What Is Extavia?
Who Makes This Medication?
Extavia is made by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc., for Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.
Extavia is a manufactured version of interferon and is almost identical to a naturally occurring human interferon.
Interferons are naturally occurring proteins or glycoproteins (proteins attached to carbohydrates). In humans, they are produced by cells in response to certain situations, such as viral infections, and often play a key role in the immune system.
At this time, it is not fully understood how Extavia works to treat MS. Although the exact
causes of multiple sclerosis are unknown, it is often considered an
autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys the protective coating around nerve fibers. It is thought that Extavia may work by limiting this immune system response, decreasing the damage to the nerves.
Because Extavia is a protein, it would be broken down and destroyed by the
digestive system if taken by mouth. For this reason, the medication must be injected to bypass the digestive tract.
Several studies have evaluated
interferon beta-1b (the active ingredient in Extavia) for
MS treatment. In one study, people who took interferon beta-1b had fewer MS exacerbations, compared to people taking a placebo injection with no active ingredient.
In addition, as many as 25 percent of those taking interferon beta-1b for two years did not experience any MS exacerbations, compared to only 16 percent of those taking the placebo. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans showed that people had significantly fewer lesions after two years of taking beta interferon-1b, compared to those who took the placebo.
Some general considerations to keep in mind when taking Extavia include the following:
- Extavia comes as an injection. It is injected subcutaneously (just under the skin) every other day. You will start at a low dose and slowly work up to a full dose.
- Take the medicine at the same time each day. You may need to develop a system to remember which days you take Extavia and which days you do not.
- Each Extavia vial is for a single use only. If your dose is less than the full vial, any unused portion must be discarded -- it cannot be saved for later.
- It is best to inject the medication into areas of the skin that have a layer of fat underneath. This includes the thigh, the outer upper arm, stomach (away from the navel), or buttocks. Try to rotate the injection sites (do not inject in the same place twice in a row).
- Make sure your healthcare provider teaches you exactly how to inject this drug. This includes how to prepare the skin, how to prepare and mix the injection, how to inject the medication, and what to do with your used needles (this may vary, depending on local laws and regulations).
- For the medicine to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Extavia will not work if you stop taking it.
There is only one standard recommended dose for this medication, regardless of your age or weight. As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Side Effects of Extavia
As with any medicine, Extavia may cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can be treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious reactions are less common.
Some of the most common side effects seen with Extavia include but are not limited to:
- Skin reaction at the injection site, such as redness, pain, or burning
- Weakness
- Headaches
- Flu-like symptoms (such as fever, chills, or muscle aches).
(Click Extavia Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Extavia if you have:
- Depression or other mood disorders
- A blood disorder, such as anemia or low blood counts of any kind
- Liver disease, such as liver failure, cirrhosis, or hepatitis
- Thyroid problems
- Any allergies, including to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
The specific effects of an overdose with Extavia are currently unknown. If you think you may have taken too much of this medication, seek immediate medical attention.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Extavia?
If you forget to take a dose of Extavia, take it as soon as you remember. Then start taking the medication every other day again; do not take it two days in a row.
How Should This Medicine Be Stored?
Store the drug at room temperature. Extavia vials are for single use only, since they do not contain any preservatives. If your dose is less than the full vial, the remaining unused amount must be discarded. You cannot save it for later.
Once mixed up, a dose of Extavia should be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator and used within three hours.
Extavia comes in a kit with everything you need to mix and inject the medication. The medicine comes in one strength: a vial that contains 0.3 mg of Extavia, which makes a solution of 0.25 mg of the drug per mL when mixed properly.
Is There a Generic Version of Extavia?
Currently, this medication is not available in generic form
(see Generic Extavia for more information).
