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B-immunoferon 1b
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
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The drug B-immunoferon 1b (international name - Interferon beta-1b, analogues - betaferon, betaseron, avonex, infibeta, extavia, ronbetal, etc.) belongs to the pharmacotherapeutic group of antiviral drugs, immunostimulants, cytokines and immunomodulators. Its pharmacological action is provided by synthetically modified (recombinant) human interferon beta-1b.
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Indications B-immunoferon 1b
B-Imunoferon 1b is used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis to reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations. It is recommended for secondary progressive forms of multiple sclerosis with relapses or acute attacks. It can be prescribed at the first clinically isolated symptoms diagnosed as the initial stage of multiple sclerosis – to prevent an increase in the degree of damage.
The use of the drug in multiple sclerosis with a recurrent progressive course allows to reduce the rate of progression of the disease leading to disability.
Release form
The release form of this drug is a dry powder (lyophilisate) for the preparation of a solution for injections; 1 vial contains 9600000 IU of recombinant interferon beta-1b. The drug is supplied with a solvent - 0.54% sodium chloride solution.
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Pharmacodynamics
B-immunoferon 1b is a modulator of cellular immunity, the biological activity of which is determined by the fact that the non-glycosylated protein interferon beta-1b binds to specific receptors of some human cells, which reduces their susceptibility and increases their decay.
There is an assumption that multiple sclerosis has a viral etiology. When entering the body of people with immune disorders, the virus causes an inadequate response of their immune system. The immune system begins to produce antibodies that destroy the substance of the soft sheath of nerve fibers - myelin. The pharmacodynamics of B-immunoferon 1b is based on the fact that interferon beta-1b inhibits the production of gamma interferon and activates the function of T-lymphocytes of peripheral blood - the main regulators of the body's immune response. As a result, the negative impact of antibodies on myelin is weakened.
By stabilizing the state of the blood-brain barrier, B-immunoferon 1b has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Pharmacokinetics
1-8 hours after the administration of B-immunoferon 1b at a dose of 16 million IU, its maximum level in the blood plasma is about 40 IU/ml. The absolute bioavailability of the drug is approximately 50%.
With subcutaneous injections, which are performed every other day, no increase in its level in the blood plasma is observed. After the first dose of the drug (8 million IU), the level of such gene products and markers as neopterin, β 2-microglobulin and cytokine IL-10, compared with their initial content, significantly increases after 6-12 hours. The maximum content of interferon beta-1b in the blood plasma is noted at least after 40 hours, and the maximum - after five days.
Dosing and administration
The standard single dose of B-immunoferon 1b is 8,000,000 IU of the prepared solution, which is administered subcutaneously - every other day. The injection solution is prepared immediately before the manipulation, for which a solvent is added to the vial with the powder - 1.2 ml of sodium chloride solution (without additional shaking, the powder should dissolve completely).
The duration of treatment with this drug is determined by the doctor.
Use B-immunoferon 1b during pregnancy
The use of B-Imunoferon 1b during pregnancy is contraindicated recommended due to the lack of studies of its potential teratogenicity. When prescribing this drug to women of reproductive age, they should be informed of the potential risk of spontaneous abortion and the need for reliable contraception. It is not recommended to use B-Imunoferon 1b in the treatment of patients under 18 years of age.
Contraindications
Contraindications to the use of B-immunoferon 1b include hypersensitivity to natural or recombinant interferon beta-1b, as well as to human albumin, severe depression and suicide attempts (in history), epilepsy, liver and kidney pathologies and dysfunction, lack of effect from treatment with the drug.
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Side effects B-immunoferon 1b
At the initial stage of treatment with the drug B-Imunoferon 1b, the following side effects occur: headache, fever, chills, muscle hypertonicity, increased sweating. At the injection site, pain, redness and swelling, inflammation are noted; thinning of the subcutaneous tissue layer is possible, and occasionally - the development of tissue necrosis.
During further use of the drug, the side effects of B-Imunoferon 1b may affect the nervous system (dizziness, anxiety, nervousness, confusion, memory loss), and also cause conjunctivitis, visual and speech impairment. From the cardiovascular system, the negative impact is expressed in the form of cardiac arrhythmia and increased blood pressure; from the hematopoiesis and peripheral circulation - in the form of hemorrhage, lymphopenia, neutropenia and leukopenia; from the musculoskeletal system - in the form of myasthenia, arthralgia, myalgia and cramps of the lower extremities.
Gastrointestinal reactions such as diarrhea, constipation and vomiting may also occur. Menstrual irregularities may occur in women during menopause.
Patients with heart disease or increased activity of liver enzymes should be prescribed B-Imunoferon 1b with caution and constant monitoring of the condition. In addition, this drug affects the ability to drive vehicles or operate machinery.
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Interactions with other drugs
The interaction of B-immunoferon 1b with other drugs, in particular with other immunosuppressants, has not been sufficiently studied to date. However, this drug does not reduce the effectiveness of hormonal drugs used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
When treating exacerbations of the disease, caution must be exercised when prescribing drugs that affect hemocytopoiesis (the process of hematopoiesis).
In addition, B-immunoferon 1b requires caution when used simultaneously with drugs whose metabolism depends on liver enzymes (cytochrome P450 system). Such drugs include some antidepressants, as well as drugs for the treatment of epilepsy.
Storage conditions
The medicinal product B-Imunoferon 1b must be stored in the refrigerator (in the original packaging) at +2-8°C.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "B-immunoferon 1b" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.