Do you or someone you care about have MS? MS PathwaysSM is the source for personalized support for BETASERON patients and those considering BETASERON therapy. Take advantage of the many helpful tools offered by MS PathwaysSM, including Injection Reminders to help you stay on your treatment schedule.
Get a printable doctor-patient discussion guide to help prepare you for speaking with your healthcare professional about choosing a disease-modifying therapy.
Injection Techniques
Some people may find injecting their medication to be a daunting task. However, you may find that it gets easier and easier over time, until it doesn't seem very threatening at all. You can use the information below to get more familiar with injections.
What is the difference between subcutaneous and intramuscular injection?
BETASERON is injected subcutaneously (just under the skin). Avonex® requires a longer, larger needle, which is injected intramuscularly (into the muscle).1,2
What is an injection-site reaction?
Irritation of the skin following an injection is one form of injection-site reaction. To help reduce the risk of irritation, place a cold cloth or cool pack on the injection site before and after each injection. It is important to rotate injection sites in order to avoid overusing any one area. BETASERON is the only interferon beta with a non-acidic formula. Clinical studies have shown that when compared with Rebif®, there was less pain following an injection of BETASERON.1,3,4,5
You can help reduce possible injection site reactions by:
- Rotating injection sites to avoid over using any one area
- Applying a cool pack to the injection site for about 1-2 minutes before and after each injection
- Making sure the injection site is clean and dry
- Using a cotton ball or gauze pad to gently massage the injection site for a few moments after your injection to help distribute the BETASERON under your skin
- Not injecting into skin that is tender, red, or hard
- Using a journal to keep track of the site of your last injection
Talk to your healthcare professional about any additional steps you can take to help reduce or prevent common side effects.
To help get you started on BETASERON treatment, a dedicated MS-specialist B.E.T.A.SM Nurse will be available to personally train you. This support is available for BETASERON patients and those considering BETASERON therapy, any time, day or night, 365 days a year.
Learning all you can about MS is an important part of gaining control. Get help with Understanding MS
Avonex® is a registered trademark of Biogen Idec, Inc.
References:- 1. Betaseron [package insert]. Wayne, NJ: Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.; 2007.
- 2. Avonex [package insert]. Cambridge, MA: Biogen Idec Inc.; 2006.
- 3. Rebif [package insert]. Rockland, MA: Serono, Inc; 2005.
- 4. Baum K, O'Leary C, Coret Ferrer F, Klimova E, Prochazkova L. Evaluating injection site reactions during high-dose, high-frequency interferon beta treatment: interim data from the BRIGHT (Betaferon® vs. Rebif® investigating higher tolerability) study. Poster. Presented at the 9th Congress of the European Federation of Neurological Societies; September 17-20, 2005; Athens, Greece.
- 5. Harris C, Billisberger K, Tillotson L, Peters S, Pederson C, Becker M. Injection site pain: interferon beta-1b versus interferon beta-1a. Abstract S27. Int J MS Care. 2004; 6:73-74.
BETASERON® (Interferon beta-1b) is indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis to reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations. Patients with multiple sclerosis in whom efficacy has been demonstrated include patients who have experienced a first clinical episode and have MRI features consistent with multiple sclerosis.
Important Safety Information
The most commonly reported adverse reactions are lymphopenia, injection-site reaction, asthenia, flu-like symptom complex, headache and pain. Gradual dose titration and use of analgesics during treatment initiation may help reduce flu-like symptoms. BETASERON should be used with caution in patients with depression. Injection-site necrosis has been reported in 4% of patients in controlled trials. Patients should be advised of the importance of rotating injection sites. Female patients should be warned about the potential risk to pregnancy. Cases of anaphylaxis have been reported rarely. See "Warnings," "Precautions," and "Adverse Reactions" sections of full Prescribing Information.
