MS- Interferon beta DI

Question 1

Interferon beta indications

Answer 1

CIS, active SPMS, RRMS

Question 2

beta-1a drugs

Answer 2

Avonex, Rebif, Plegridy

Question 3

Avonex dosing

Answer 3

30mcg IM qweek; to reduce flu-like symptoms, can start with 7.5mcg on week1 and titrate up 7.5mcg every week until 30mcg

Question 4

Rebif dosing

Answer 4

22 or 44mcg SQ injection given TIW

Question 5

Plegridy dosing

Answer 5

SQ injection given q2weeeks

63mcg SQ on day 1, 94mcg on day 15, 125mcg on day 29 and every 2 weeks after

Question 6

beta-1b drugs

Answer 6

Betaseron, Extavia

Question 7

Betaseron, Extavia dosing

Answer 7

SQ injection given QOD

250mcg achieved over a 6-week titration: gradually increased by 0.0625mg q2w

Question 8

Interferon-beta ADEs

Answer 8

FLU-LIKE SYMPTOMS

Fever, chills, HA, chest pain, injection site reactions, depression, myalgia, arthralgia, asthenia, malaise, diaphoresis, myasthenia, abdominal pain

Question 9

How to deal with flu-like symptoms of interferon-beta

Answer 9

Premedicate before injection and the following day with ibuprofen or APAP; will dissipate with continued use