Interferon Beta 1a
About
Interferon Beta 1a belongs to the class of medicines called immunomodulators indicated in the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. It helps reduce the number and severity of relapses and slow the progression of disability.
Interferon Beta 1a contains Interferon beta-1A that works by decreasing inflammation and preventing nerve damage which may cause symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
In some cases, Interferon Beta 1a may cause side effects such as injection site reactions, headache, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and insomnia. You are advised to talk to your doctor if any of the side effects persist or worsen.
Consult the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Interferon Beta 1a is not recommended for children below 2 years. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are taking and your health condition to rule out any unpleasant side effects/interactions.
Uses of Interferon Beta 1a
Medicinal Benefits
Interferon Beta 1a belongs to the class of medicines called immunomodulators indicated in the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. It helps reduce the number and severity of relapses and slow the progression of disability. Interferon Beta 1a contains Interferon beta-1A that works by decreasing inflammation and preventing nerve damage which may cause symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Interferon Beta 1a
- Headache
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Insomnia (sleeping difficulty)
- Injection site reactions
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not receive Interferon Beta 1a if you are allergic to natural or recombinant interferon beta or any of the components in Interferon Beta 1a or if you have severe depression. Inform the doctor if you have bleeding/blood problems, low blood cell count, a disease of the bone marrow, kidney, liver, thyroid, or heart, if you have depression or a history of epileptic seizures. Report to the doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of depression, psychosis and/or suicidal tendency. Consult the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform the doctor if you are taking anti-epileptics or anti-depressants.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform the doctor if you have depression or seizures.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorLimited information is available. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult the doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult the doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionInterferon Beta 1a may influence your ability to drive or use machines. Please consult your doctor.
Liver
cautionIf you have a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving Interferon Beta 1a.
Kidney
consult your doctorIf you have a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before receiving Interferon Beta 1a.
Children
cautionInterferon Beta 1a is not recommended for children below 2 years. Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Please consult your doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid heavily processed foods and saturated fats.
- Include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in the diet.
- Try to stay active. Choose moderate exercises.
- Quit smoking.
- Prevent stress by doing meditation or yoga.
Special Advise
- Let the doctor know that you are on treatment with Interferon Beta 1a if you are due to undergo any surgery, including dental surgery.
- Interferon Beta 1a may cause blood clots in the small blood vessels, which could affect the kidney. This may happen several weeks to several years after starting Interferon Beta 1a. The doctor may monitor your blood pressure, blood platelet count and kidney functioning during the treatment.
- Interferon Beta 1a may affect certain laboratory tests. Inform the person doing the tests that you are on treatment with Interferon Beta 1a.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Multiple sclerosis: It is an autoimmune disease (the body attacks itself by mistake) that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). The immune system damages the myelin sheath (protective covering that surrounds the nerve cells), leading to disrupted communication between the brain and the body.
FAQs
Interferon Beta 1a works by decreasing inflammation and preventing nerve damage which may cause symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
Interferon Beta 1a may cause liver problems. Consult the doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), loss of appetite accompanied by nausea and vomiting, widespread itching, and easy bruising of the skin.
Interferon Beta 1a may affect the bone marrow and cause low blood count leading to infections and problems with bleeding and bruising. The doctor may advise regular blood tests to check for blood problems.
