interferon beta-1a (Rebif)

  • Medical Editor: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD
    Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

    Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

    Dr. Charles "Pat" Davis, MD, PhD, is a board certified Emergency Medicine doctor who currently practices as a consultant and staff member for hospitals. He has a PhD in Microbiology (UT at Austin), and the MD (Univ. Texas Medical Branch, Galveston). He is a Clinical Professor (retired) in the Division of Emergency Medicine, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and has been the Chief of Emergency Medicine at UT Medical Branch and at UTHSCSA with over 250 publications.

  • Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
    Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

    Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

Is interferon beta-1a rebif safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

Use of interferon beta-1a has not been adequately evaluated in pregnant women. Due to the lack of conclusive safety data, interferon beta-1a should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Interferon beta-1a is classified as FDA pregnancy risk category C (animal studies show an adverse effect on the fetus).

It is not known if interferon beta-1a is excreted in breast milk. As many drugs enter breast milk and can potentially cause harm to the nursing infant, interferon beta-1a should be used cautiously in nursing mothers. 

What else should I know about interferon beta-1a rebif?

What preparations of interferon beta-1a rebif are available?

Injection: 8.8 mcg/0.2 ml, 22 mcg/0.5 ml, and 44 mcg/0.5 ml in single-dose prefilled syringe or single-dose autoinjector.

How should I keep interferon beta-1a rebif stored?

Preferably interferon beta-1a should be stored refrigerated between 2 C to 8 C (36 F to 46 F). If needed, interferon beta-1a can be stored between 2 C to 25 C (36 F to 77 F) for up to 30 days.

REFERENCE: FDA Prescribing Information

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