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Side Effects & Adverse Reactions
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Legal Issues
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FDA Labeling Changes
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Uses
EXTAVIA (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.
History
There is currently no drug history available for this drug.
Other Information
EXTAVIA (interferon beta-lb) is a purified, sterile, lyophilized protein product produced by recombinant DNA techniques. Interferon beta-1b is manufactured by bacterial fermentation of a strain of Escherichia coli that bears a genetically engineered plasmid containing the gene for human interferon betaser17. The native gene was obtained from human fibroblasts and altered in a way that substitutes serine for the cysteine residue found at position 17. Interferon beta-1b has 165 amino acids and an approximate molecular weight of 18,500 daltons. It does not include the carbohydrate side chains found in the natural material.
The specific activity of EXTAVIA is approximately 32 million international units (IU)/mg interferon beta-lb. Each vial contains 0.3 mg of interferon beta-lb. The unit measurement is derived by comparing the antiviral activity of the product to the World Health Organization (WHO) reference standard of recombinant human interferon beta. Mannitol, USP and Albumin (Human), USP (15 mg each/vial) are added as stabilizers.
Lyophilized EXTAVIA is a sterile, white to off-white powder, for subcutaneous injection after reconstitution with the diluent supplied (Sodium Chloride, 0.54% Solution). Albumin (Human) USP and Mannitol, USP (15 mg each/vial) are added as stabilizers.
Sources
Extavia Manufacturers
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Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
Extavia | Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
2.1 Dosing InformationThe recommended starting dose is 0.0625 mg (0.25 mL) subcutaneously every other day, with dose increases over a six-week period to the recommended dose of 0.25 mg (1 mL) every other day (see Table 1).
Table 1: Schedule for Dose Titration 1 Dosed every other day, subcutaneouslyEXTAVIA
Dose1
Percentage of
recommended doseVolume
Weeks 1-2
0.0625 mg
25%
0.25 mL
Weeks 3-4
0.125 mg
50%
0.5 mL
Weeks 5-6
0.1875 mg
75%
0.75 mL
Week 7 and thereafter
0.25 mg
100%
1 mL
If a dose of EXTAVIA is missed, then it should be taken as soon as the patient remembers or is able to take it. The patient should not take EXTAVIA on two consecutive days. The next injection should be taken about 48 hours (two days) after that dose. If the patient accidentally takes more than their prescribed dose, or takes it on two consecutive days, they should be instructed to call their healthcare provider immediately.
2.2 Reconstitution of the Lyophilized Powder(a) Prior to reconstitution, verify that the vial containing lyophilized EXTAVIA is not cracked or damaged. Do not use cracked or damaged vials.
(b) To reconstitute lyophilized EXTAVIA for injection, attach the prefilled syringe containing the diluent (Sodium Chloride, 0.54% Solution) to the EXTAVIA vial using the vial adapter.
(c) Slowly inject 1.2 mL of diluent into the EXTAVIA vial.
(d) Gently swirl the vial to dissolve the lyophilized powder completely; do not shake. Foaming may occur during reconstitution or if the vial is swirled or shaken too vigorously. If foaming occurs, allow the vial to sit undisturbed until the foam settles.
(e) 1 mL of reconstituted EXTAVIA solution contains 0.25 mg of interferon beta-1b.
(f) After reconstitution, if not used immediately, refrigerate the reconstituted EXTAVIA solution at 35°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) and use within three hours. Do not freeze.
2.3 Important Administration Instructions(a) Perform the first EXTAVIA injection under the supervision of an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. If patients or caregivers are to administer EXTAVIA, train them in the proper subcutaneous injection technique and assess their ability to inject subcutaneously to ensure the proper administration of EXTAVIA.
(b) Visually inspect the reconstituted EXTAVIA solution before use; discard if it contains particulate matter or is discolored.
(c) Keeping the syringe and vial adapter in place, turn the assembly over so that the vial is on top. Withdraw the appropriate dose of EXTAVIA solution. Remove the vial from the vial adapter before injecting EXTAVIA.
(d) Use safe disposal procedures for needles and syringes.
(e) Do not re-use needles or syringes.
(f) Advise patients and caregivers to rotate sites for subcutaneous injections to minimize the likelihood of severe injection site reactions, including necrosis or localized infection.
2.4 Premedication for Flu-like SymptomsConcurrent use of analgesics and/or antipyretics on treatment days may help ameliorate flu-like symptoms associated with EXTAVIA use [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].
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