Interferon beta-1a IM Injection Treatment Report

Precautions

Instructions

Side Effects

Interactions

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.

Avoid drinking alcohol while using interferon beta-1a. Alcohol may increase your risk of liver damage.

Interferons can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

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Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of this medication.

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Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• depressed mood, anxiety, trouble sleeping, restlessness, or thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;
• easy bruising or bleeding, weakness;
• seizure (convulsions);
• numbness or tingling in your hands or feet;
• pain or burning when you urinate;
• pain, swelling, or skin changes where the injection was given;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; or
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache, dizziness;
• stomach pain; or
• runny or stuffy nose.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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Interferon beta-1a can be harmful to your liver, and these effects are increased when interferon beta-1a is used together with other medicines that can harm the liver. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are also using:

• acetaminophen (Tylenol);
• cancer medications;
• tuberculosis medications;
• birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy;
• methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall);
• arthritis medications such as auranofin (Ridaura) or aurothioglucose (Solganol);
• an antibiotic;
• HIV/AIDS medications;
• cholesterol medications such atorvastatin (Lipitor), simvastatin (Zocor), and others;
• an ACE inhibitor such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), and others;
• an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), indomethacin (Indocin), and others; or
• seizure medications such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol), phenytoin (Dilantin), or valproic acid (Depakene).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with interferon beta-1a. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Avonex, Avonex Prefilled Syringe, Rebif, and interferon beta-1a

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