Drug Detail:Rebif (Interferon beta-1a [ in-ter-fear-on-bay-ta ])
Generic Name: INTERFERON BETA-1A 8.8ug in 0.2mL; INTERFERON BETA-1A 22ug in 0.5mL
Dosage Form: injection, solution
Drug Class: Interferons
Dosing Information
The recommended dose of REBIF is either 22 mcg or 44 mcg injected subcutaneously three times per week. REBIF should be administered, if possible, at the same time (preferably in the late afternoon or evening) on the same three days (e.g., Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) at least 48 hours apart each week.
Generally, patients should be started at 20% of the prescribed dose three times per week and increased over a 4-week period to the targeted dose, either 22 mcg three times per week (see Table 1) or 44 mcg three times per week (see Table 2). Patients prescribed a targeted dose of 22 mcg three times per week should use the prefilled syringes for titration.
A Titration Pack containing 6 doses of 8.8 mcg (0.2 mL) and 6 doses of 22 mcg (0.5 mL) is available for use during the titration period in both REBIF prefilled syringes and REBIF Rebidose autoinjectors.
Week of Use | Dose | Syringe to Use | Amount of syringe |
---|---|---|---|
|
|||
Week 1 Titration | 4.4 mcg | 8.8 mcg syringe | Use half of syringe |
Week 2 Titration | 4.4 mcg | 8.8 mcg syringe | Use half of syringe |
Week 3 Titration | 11 mcg | 22 mcg syringe | Use half of syringe |
Week 4 Titration | 11 mcg | 22 mcg syringe | Use half of syringe |
Week 5 and after | 22 mcg | 22 mcg syringe or autoinjector | Use full syringe or autoinjector |
Week of Use | Dose | Syringe or Autoinjector to Use | Amount of syringe or autoinjector |
---|---|---|---|
|
|||
Week 1 Titration | 8.8 mcg | 8.8 mcg syringe or autoinjector | Use full syringe or autoinjector |
Week 2 Titration | 8.8 mcg | 8.8 mcg syringe or autoinjector | Use full syringe or autoinjector |
Week 3 Titration | 22 mcg | 22 mcg syringe or autoinjector | Use full syringe or autoinjector |
Week 4 Titration | 22 mcg | 22 mcg syringe or autoinjector | Use full syringe or autoinjector |
Week 5 and after | 44 mcg | 44 mcg syringe or autoinjector | Use full syringe or autoinjector |
Decreased peripheral blood counts or elevated liver function tests may necessitate dose reduction or discontinuation of REBIF administration until toxicity is resolved [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2, 5.5) and Adverse Reactions (6)].
Important Administration Instructions
REBIF is intended for use under the guidance and supervision of a physician. It is recommended that physicians or qualified medical personnel train patients in the proper technique for self-administering subcutaneous injections using the prefilled syringe or injection device approved for use with REBIF. Injection depth of the REBIF Rebidose autoinjector is fixed at 8 mm; the health care provider should determine the injection technique.
The initial injection should be performed under the supervision of an appropriately qualified health care provider.
Appropriate instruction for self-injection or injection by another person should be provided to the patient or their caregiver, including careful review of the REBIF Medication Guide and the REBIF Rebidose autoinjector Instructions for Use that accompanies the product. Users should demonstrate competency in all aspects of the injection prior to independent use. If a patient is to self-administer REBIF, the physical and cognitive ability of that patient to self-administer and properly dispose of prefilled syringes or the REBIF Rebidose autoinjectors should be assessed. Patients with severe neurological deficits should not self-administer injections without assistance from a trained caregiver.
Advise patients and caregivers to:
- visually inspect REBIF for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration
- use aseptic technique when administering REBIF
- rotate site of injection with each dose to minimize the likelihood of severe injection site reactions or necrosis [see Warnings and Precautions, (5.4)]
- use a puncture-resistant container for safe disposal of used needles, prefilled syringes and REBIF Rebidose autoinjectors
- do not re-use needles, syringes or REBIF Rebidose autoinjectors