Betaseron

Who is Betaseron for ?

Your doctor has ordered interferon beta-1b to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). The drug will be injected under the skin (subcutaneously) every other day for up to 2 years. Your health care provider will show you what to do. Interferon beta-1b, a synthetic version of substances naturally produced by the body, helps to reduce inflammation caused by MS. Your health care provider (doctor, nurse, or pharmacist) may measure the effectiveness and side effects of your treatment using laboratory tests and physical examinations. It is important to keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. The length of treatment depends on how you respond to the medication.

When should I be careful taking Betaseron ?

Before administering interferon beta-1b,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to interferon beta-1b or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antibiotics and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease or diabetes.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking interferon beta-1b, call your doctor.
• plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Interferon beta-1b may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

Betaseron Side Effects

Although side effects from interferon beta-1b are not common, they can occur. Interferon beta-1b sometimes causes a flu-like reaction with fever, chills, sweating, muscle aches, and general discomfort. These effects may last 10 days or longer. Tell your health care provider if any of these problems continues or worsens. Tell your health care provider if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• diarrhea
• constipation
• headache
• fatigue
• laryngitis
• sinus pain
• bladder irritation
• weight gain

• inflammation, pain, irritation, and skin problems at the injection site
• vaginal bleeding or spotting between menstrual cycles
• heart palpitations or rapid heart rate
• shortness of breath
• depression
• anxiety
• mood changes