Interferon beta-1a

Generic name: Interferon Beta-1a
Drug class: Interferons

Usage of Interferon beta-1a

Interferon beta-1a is used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults (including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease).

interferon beta-1a will not cure MS, it will only decrease the frequency of relapse symptoms.

Interferon beta-1a may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Interferon beta-1a side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, itching, anxiety, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Interferon beta-1a can cause life-threatening blood clots in the small blood vessels inside your organs, such as your brain or kidneys. Seek medical help right away if you have symptoms of this condition, such as a fever, tiredness, decreased urination, bruising, or nosebleeds.

Interferon beta-1a may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

pain, swelling, bruising, redness, oozing, or skin changes where the injection was given;

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

unusual changes in mood or behavior (feeling hopeless, anxious, nervous, irritable, or depressed);

thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself;

easy bruising, unusual bleeding;

a seizure;

heart problems--swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath, rapid heartbeats, chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating;

liver problems--nausea, loss of appetite, tiredness, confusion, easy bruising or bleeding, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes);

signs of infection--fever, chills, cough with mucus, bloody diarrhea, pain or burning when you urinate; or

thyroid problems--mood swings, trouble sleeping, tiredness, hunger, diarrhea, pounding heartbeats, muscle weakness, sweating, dry skin, thinning hair, menstrual changes, weight changes, puffiness in your face, feeling more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures.

Common side effects of interferon beta-1a may include:

low blood cell counts;

skin changes where the injection was given;

depression;

abnormal liver function tests;

stomach pain; or

flu symptoms--headache, fever, chills, chest pain, back pain, tiredness, weakness, muscle aches.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Interferon beta-1a

You should not use interferon beta-1a if you are allergic to natural or recombinant interferon beta or albumin.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

bleeding problems or a blood clot;

depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts or actions;

liver disease;

bleeding problems;

low blood cell counts;

heart disease;

a thyroid disorder;

a latex allergy;

an autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or psoriasis;

a seizure; or

if you drink alcohol.

Some brands of interferon beta-1a contain donated human plasma and may contain viruses or other infectious agents. Donated plasma is tested and treated to reduce the risk of contamination, but there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Ask your doctor about any possible risk.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.

Interferon beta-1a is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Relate drugs

How to use Interferon beta-1a

Usual Adult Dose for Multiple Sclerosis:

-AVONEX(R): 30 mcg IM once a week:TITRATION DOSE TO REDUCE THE INCIDENCE AND SEVERITY OF INFLUENZA-LIKE SYMPTOMS:Week 1: 7.5 mcg IM once a weekWeek 2: 15 mcg IM once a weekWeek 3: 22.5 mcg IM once a weekWeek 4+: 30 mcg IM once a week-REBIF(R): 22 mcg or 44 mcg suBCutaneously 3 times a week:TITRATION DOSE FOR 22 MCG:Weeks 1 to 2: 4.4 mcg subcutaneously 3 times a weekWeeks 3 to 4: 11 mcg subcutaneously 3 times a weekWeeks 5+: 22 mcg subcutaneously 3 times a weekTITRATION DOSE FOR 44 MCG:Weeks 1 to 2: 8.8 mcg subcutaneously 3 times a weekWeeks 3 to 4: 22 mcg subcutaneously 3 times a weekWeeks 5+: 44 mcg subcutaneously 3 times a weekUse: For the treatment of patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis to slow the accumulation of physical disability and decrease the frequency of clinical exacerbations. Patients with multiple sclerosis in whom efficacy has been demonstrated include patients who have experienced a first clinical episode and have MRI features consistent with multiple sclerosis

Warnings

Interferon beta-1a can harm your liver. Call your doctor if you have symptoms such as nausea, loss of appetite, tiredness, confusion, easy bruising or bleeding, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Some people have thoughts about suicide while using interferon beta-1a. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.

What other drugs will affect Interferon beta-1a

Other drugs may affect interferon beta-1a, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.