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 (DIR) Return to: BETASERON (interferon beta-1b, Betaferon, Extavia)
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       #Post#: 948--------------------------------------------------
       (MSAA) Electronic autoinjector approved for Betaseron
       By: agate Date: September 28, 2015, 7:47 pm
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       From the MSAA news update, September 28, 2015:
       [quote]Electronic Autoinjector Approved for Betaseron
       On September 25, 2015, the United States Food and Drug
       Administration (FDA) approved Betaconnect, an electronic
       autoinjector for use with Betaseron® (interferon beta-1b), an
       approved disease-modifying therapy (DMT) for the treatment of
       relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Although other
       autoinjectors are available to help with the administration of
       self-injected medications, this is the first electronic
       autoinjector to be approved by the FDA for a medication used in
       the long-term treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). Marketed by
       parent company Bayer HealthCare, this device will be available
       in early 2016.
       Betaseron is given via subcutaneous (under the skin)
       self-injections every other day. According to Bayer HealthCare,
       the electronic autoinjector was developed based on feedback from
       individuals with MS and their caregivers. The features of this
       new device include:
       ~customizable injection speed and depth settings that allow
       individuals to inject quietly and with precision at the touch of
       a button
       ~optional back-up reminder function to alert those using this
       device that it’s time for their next injection
       ~automatic needle insertion and retraction
       ~visual and audio end-of-dose indication to confirm when the
       injection is complete
       Bayer HealthCare states that after completing the preparation of
       Betaseron, individuals may use Betaconnect, but this should only
       be done with the syringes provided in the Betaseron packaging.
       They also caution that those using Betaconnect should speak to a
       healthcare provider or nurse before making any changes to their
       injection depth or speed settings.
       MSAA President and CEO Doug Franklin explains, “Providing new
       options to assist with the administration of an MS medication is
       important. When ease and comfort are increased, and reminders
       are given when the next dose is due, individuals may be better
       able to stay on course with their treatment plan.”
       For those taking a disease-modifying therapy for the long-term
       treatment of MS, research shows that adhering to one’s treatment
       regimen is critical to experiencing the best health outcomes.
       The approval of Betaconnect, as well as any device or method
       that enables individuals to stay on their prescribed treatment
       with fewer interruptions, is greatly welcomed by the MS
       community.
       For more information or to speak with a trained Client Services
       Specialist, please call MSAA's Helpline at (800) 532-7667,
       extension 154. Questions to MSAA's Client Services department
       may also be emailed to MSquestions@mymsaa.org.
       _______________________
       Written by Susan Wells Courtney, MSAA Senior Writer and Creative
       Director
       Reviewed by Jack Burks, MD, MSAA Chief Medical Officer[/quote]
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