Interferon beta-1a: Side Effects, Overdose and Pregnancy Information

Interferon beta-1a is used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). Interferon beta-1a helps to reduce the frequency and severity of the relapses. Interferons are small protein molecules that are produced by body in response to viral and other infections. Three major classes of interferons are alfa, beta and gamma. They are believed to enhance the immune system, causing it to attack infected or abnormal cells. Interferon beta-1a is given by injection into a muscle once a week. Interferon beta-1a is not effective in all people with MS and since it can have major side effects, it is recommended that all patients are evaluated by a neurologist before starting treatment.

INTERFERON BETA-1A SIDE EFFECTS

Side effects of Interferon beta-1a may include flu-like symptoms such as aches and pains, fever, chills, sweating, headache, fatigue and nausea. They tend to be worse at the start of treatment and improve with continued treatment, dry mouth and dry eyes. Rare side effects of Interferon beta-1a include injection site reactions such as pain, redness or bruising, weakness, rigidity of muscles right after the injection, rash, pain in the muscles, joints, back or neck, muscle cramps or stiffness, heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding, dizziness, flushing, runny nose, appetite loss, diarrhea, insomnia, depression, under or overactive thyroid, confusion, seizures, and hair loss.

Interferon beta-1a Warning and Caution

Treatment with Interferon beta-1a should only be started by a physician specializing in MS.

Different injection site should be used each week.

Interferon beta-1a can cause flu-like symptoms such as aches and pains, fever, chills, sweating, headache, fatigue and nausea. These tend to be worse at the start of treatment and improve with continued treatment.

Interferon beta-1a has been associated with depression that can occur at any time during treatment.

Interferon beta-1a has rarely been associated with liver problems and may decrease the number of blood cells in your blood.

Interferon beta-1a should be used in with caution in seizure disorders, history of depression, heart disease, arrhythmias, decreased blood cell production by the bone marrow, causing lower than normal levels of blood cells in the blood, decreased kidney/liver function/disease, history of alcohol abuse, and overactive or underactive thyroid gland.

Interferon beta-1a should not to be given to children under 12.

Interferon beta-1a and Pregnancy

Interferon beta-1a should not be used during pregnancy because it may be harmful to the fetus and may increase the risk of miscarriage.

Interferon beta-1a passes into breast milk. Nursing mothers should switch to bottle-feed while taking Interferon beta-1a.

Interferon beta-1a Interaction

There may be an increased risk of side effects on the liver or blood cells if other drugs that can affect the liver or blood cells are used in combination with Interferon beta-1a.

Interferon beta-1a may increase the blood level of the following drugs:

Antiepileptic drugs

Certain antidepressants

Zidovudine

Interferon beta-1a Overdose

In case of Interferon beta-1a overdose, seek medical attention right away.