Betaseron

Bayer HealthCare | Betaseron (Medication)

Desc:

Betaseron/interferon is made from human proteins. Interferons help the body fight viral infections. This medication is used to treat multiple sclerosis. Interferon is not a cure for multiple sclerosis, but it may help to decrease the number of attacks of weakness and slow the worsening of the disease.

This medication is the same as a protein that your body naturally produces (interferon). In the body, it is thought to work by affecting the body's natural defenses (immune system) in many ways. Adding more interferon may help your body fight the effects of multiple sclerosis. ...

Side Effect:

Injection site reactions (pain/swelling/redness), abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach, and nausea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Most patients have flu-like symptoms such as headache, tiredness, fever, chills, and muscle aches when they first start this medication. These symptoms usually last about 1 day after the injection and improve or go away after a few months of continued use. You can reduce these side effects by injecting this medicine at bedtime and using fever reducers/pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen before each dose.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:mental/mood changes (e. g. , new or worsening depression, thoughts of suicide, psychosis), feeling too hot or cold (more than others around you), persistent tiredness, gradual change in weight (without a change in diet or exercise). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:easy bleeding/bruising, persistent nausea/vomiting, signs of infection (e. g. , fever, persistent sore throat), stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin.

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:chest pain, seizures. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. ...

Precaution:

Before using Betaseron, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have liver disease, a thyroid disorder, epilepsy or other seizure disorder, a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder, anemia (low red blood cells), or a history of depression or suicidal behavior.

Some patients using interferon medications have become very depressed or had thoughts of suicide. Stop using Betaseron 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.

Betaseron is given as an injection under the skin, usually at bedtime every 48 hours (2 days). You may be given instructions on how to use your injections at home. You may be shown how to inject your medicine at home.

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 Betaseron 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.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended to use this medicine without your doctor's advice. ...