection Sites section of Patient Information sheet).

Patients should be cautioned not to change the dosage or the schedule of administration without medical consultation.

Awareness of adverse reactions. Serious adverse reactions associated with the use of Betaseron have been reported including depression and injection site necrosis (see secction).

Patients should immediately report symptoms of depression or suicidal ideation to their physician. The symptoms of depression should be closely monitored by a physician.

Injection site necrosis was reported in 5% of patients in a controlled MS trial. If the patient experiences any break in the skin, which may be associated with blue-black discoloration, swelling, or drainage of fluid from the injection site, the patient should be advised to promptly contact their physician prior to continuing their Betaseron therapy.

Other injection site reactions occurred in eighty-five percent of patients in the controlled MS trial, at one or more times during therapy. There was redness, pain, swelling and discoloration. In general, these were transient and did not require discontinuation of therapy, but the nature and severity of all reported reactions should be carefully assessed (see ADVERSE REACTIONS section

Flu-like symptoms are common following initiation of therapy with Betaseron. In the controlled MS clinical trial, acetaminophen was permitted for relief of fever or myalgia (see ADVERSE REACTIONS section

Patients should be cautioned about the abortifacient potential of Betaseron (see PRECAUTIONS , Pregnancy - Teratogenic effects ).

Laboratory tests:   The following laboratory tests are recommended prior to initiating Betaseron therapy and at periodic intervals thereafter: hemoglobin, complete and differential white blood cell counts, platelet counts and blood chemistries including liver function tests. In the controlled MS trial, patients were monitored every 3 months. The study protocol stipulated that Betaseron therapy be discontinued in the event the absolute neutrophil count fell below 750/mm ³ . When the absolute neutrophil count had returned to a value greater than 750/mm ³ , therapy could be restarted at a 50% reduced dose. No patients were withdrawn or dose reduced for neutropenia or lymphopenia.

Similarly, if hepatic transaminase (SGOT/SGPT) levels exceeded 10 times the upper limit of normal, or if the serum bilirubin exceeded 5 times the upper limit of normal, therapy was discontinued. In each instance during the controlled MS trial, hepatic enzyme abnormalities returned to normal following discontinuation of therapy. When measurements had decreased to below these levels, therapy could be restarted at a 50% dose reduction, if clinically appropriate. Two patients were dose reduced for increased liver enzymes; one continued on treatment and one was ultimately withdrawn.

Drug interactions:   Interactions between Betaseron and other drugs have not been fully evaluated. Although studies designed to examine drug interactions have not been done, it was noted that corticosteroid or ACTH treatment of relapses for periods of up to 28 days has been administered to patients (N=180) receiving Betaseron.

Betaseron administration to three cancer patients over a dose range of 0.025 mg to 2.2 mg led to a dose-dependent inhibition of antipyrine elimination. ¹⁴ The effect of alternate-day administration of 0.25 mg of Betaseron on drug metabolism in MS patients is unknown.

Carcinogenesis:   The carcinogenic potential of Betaseron was evaluated by studying its effect on the morphological transformation of the mammalian cell line BALBc-3T3. No significant increases in transformation frequency were noted. No carcinogenicity data are available in animals or humans.

Betaseron® (Interferon beta-1b) was not mutagenic when assayed for genotoxicity in the Ames bacterial test in the presence or absence of metabolic activation.

Impairment of fertility: Studies in rhesus monkeys at doses up to 0.33 mg/kg/day (32 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area comparison*) in normally cycling rhesus female monkeys had no apparent adverse effects on the menstrual cycle or on associated hormonal profiles (progesterone and estradiol) when administered over 3 consecutive menstrual cycles. The extrapolability of animal doses to human doses is not known. Effects of Betaseron on normal cycling human females are not known.

Pregnancy - Teratogenic effects:   Pregnancy Category C: Betaseron was not teratogenic at doses up to 0.42 mg/kg/day in rhesus monkeys, but demonstrated a dose-related abortifacient activity when administered at doses ranging from 0.028 mg/kg/day (2.8 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area comparison) to 0.42 mg/kg/day (40 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area comparison). The extrapolability of animal doses to human doses is not known. Lower doses were not studied in monkeys. Spontaneous abortions while on treatment were reported in patients (N=4) who participated in the Betaseron MS clinical trial. Betaseron given to rhesus monkeys on gestation days 20 to 70 did not cause teratogenic effects, however, it is not known if teratogenic effects exist in humans. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. If the patient becomes pregnant or plans to become pregnant while taking Betaseron, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus and it should be recommended that the patient discontinue therapy.

Nursing mothers:   It is not known whether Betaseron is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from Betaseron, a decision should be made as to whether either to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of drug to the mother.

Pediatric use:  

Safety and efficacy in children under 18 years of age have not been established.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Experience with Betaseron in patients with MS is limited to a total of 147 patients at the recommended dose of 0.25 mg every other day or more (see , Clinical Trials section). Consequently, adverse events that are associated with the use of Betaseron in MS patients at a low incidence may not have been observed in pre-marketing studies. Clinical experience with Betaseron in other populations (patients with cancer, HIV positive patients, etc.) provides additional data regarding adverse reactions; however, experience in non-MS populations may not be fully applicable to the MS population.

Injection site reactions (85%) and injection site necrosis (5%) occurred after administration of Betaseron. Inflammation, pain, hypersensitivity, necrosis, and non-specific reactions were significantly associated (p<0.05) with the 0.25 mg Betaseron-treated group. Only inflammation, pain, and necrosis were reported as severe events (see and PRECAUTIONS sections). The incidence rate for injection site reactions was calculated over the course of 3 years. This incidence rate decreased over time, with 79% of patients experiencing the event during the first 3 months of treatment compared to 47% during the last 6 months. The median time to the first occurrence of an injection site reaction was 7 days. Patients with injection site reactions reported these events 183.7 days per year. Three patients withdrew from the 0.25 mg Betaseron-treated group for injection site pain.

Flu-like symptom complex was reported in 76% of the patients treated with 0.25 mg Betaseron. A patient was defined as having a flu-like symptom complex if flu-like symptoms or at least two of the following symptoms were concurrently reported: fever, chills, myalgia, malaise, or sweating. Only myalgia, fever, and chills were reported as severe in more than 5% of the patients. The incidence rate for flu-like symptom complex was also calculated over the course of 3 years. The incidence rate of these events decreased over time, with 60% of patients experiencing the event during the first 3 months of treatment compared to 10% during the last 6 months. The median time to the first occurrence of flu-like symptom complex was 3.5 days and the median duration per patient was 7.5 days per year.

Laboratory abnormalities included absolute neutrophil count less than 1500/mm ³ (18%) (no patients had absolute neutrophil counts less than 500/mm ³ ), WBC less than 3000/mm ³ (16%), SGPT greater than 5 times baseline value (19%), and total bilirubin greater than 2.5 times baseline value (6%). Three patients were withdrawn from treatment with 0.25 mg Betaseron for abnormal liver enzymes including one following dose reduction (see PRECAUTIONS , Laboratory Tests ).

Twenty-one (28%) of the 76 premenopausal females treated at 0.25 mg Betaseron and 10 (13%) of the 76 premenopausal females treated with placebo reported menstrual disorders. All of these reports were of mild to moderate severity and included: intermenstrual bleeding and spotting, early or delayed menses, decreased days of menstrual flow, and clotting and spotting during menstruation.

Mental disorders have been observed in patients in this study. Symptoms included depression, anxiety, emotional lability, depersonalization, suicide attempts, confusion, etc. In the treatment group, two patients withdrew for confusion. One suicide and four attempted suicides were also reported. It is not known whether these symptoms may be related to the underlying neurological basis of MS, to Betaseron treatment, or to a combination of both. Some similar symptoms have been noted in patients receiving interferon alfa and both interferons are thought to act through the same receptor. Patients who experience these symptoms should be closely monitored and cessation of therapy considered.

Additional common adverse clinical and laboratory events associated with the use of Betaseron® (Interferon beta-1b) are listed in the following paragraphs. These events occurred at an incidence of 5% or more in the 124 MS patients treated with 0.25 mg of Betaseron every other day for periods of up to 3 years in the controlled trial, and at an incidence that was at least twice that observed in the 123 placebo patients. Common adverse clinical and laboratory events associated with the use of Betaseron were: injection site reaction (85%), injection site necrosis (5%), palpitation (8%), hypertension (7%), tachycardia (6%), peripheral vascular disorders (5%), gastrointestinal disorders (6%), absolute neutrophil count <1500/mm ³ (18%), WBC <3000/mm ³ (16%), SGPT >5 times baseline value (19%), total bilirubin >2.5 times baseline value (6%), somnolence (6%), dyspnea (8%), laryngitis (6%), menstrual disorder (17%), cystitis (8%), breast pain (7%), pelvic pain (6%), and menorrhagia (6%).

A total of 277 MS patients have been treated with Betaseron® (Interferon beta-1b) in doses ranging from 0.025 mg to 0.5 mg. During the first 3 years of treatment, withdrawals due to clinical adverse events or laboratory abnormalities not mentioned above included: fatigue (2%, 6 patients), cardiac arrhythmia (<1%, 1 patient), allergic urticarial skin reaction to injections (<1%, 1 patient), headache (<1%, 1 patient), unspecified adverse events (<1%, 1 patient), and "felt sick" (<1%, 1 patient).

Table 2 enumerates adverse events and laboratory abnormalities that occurred at an incidence of 2% or more among the 124 MS patients treated with 0.25 mg Betaseron every other day for periods of up to 3 years in the controlled trial and at an incidence that was at least 2% more than that observed in the 123 placebo patients. Reported adverse events have been reclassified using the standard COSTART glossary to reduce the total number of terms employed in Table 2, terms so general as to be uninformative, and those events where a drug cause was remote have been excluded.

It should be noted that the figures cited in the table cannot be used to predict the incidence of side effects in the course of usual medical practice where patient characteristics and other factors differ from those that prevailed in the clinical trials. The cited figures do provide the prescribing physician with some basis for estimating the relative contribution of drug and nondrug factors to the side effect incidence rate in the population studied.

Other events observed during premarketing evaluation of various doses of Betaseron in 1440 patients are listed in the paragraph that follows. Because most of the events were observed in open and uncontrolled studies, the role of Betaseron in their causation cannot be reliably determined.

Body as a Whole:  

abscess, adenoma, anaphylactoid reaction, ascites, cellulitis, hernia, hydrocephalus, hypothermia, infection, peritonitis, photosensitivity, sarcoma, sepsis, and shock; Cardiovascular System: angina pectoris, arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, cardiomegaly, cardiac arrest, cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral ischemia, endocarditis, heart failure, hypotension, myocardial infarct, pericardial effusion, postural hypotension, pulmonary embolus, spider angioma, subarachnoid hemorrhage, syncope, thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, varicose vein, vasospasm, venous pressure increased, ventricular extrasystoles, and ventricular fibrillation; Digestive System: aphthous stomatitis, cardiospasm, cheilitis, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, duodenal ulcer, dry mouth, enteritis, esophagitis, fecal impaction, fecal incontinence, flatulence, gastritis, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, gingivitis, glossitis, hematemesis, hepatic neoplasia, hepatitis, hepatomegaly, ileus, increased salivation, intestinal obstruction, melena, nausea, oral leukoplakia, oral moniliasis, pancreatitis, periodontal abscess, proctitis, rectal hemorrhage, salivary gland enlargement, stomach ulcer, and tenesmus; Endocrine System: Cushing' Syndrome, diabetes insipidus, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, and inappropriate ADH; Hemic and Lymphatic System: chronic lymphocytic leukemia, hemoglobin less than 9.4 g/100 mL, petechia, platelets less than 75,000/mm ³ , and splenomegaly; Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders: alcohol intolerance, alkaline phosphatase greater than 5 times baseline value, BUN greater than 40 mg/dL, calcium greater than 11.5 mg/dL, cyanosis, edema, glucose greater than 160 mg/dL, glycosuria, hypoglycemic reaction, hypoxia, ketosis, and thirst; Musculoskeletal System: arthritis, arthrosis, bursitis, leg cramps, muscle atrophy, myopathy, myositis, ptosis, and tenosynovitis; Nervous System: abnormal gait, acute brain syndrome, agitation, apathy, aphasia, ataxia, brain edema, chronic brain syndrome, coma, delirium, delusions, dementia, depersonalization, diplopia, dystonia, encephalopathy, euphoria, facial paralysis, foot drop, hallucinations, hemiplegia, hypalgesia, hyperesthesia, incoordination, intracranial hypertension, libido decreased, manic reaction, meningitis, neuralgia, neuropathy, neurosis, nystagmus, oculogyric crisis, ophthalmoplegia, papilledema, paralysis, paranoid reaction, psychosis, reflexes decreased, stupor, subdural hematoma, torticollis, tremor, and urinary retention; Respiratory System: apnea, asthma, atelectasis, carcinoma of lung, hemoptysis, hiccup, hyperventilation, hypoventilation, interstitial pneumonia, lung edema, pleural effusion, pneumonia, and pneumothorax; Skin and Appendages: contact dermatitis, erythema nodosum, exfoliative dermatitis, furunculosis, hirsutism, leukoderma, lichenoid dermatitis, maculopapular rash, psoriasis, seborrhea, skin benign neoplasm, skin carcinoma, skin hypertrophy, skin necrosis, skin ulcer, urticaria, and vesiculobullous rash; Special Senses: blepharitis, blindness, deafness, dry eyes, ear pain, iritis, keratoconjunctivitis, mydriasis, otitis externa, otitis media, parosmia, photophobia, retinitis, taste loss, taste perversion, and visual field defect; Urogenital System: anuria, balanitis, breast engorgement, cervicitis, epididymitis, gynecomastia, hematuria, impotence, kidney calculus, kidney failure, kidney tubular disorder, leukorrhea, nephritis, nocturia, oliguria, polyuria, salpingitis, urethritis, urinary incontinence, uterine fibroids enlarged, uterine neoplasm, and vaginal hemorrhage.

DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE

No evidence or experience suggests that abuse or dependence occurs with Betaseron® (Interferon beta-1b) therapy; however, the risk of dependence has not been systematically evaluated.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

The recommended dose of Betaseron for the treatment of ambulatory relapsing-remitting MS is 0.25 mg injected subcutaneously every other day. Limited data regarding the activity of a lower dose are presented above (see , Clinical Trials ).

Evidence of efficacy beyond 2 years is not known since the primary evidence of efficacy derives from a 2-year, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial (see , Clinical Trials ). Safety data are not available beyond the third year. Patients were discontinued from this trial due to unremitting disease progression of 6 months or greater.

To reconstitute lyophilized Betaseron for injection, use a sterile syringe and needle to inject 1.2 mL of the diluent supplied, Sodium Chloride, 0.54% Solution, into the Betaseron vial. Gently swirl the vial of Betaseron to dissolve the drug completely; do not shake. Inspect the reconstituted product visually and discard the product before use if it contains particulate matter or is discolored. After reconstitution with accompanying diluent, Betaseron vials contain 0.25 mg Interferon beta-1b/mL of solution.

Withdraw 1 mL of reconstituted solution from the vial into a sterile syringe fitted with a 27-gauge needle and inject the solution subcutaneously. Sites for self-injection include arms, abdomen, hips, and thighs. A vial is suitable for single use only; unused portions should be discarded. (See BETASERON PATIENT INFORMATION sheet for SELF-INJECTION PROCEDURE. )

Stability:  

The reconstituted product contains no preservative. Before reconstitution with diluent, store at 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F). After reconstitution, if not used immediately, the product should be refrigerated and used within 3 hours. Avoid freezing.

If refrigeration is not possible, vials of Betaseron and diluent should be kept as cool as possible, below 30°C (86°F), away from heat and light, and used within 7 days.

HOW SUPPLIED

Betaseron is supplied as a lyophilized powder containing 0.3 mg of Interferon beta-1b, 15 mg Albumin Human USP, and 15 mg dextrose, USP. Drug is packaged in a clear glass, single-use vial (3 mL capacity); a separate vial containing 2 mL of diluent (Sodium Chloride, 0.54% solution) is included for each vial of drug. Store under refrigeration, between 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F).

NDC 50419-521-03          0.3 mg/vial

NDC 50419-521-15          15 vials, 0.3 mg/vial

Caution:   Federal law prohibits dispensing without prescription.

REFERENCES

1. Ruzicka FJ, et al. J Biol Chem, 1987; 262: 16142-16149.
2. Uze G, et al. Cell, 1990; 60: 225-234.
3. DeMaeyer E, et al. In: Interferons and other regulatory cytokines, NY, Wiley 1988.
4. Colby CB, et al. J Immunol 1984; 133: 3091-3095.
5. Pestka S, et al. Annu Rev Biochem 1987; 56: 727-777.
6. Lengyel P, Annu Rev Biochem 1982; 51: 251-282.
7. Witt PL, et al. J Interferon Res 1990; 10: 393-402.
8. Schiller JH, et al. J Biol Resp Mod 1990; 9: 377-386.
9. Rosenblum MG, et al. J Interferon Res 1990; 10: 141-151.
10. Carlin JM, et al. J Immuno 1987; 130(7): 2414-2418.
11. Witt PL, et al. J Immunotherapy 1993; 13: 191-200.
12. Goldstein D, et al. J Natl Cancer Inst 1989; 81: 1061-1068.
13. Poser CM, et al. Ann Neurol 1983; 13(3): 227-231.
14. Blaschke TF, et al. Clinical Research 1985; 33(1): 19A.

Manufactured by:

CHIRON Corporation

Emeryville, CA 94608

U.S. License No. 1106

Distributed by:

BERLEX Laboratories

Richmond, CA 94804

U.S. Patent No. 4,588,585; 4,959,314; 4,737,462; 4,450,103

©1993 Berlex Laboratories All rights reserved.

Part Number L -1172.2          Revision date 10/96

Printed in USA on Recycled Paper

PRODUCT PHOTO(S):

BETASERON®
Interferon beta-1b

Read this patient information each time your prescription is filled because this information may have changed.

PATIENT INFORMATION

Betaseron® (Interferon beta-1b) is intended for use under the guidance and supervision of a physician. Your physician or his/her delegate should instruct you in the preparation of Betaseron for administration and in the technique of self injection. Do not attempt self-administration until you are sure that you understand the requirements for mixing the product and giving an injection to yourself.

Betaseron should be used as prescribed by your physician. However, if you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Your next injection, however, should be scheduled about 48 hours later. While using Betaseron, please keep in mind the following facts:

• Betaseron must be kept cold. Be sure to store it in a refrigerator before and after reconstitution. Do not freeze.
• Keep syringes and needles away from children. Do not reuse needles or syringes. Discard used syringes and needles in a syringe disposal unit as instructed by your physician.
• Women: Betaseron should not be used during pregnancy or if you are trying to become pregnant. If you wish to become pregnant while using Betaseron, discuss the matter with your doctor. While using Betaseron, women of childbearing age should use birth control measures. If you do become pregnant you should discontinue treatment and contact your doctor immediately.
• Injection site reactions are common. They include redness, pain and swelling, and discoloration. Less frequently, injection site necrosis (skin breakdown and tissue destruction) has been observed. To minimize chances for a reaction, you should rotate injection sites as described on pages 3 and 4 or as recommended by your physician. Do not make an injection into skin that is tender, red, or hard. If you experience a break in the skin or drainage of fluid from the injection site, you should promptly contact your physician before continuing injections with Betaseron.
• Flu-like symptoms are also common. They include fever, chills, sweating, fatigue, and muscle aches. Taking Betaseron at night may help lessen the impact of flu-like symptoms.
• Depression, including suicide attempts, has been reported by patients. If you experience such symptoms, contact your physician promptly.
• As with any prescription medication, side effects related to therapy can occur. Consult with your physician if you have any problems, whether or not you think they may be related to Betaseron® (Interferon beta-1b).

SELF-INJECTION PROCEDURE

To mix the contents of one vial

Only the vial of diluent (liquid) that comes inside your prescription package should be used to dissolve the white cake of drug in the Betaseron vial.

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Collect all your equipment before you begin the process.
   You'll need:
   
   • vial of Diluent for Betaseron (Sodium Chloride 0.54%)
   • vial of Betaseron
   • 3-mL syringe with 21-gauge needle (1)
   • 1-mL syringe with 27-gauge needle (1)
   • alcohol wipes
   • disposal unit (an opaque, puncture-resistant, sealable container for used syringes/needles)
     NOTE:   Be sure needle guards are on the needles tightly.
3. Remove the protective caps from both vials.
4. Use alcohol wipes to clean the tops of the vials--move in one direction and use one wipe per vial.
   NOTE:   Leave an alcohol wipe on top of each vial until you are ready to use it.
5. Resting your hands on a stable surface, remove the needle cover on the 3-mL syringe by pulling the cover straight off the needle.
   
6. Pull back the plunger (on the 3-mL syringe) to the 1.2 mL mark.
   NOTE:   Read the labels on the vials-- find the Diluent for Betaseron vial and throw away the alcohol wipe on top of it.
7. Holding the vial of Diluent for Betaseron® (Interferon beta-1b) on a stable surface, slowly insert the needle straight through the stopper, into the top of the vial.
   NOTE:   When inserting and removing needles from vials, be sure not to touch the needles or the rubber stoppers on the vials with your hands.
   If you do touch a stopper, clean it with a fresh alcohol wipe.
   If you touch a needle, throw away the entire syringe into the disposal unit and start over with a new syringe.
   If the needle touches any surface, throw away the entire syringe into the disposal unit and start over with a new syringe.
   
   
8. Push in the plunger all the way to gently inject air into the vial (leave the needle in the vial of Diluent for Betaseron).
9. Turn the vial of Diluent for Betaseron upside down .
   NOTE:   Keep the needle tip in the liquid.
10. Resting your hands on a stable surface, hold the vial and syringe in one hand and slowly pull back the plunger on the syringe to the 1.2 mL mark (to draw up that amount of liquid) with your other hand.
    
11. Keeping the vial upside down, gently tap the syringe until any air bubbles that formed rise to the top of the barrel of the syringe.
12. Carefully push in the plunger to eject ONLY THE AIR through the needle.
13. Remove the needle/syringe from the vial of Diluent for Betaseron.
    NOTE:   Find the Betaseron vial and throw away the alcohol wipe on top of it.
14. Holding the Betaseron vial on a stable surface, slowly insert the needle of the syringe (containing 1.2 mL of liquid) all the way through the stopper of the vial.
    
    
15. Push the plunger down slowly, directing the needle toward the side of the vial to allow the liquid to run down the inside wall (injecting Diluent for Betaseron directly onto the cake of drug will cause excess foaming).
16. Remove the needle/syringe from the Betaseron vial.
17. Throw away the 3 mL syringe into the disposal unit.
    NOTE:   Double-check that you are throwing away the correct syringe into the disposal unit.
    
    
18. Roll the vial between your hands gently to completely dissolve the white cake of Betaseron (DO NOT SHAKE).
19. Look closely at the solution (it should be clear).
    NOTE:   If the mixture contains particles or is discolored, discard it and start again.

PREPARING THE INJECTION

1. Remove the needle guard of the 1 mL syringe and pull back the plunger to the 1 mL mark.
   
   
2. Insert the needle of the 1 mL syringe through the stopper of the vial of Betaseron solution.
3. Gently push the plunger all the way down to inject air into the vial (leave the needle in the vial).
   
   
4. Turn the vial of Betaseron® (Interferon beta-1b) solution upside down.
   NOTE:   Keep the needle tip in the liquid.
5. Pull back the plunger to withdraw 1 mL of liquid into the syringe.
   
   
6. Hold the syringe with the needle pointing upward.
7. Tap the syringe gently until any air bubbles that formed rise to the top of the barrel of the syringe.
8. Carefully push in the plunger to eject ONLY THE AIR through the needle.
9. Remove the needle/syringe from the vial.
10. Recap the needle on the syringe.
    NOTE:   The injection should be administered immediately after mixing (if the injection is delayed, refrigerate the solution and inject it within 3 hours). Do not freeze.
11. Throw away unused portion of the solution remaining in the vial.

GIVING THE INJECTION

Subcutaneous (under the skin) self-administration

1. Choose an area for injection site (see diagrams for areas); use a different area each day.
   
   • Abdomen--Areas 1 and 3
   • Thighs-- Areas 2 and 4
   • Back of Arms--Areas 5 and 7
   • Buttocks--Areas 6 and 8
   
   NOTE:   Do not use any areas in which you feel lumps, bumps, firm knots, or pain. Do not use any area in which the skin is discolored, depressed, scabbed, or has broken open. Talk to your doctor or healthcare professional about these or any other unusual conditions that you find.
   Hold the syringe like a pencil or dart.
2. Use an alcohol wipe to clean the skin at the injection site; let it air dry.
3. Throw away the wipe.
4. Uncap the needle.
5. Gently pinch the skin together around the site (to lift it up a bit).
6. Resting your wrist on the skin near the site, stick the needle straight into the skin at a 90° angle with a quick, firm motion.
   
7. Inject the drug by using a slow, steady push (push the plunger all the way in until the syringe is empty).
8. Hold a swab on the injection site. Remove the needle from the skin.
9. Gently massage the injection site with a dry cotton ball or gauze.
10. Throw away the 1 mL syringe in the disposal unit.

INJECTION SITE

Picking an injection site

Betaseron® (Interferon beta-1b) should be injected into subcutaneous tissue (into the fat layer between the skin and the muscles beneath). The best areas for injection are where the skin is loose and soft (flabby), away from joints, nerves, bones, and other important structures.

Each day of injection you can choose an injection site from the upper, middle, or lower section of an area shown in the accompanying diagrams. It is a good idea to know where your injection will be given before you prepare your syringe.

If there are any sites that are difficult for you to reach, you can ask your support person (or someone who has been trained to give injections) to help you.

Rotating injection sites

Each day of injection you can choose an injection site from the upper, middle, or lower section of an area shown in the accompanying diagrams.

To help prevent injection site reactions, you need to select a site in an area different from the area where you last injected yourself. You should not choose the same area for two injections in a row. Keeping a record of your injections will help make sure you rotate areas.

On the accompanying diagrams of the body, the areas of injection are numbered 1 through 8. Each area may be divided into three sections--upper, middle, and lower. If self-administering Betaseron, areas 1 through 4 may be the most convenient. Use the 8 areas in the following sequence:

• Your first 8 injections should be in a site in the upper section of each area (Rotation 1);
• The next 8 injections should be in a site in the middle section of each area (Rotation 2);
• And the next 8 should be in a site in the lower section of each area (Rotation 3).

By following this schedule, you will come back to your first injection site after 24 injections (48 days). If there are any sites that are difficult for you to reach, you can ask your support person, or someone who has been trained to give injections, to help you.

Manufactured by:

CHIRON Corporation

Emeryville, CA 94608

U.S. License No. 1106

Distributed by:

BERLEX Laboratories

Richmond, CA 94804

©1993 Berlex Laboratories     All rights reserved.

Part Number L-1171.3           Revision date 12/97