Betaseron (Interferon Beta-1b)
To comply with Canadian International Pharmacy Association regulations you are permitted to order a 3-month supply or the closest package size available based on your personal prescription. read more
Interferon Beta-1b Information
(in" ter feer' on bay' ta wun bee)
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Before receiving interferon beta-1b injection,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to interferon beta-1b injection, other interferon beta medications (Avonex, Plegridy, Rebif), any other medications, human albumin, mannitol, or any of the other ingredients in interferon beta-1b injection. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you drink or have ever drunk large amounts of alcohol, if you have or have ever had anemia (low red blood cells) or low white blood cells, blood problems such as bruising easily or bleeding, seizures, mental illness such as depression, especially if you have ever thought about killing yourself or tried to do so, heart failure, or heart or liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while receiving interferon beta-1b injection, call your doctor.
- ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while receiving interferon beta-1b injection. Alcohol can make the side effects from interferon beta-1b worse.
- you should know that you may have flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever, chills, sweating, muscle aches, and tiredness after your injection. Your doctor may tell you to take an over-the-counter pain and fever medication to help with these symptoms. Talk to your doctor if these symptoms are difficult to manage or become severe.
- headache
- vaginal bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods
- tight muscles
- weakness
- changes in sex drive or ability (in men)
- change in coordination
- bruising, pain, redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection site
- blackening of skin or drainage at the injection site
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- dark urine
- extreme tiredness
- pale stool
- nausea
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- unusual bruising or bleeding
- confusion
- irritability
- nervousness
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- thinking about harming or killing yourself or planning or trying to do so
- anxiety
- new or worsening depression
- aggressive or violent behavior
- seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist
- acting without thinking
- seizures
- shortness of breath
- fast or abnormal heartbeat
- chest pain or tightness
- pale skin
- increased urinary frequency, especially at night
- rash
- hives
- itching
- swelling of the eyes, face, mouth, tongue, throat, hands, arms, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- red or bloody stools or diarrhea
- stomach pain
- slow or difficult speech
- purple patches or pinpoint dots (rash) on the skin
- decreased urination or blood in the urine
The content on this page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice. Patients should not use the information presented on this page for diagnosing a health-related issue or disease. Before taking any medication or supplements, patients should always consult a physician or qualified healthcare professional for medical advice or information about whether a drug is safe, appropriate or effective.