Medications and Drugs

GENERIC NAME: INTERFERON BETA 1-B - INJECTION (in-ter-FEER-on BAY-tuh)

BRAND NAME(S): Betaseron

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

USES: This medication is used to treat multiple sclerosis.

HOW TO USE: This medication is injected under the skin. The drug may be self administered. Make sure you understand the technique and procedures for preparing the drug and for self-injection.

SIDE EFFECTS: Diarrhea, constipation, drowsiness, sore throat, runny nose, cystitis (bladder irritation), breast or pelvic pain, menstrual pain, fatigue, headache, and weight gain may occur. Notify your doctor if any of these symptoms persist or worsen. Notify your doctor if a flu-like condition (with fever, chills, muscle aches, malaise or sweating) occurs. This condition has occurred in people using this medication and may last 10 days or more. Also, notify your doctor if inflammation, irritation, pain or a change in the appearance of the skin at the injection site occur. If any of the following effects occur, notify your doctor promptly: vaginal bleeding, spotting between menstrual cycles, mood changes, suicidal thoughts, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop any signs of an infection such as: fever, chills, persistent sore throat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug tell your doctor your medical history including: any allergies (e.g., albumin protein allergy), depression/suicidal thoughts. This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to the risk of serious side effects for a pregnant woman. Consult your doctor for more details. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult with your doctor about stopping the drug or stopping breast-feeding. This drug increases sensitivity to the sun. Limit sun exposure.