Relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS)

Indication for Interferon beta-1a

Population group: Suitable for both men and women, only adults (18 years old or older)

Interferon beta-1a is indicated for the treatment of:

Patients diagnosed with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). In clinical trials, this was characterised by two or more acute exacerbations (relapses) in the previous three-years without evidence of continuous progression between relapses; Interferon beta-1a slows the progression of disability and decreases the frequency of relapses.
Patients with a single demyelinating event with an active inflammatory process, if it is severe enough to warrant treatment with intravenous corticosteroids, if alternative diagnoses have been excluded, and if they are determined to be at high risk of developing clinically definite multiple sclerosis.

Interferon beta-1a should be discontinued in patients who develop progressive MS.

For this indication, competent medicine agencies globally authorize below treatments:

7.5-30 ug once a week

Route of admnistration

Intramuscular

Defined daily dose

7.5 - 30 ug

Dosage regimen

From 7.5 To 30 ug once every 7 day(s)

Loading dose

7.5 ug

Maintenance dose

30 ug

Detailed description

The recommended dosage for the treatment of relapsing MS is 30 micrograms, administered by intramuscular (IM) injection once a week. No additional benefit has been shown by administering a higher dose (60 micrograms) once a week.

Titration

To help patients reduce the incidence and severity of flu-like symptoms, titration can be performed at the initiation of treatment. Titration using the pre-filled syringe can be achieved by initiating therapy on ¼ dose increments per week reaching the full dose (30 micrograms/week) by the fourth week.

An alternative titration schedule can be achieved by initiating therapy on approximately a ½ dose of interferon beta-1a once a week before increasing to the full dose. In order to obtain adequate efficacy, a dose of 30 micrograms once a week should be reached and maintained after the initial titration period.

Prior to injection and for an additional 24 hours after each injection, an antipyretic analgesic is advised to decrease flu-like symptoms associated with interferon beta-1a administration. These symptoms are usually present during the first few months of treatment.

Active ingredient

Interferon beta-1a

Interferon beta-1a exerts its biological effects by binding to specific receptors on the surface of human cells. This binding initiates a complex cascade of intracellular events that leads to the expression of numerous interferon-induced gene products and markers. Whether the mechanism of action of interferon beta-1a in MS is mediated by the same pathway as the biological effects described above is not known because the pathophysiology of MS is not well established.

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