Extavia® (interferon beta 1b)
Drug identification number (DIN): 02337819
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.
Extavia (interferon beta-1b) is a beta-interferon that is produced from bacterial cells using recombinant DNA techniques (a series of procedures used to join together DNA segments). Beta-interferon is a protein that occurs naturally in the human body in response to initiating factors such as viruses.
Indications and use
Extavia is indicated for the treatment of:
- people with relapsing-remitting MS who are ambulatory (able to walk) to reduce the frequency of attacks.
- people with secondary-progressive MS (with relapses) to slow the progression of disability and to reduce the frequency of MS attacks.
- people at risk of developing clinically definite MS (CDMS)
accompanied by at least two lesions on MRI to delay the
progression to clinically definite MS. Before Extavia is
initiated, alternative diagnoses must be ruled out.
Extavia is contraindicated in: people with a history of hypersensitivity to natural or recombinant interferon beta, albumin human or to any other ingredient in the formulation; pregnant women; people with current severe depression and/or suicidal ideation; people with decompensated liver disease.
Administration and dose
The recommended dose of Extavia for both relapsing-remitting and secondary-progressive MS is 0.25 mg injected under the skin (subcutaneously) every other day. People with CIS start on a lower dose of Extavia which is gradually increased every other day to 0.25 mg. The syringes are pre-filled with a salt-water solution to mix with the active medication, which is in a powder form.
Mechanism of action (MOA)
The main effects of Extavia are to block the activity of certain immune system cells and to reduce the passage of these immune cells into the central nervous system, where they cause inflammation and damage to myelin (the insulating material that protects nerves and helps them work properly).
Side effects*
The most common side effects of Extavia therapy include
flu-like symptoms (fatigue, chills, fever, muscle aches, and
sweating) and injection site reactions (swelling, redness,
discolouration, and pain). Most of these symptoms tend to
improve over time.
This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects
of Extavia. Please see the Extavia product monograph for a list of
other potentially serious side effects. It is important that
those with MS discuss side effects about any medication they
are considering with their physician. (*Health Canada, product
monograph for Extavia.)
Clinical trials
Extavia is identical to Betaseron and the trial results are as for Betaseron.
Cost reimbursement
The price of Extavia is approximately $18,000 per year. Much of the cost can be reimbursed through private and group health plans for people who meet the prescribing criteria, and through provincial drug programs for individuals who meet the prescribing criteria.
Drug support program
Further information for persons with MS is available through
Novartis Med Info line at 1-800-363-8883
Please discuss any other questions about treatment options with
your physician.
Extavia® is a registered trademark of Novartis Pharmaceuticals
Canada Inc.