interferon beta-1a

Action and Spectrum

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency defined:  

>10% 

Headache 

Muscle ache 

Urinary tract infection 

Fever 

Diarrhea 

Infection 

Injection site reaction 

Flu-like syndrome 

Nausea 

Pain  

Asthenia 

Dizziness 

Dyspepsia 

1-10% 

Anemia 

Chest pain 

Abdominal pain 

<1% 

Aggravation of seizure disorders 

Post-marketing reports 

Hemolytic anemia 

Erythema multiforme 

Hyperhidrosis 

Autoimmune hepatitis 

Black Box Warning

Contraindication / Caution

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: Insufficient data available 

Lactation: Excretion of the drug in human breast milk is unknown 

Pregnancy category: 

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.   

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.    

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category 

Pharmacology

Adminstartion

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: Interferon beta-1a 

Pronounced: [ in-ter-FEAR-on-BAY-ta ] 

Why do we use Interferon beta-1a? 

Interferon beta-1a is a medication used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). It is a protein called a cytokine produced naturally by the body to help fight viral infections and other diseases. Interferon beta-1a modifies the immune system’s response to the body’s tissues, which can help reduce inflammation and damage to the central nervous system. It is usually given as an injection under the skin or into a muscle and is typically used with other MS medications.