Interferon, Beta-1a : Before Using

Interferon, Beta-1a - Systemic

Brand Names

Avonex, Rebif Interferon, Beta-1a *** Before Using *** How to Use *** Fore Safe Use *** Side Effects

Before Using

In deciding to using a medication, the chance of taking the drug must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you will make. For interferon beta-1a, the following must be considered

Allergic reaction

Tell your family doctor if you have any unusual or allergy to interferons or human albumin. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy care

Interferon beta-1a has not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies in pets have shown that interferon beta-1a may cause miscarriages. Be sure your family doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

Breast-feeding problem

It is not known whether interferon beta-1a passes into breast milk. Because of the possibility of serious unwanted effects in the nursing infant, it is important that you discuss the use of this drug with your family doctor if you wish to breast-feed.

Use for Children

Studies on this drug have been done only in adult diseaseds and there is no special info comparing use of interferon beta-1a in child with use in other age groups.

Elderly care

Many medication have not been studied specifically in elderly people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in adults people. Although there is no special info comparing use of interferon beta-1a in the elderly with use in other age groups, this drug is not expected to cause various side effects or problems in elderly people than it does in adults people.

Drug interactions

Although certain medication must not be using together at all, in other cases two various medication may be using together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your family doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription - over-the-counter "OTC " drug.

Other Information for using

The presence of other medical problems may effect the use of interferon beta-1a. Make sure you tell your family doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

Heart disease Some side effects of this drug may be harmful to diseaseds with serious heart problems
Mental depression or thoughts of suicide This drug may make the condition worse
Seizure disorder The risk of seizures may be increased