Get Informed: Betaseron
Active Ingredient(s)
Interferon Beta-1B
What does it do?
This product is used in the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). It is believed to work by affecting the immune system, although its exact mechanism of action is unknown.
- Last Text Update:
- 2010-Mar-17 2:06 PM
- Last Data Update:
- 2010-Mar-19 9:03 PM
Other Names
- Betaseron
- Interferon Beta-1B
How Safe Is It?
- Your Risk Rating
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- Average Risk Rating
-
- Pregnancy Category:
- C
- Black Box Warning:
- No
Facts & Figures
- Date Approved
- 04 Jun 1986
- Est US Patients*
- 82,260
- Generic Available
- No
- OTC Available
- No
User Age Distribution*
< 21
21-39
40-59
60+
Age (Years)
* Estimated number of US people currently taking Betaseron or its active ingredient based on population adjusted patient numbers registered with iGuard.org.
Recent alerts for Betaseron
There have been no iGuard.org alerts regarding Betaseron during the past year.
Betaseron Safety Report
Learn more about iGuard's risk ratings
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What is Betaseron used for?
iGuard is currently tracking more than 540 patients that use Betaseron (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)). Use the table below to learn why iGuard users take this product; click on any underlined condition to get information on other medications used for treatment.
| Disease / Condition | % | Average Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Sclerosis | 100% | 
|
How well does Betaseron work?
iGuard regularly polls our more than 540 users taking Betaseron (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (TSQM) . This feedback is continuously updated in tables below for the benefit of the iGuard community. To request scores for specific patient subgroups, please contact research@iguard.org.
Average Satisfaction Score
(out of 10)
Average Effectiveness Score
(out of 10)
- 90%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Betaseron outweigh the bad things.
- 6%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Betaseron.
Common Side Effects of Betaseron
iGuard regularly polls our more than 540 users taking Betaseron (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) to monitor the development and frequency of side-effects. This feedback is continuously updated in tables and graphs below for the benefit of the iGuard community.
78% of patients experience side-effects on Betaseron
9% of patients experience signifcant side-effects on Betaseron
Most Common Side Effects...
-
FLU-Like Symptoms
-
Injection Site Reactions
-
Mood/Behavior Changes
-
Insomnia
-
Fatigue
-
Weakness
-
Nasal/Sinus Congestion
-
= 10%
Global Patient Feedback for Betaseron (Interferon Beta-1B) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I have been on Betaseron since 2005. It has helped me a lot. The exacerbations don't occur so frequently. I hate taking the injections as most do. However, I will continue because the benefits outweigh the risks.
50 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-09-21 17:21:51
Question/Comment:
I was dx'ed in 1994, started Betaseron in late 96 or early 97, the flu-like symptoms weren't too bad and lessened to nothing relatively quick. I had been having problems with Optic Neurits every three to six months, so often and some times so severe that it left permanent damage, but once I was on the Betaseron I haven't had that problem again. I was on the drug until late 2004 when I was "cured" or so I made myself believe. I went through a couple of years of almost walking and energy back to a level I hadn't had in a long time, and two MRI's a year apart showed no active legions. So I talked myself into believing, I wasn't Relapsing/Remitting anymore and therefore didn't really need to continue on the Betaseron. Thankful for what it had done and sure I didn't need it any longer. While my doctor said she liked her patients on something the decision was mine. Dec 2008 I had a terrible exacerbation and realized MS is not predictable and so you need to be on something to keep it in check if you can. I tried Tysabri from Feb, till June of 09. I had a new exacerbation from the end of June till mid August. I don't fault the Tysabri, but the risk of PML scared me. I am now back on Betaseron till the real cure comes.
59 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-09-21 16:32:22
Question/Comment:
I was diagnosed with MS in Jan 2002 and have been on Betaseron since then , at first I to had the flu like symptoms but the tylenol was the trick . I have not had to use tylenol for 6 years and I have no problems with injection sites as long as I stay away from my legs when given in my legs they hurt for days and are very fatigued. Being the age I was upon being diagnosed (51) and the area's where my lesion were consentrated I was told my MRI appeared as a much older persons would and that I would likly be completely disabled within 4 years but with my beterson injections I am doing well and trying to do any and everything that I want to , of course I have good days and bad days but who doesn't with MS??? I must say I am very blessed to have been put on betaseron when I was because there is no telling how far my MS may have progressed by now, as in the beginning I had almost all the symptoms of MS that there is known to man...I was scared to death I wouldn't beable to function enough to even due my duties as a mother , so far I have not had any help other than some occassional help from hubby when I am not doing well , of course I don't go at it like I use to years ago but at least I do get it done sooner or later. As far as I am concerned Betaseron lets me live my life in a much better manor than it would be without it.
Pam,female, 58 yrs.old
58 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-09-05 06:46:24
Question/Comment:
I have started on Betaseron when I was 19 years old. I am now 36 years old. Before I went on Betaseron I was totally paralyzed on the left side of my body. I was having exacerbations that lasted about a month but they were coming every 4 months. The injection site reactions and the flu like symptoms I have are very minimal, compared to the awful exacerbations I would have i.e. lost hearing in right ear, double vision in left eye (had to wear an eye patch), numb on the right side of my face and loss of total bladder control for 1 month. After starting Betaseron I was able to go to college (took me 6 years) and now I have a college degree and I am able to work full time. I rarely have an exacerbation (about every 3 years) and they are very mild when they do occur. Betaseron has been a miracle! No one would ever guess I had MS.
37 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-04-05 16:10:19
Answer/Reply:
Thank you for sharing your experience with Betaseron. I am on my third year with this drug and my dr. continuously tells me that my m.s. would be considerably worse by now if I were not getting this treatment. It's good to hear someone supporting that statement! And I'm glad that you are so much better! Take care!
34 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-04-26 17:45:41
Question/Comment:
I get the flu like symptoms from time to time. Nothing like I did when I first started the medicine. I have only been on this medicine for 15 months. I do have site injection reactions,but I use my ice pack before my injection & after it really helps me.I also bruise really bad. I also get very fatigued.
Sharon, female, 44 yrs old
45 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-02-22 17:55:10
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12
Patient Comments about
Betaseron