Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Betaseron (Interferon-beta-1b).
Blood counts: Betaseron (Interferon-beta-1b) can decrease the number of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection) and platelets (which help your blood to clot). Your doctor will do blood tests to monitor this. If you notice any signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, or sore throat) or unusual bleeding or bruising, contact your doctor immediately.
Depression: Depression has been reported by some people taking interferon medications. If you have a history of depression, discuss with your doctor how Betaseron (Interferon-beta-1b) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Betaseron (Interferon-beta-1b), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you have depression you should be closely monitored by your doctor. If symptoms of depression such as poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, or thoughts of suicide occur while taking Betaseron (Interferon-beta-1b) contact your doctor as soon as possible. If you notice any of these symptoms in a family member who is taking Betaseron (Interferon-beta-1b) contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Heart problems: Betaseron (Interferon-beta-1b) may worsen symptoms of heart disease. If you have heart disease such as Angina, Congestive Heart Failure, or arrhythmia, discuss with your doctor how Betaseron (Interferon-beta-1b) may affect the medical condition, how the medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Betaseron (Interferon-beta-1b), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you develop symptoms of heart problems such as shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or swollen ankles.
Kidney function: Interferon beta 1-b can cause changes to kidney function. If you have decreased kidney function, discuss with your doctor how Betaseron (Interferon-beta-1b) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Betaseron (Interferon-beta-1b), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience puffy hands, face or feet, high blood pressure, unusual muscle cramping, or darkened urine, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Liver function: Betaseron (Interferon-beta-1b) may cause severe liver damage. Although rare, this side effect can be very serious. If you have a history of poor liver function, alcohol abuse, or active liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Betaseron (Interferon-beta-1b) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Betaseron (Interferon-beta-1b), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Your doctor will test your liver function regularly while you are taking Betaseron (Interferon-beta-1b). Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the signs of liver damage, including yellow eyes or skin, easy bruising of the skin, nausea and vomiting, itching, or abdominal pain.
Pancreatitis: Betaseron (Interferon-beta-1b) may cause inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). If you have a history of pancreatitis or are at risk for developing pancreatitis, discuss with your doctor how Betaseron (Interferon-beta-1b) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Betaseron (Interferon-beta-1b), and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you develop signs of pancreatitis (e.g., upper left abdominal pain, back pain, nausea, fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, swollen abdomen), contact your doctor.
Seizures: Some people have had seizures while taking Betaseron (Interferon-beta-1b), including patients who have never had seizures before. It is not known whether the seizures were related to the effects of their MS, to the medication, or to the combination of both. If you have a seizure disorder, discuss with your doctor how Betaseron (Interferon-beta-1b) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Betaseron (Interferon-beta-1b), and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you have a seizure while taking Betaseron (Interferon-beta-1b), you should call your doctor right away.
Thyroid problems: Some people taking Betaseron (Interferon-beta-1b) develop changes in the function of their thyroid. Symptoms of these changes include feeling cold or hot all the time, a change in weight (gain or loss) without a change in your diet or amount of exercise you get, or feeling emotional. Contact your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
Pregnancy: Betaseron (Interferon-beta-1b) should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Betaseron (Interferon-beta-1b), contact your doctor immediately. Women who may become pregnant should use effective contraception while taking Betaseron (Interferon-beta-1b).
Breast-feeding: It is not known if interferon beta-1b passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Betaseron (Interferon-beta-1b), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children and adolescents: The safety and effectiveness of using Betaseron (Interferon-beta-1b) have not been established for children and adolescents less than 18 years of age.
