.
Do not use interferon beta-1a if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Before using interferon beta-1a, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you
have liver disease, a thyroid disorder, epilepsy or other seizure disorder, heart disease, chest pain
(angina), congestive heart failure, a heart rhythm disorder, or a history of depression or suicidal
behavior.
Some patients using interferon medications have become very depressed or had
thoughts of suicide. Stop using interferon beta-1a if you have symptoms of depression (sadness,
crying, loss of interest in things you once liked) or if you have any thoughts of hurting yourself.
Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the
injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood and liver function
will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your thyroid function may also need to be tested. Do
not miss any scheduled appointments.
What is interferon beta-1a?
Interferon beta-1a is made from human proteins. Interferons help the body fight viral
infections.
Interferon beta-1a is used to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). This medication will
not cure MS, it will only decrease the frequency of relapse symptoms.
Interferon beta-1a may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using interferon beta-1a?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to interferons or human albumin.
Some patients using interferon medications have become very depressed or had
thoughts of suicide. Stop using interferon beta-1a if you have symptoms of depression (sadness,
crying, loss of interest in things you once liked) or if you have any thoughts of hurting yourself.
Before using interferon beta-1a, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you
have:
-
liver disease;
-
epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
-
heart disease, chest pain (angina), congestive heart failure,
or a heart rhythm disorder;
-
a thyroid disorder; or
-
a history of depression or suicidal behavior.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely use interferon beta-1a.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby, or
may cause a miscarriage. Do not use interferon beta-1a if you are pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether interferon beta-1a passes into breast milk or if it could harm
a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
Interferon beta-1a is made from human plasma (part of the blood) and may contain
viruses and other infectious agents that can cause disease. Although donated human plasma is
screened, tested, and treated to reduce the risk of it containing anything that could cause disease,
there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks
and benefits of using this medication.
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