Interferon beta-1a Pregnancy and Breast Feeding Warnings
Interferon beta-1a is also known as: Avonex, Avonex Prefilled Syringe, Rebif
Overview
Interferon Beta-1a may cause harm to the fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Interferon Beta-1a while you are pregnant. It is not known if Interferon Beta-1a is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Interferon Beta-1a , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Interferon beta-1a Pregnancy Warnings
Interferon beta-1a has been assigned to pregnancy category C by the FDA. Animal studies fail to reveal teratogenic effects, but abortifacient activity has been demonstrated at higher than recommended doses. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. However, 2 spontaneous abortions and 5 fetuses carried to term were reported in 7 women during Rebif (R) clinical studies. Interferon beta-1a is only recommended for use during pregnancy when there are no alternatives and benefit outweighs risk. The manufacturer recommends discontinuing therapy if the patient becomes or plans to become pregnant while taking interferon beta-1a.
Pregnancy registries have been established to monitor maternal-fetal outcomes of pregnant women exposed to interferon beta-1a. Physicians are encouraged to register patients by calling the Avonex (R) Pregnancy Registry at 1-800-811-0104 or 1-800-456-2255 or the Rebif (R) Pregnancy Registry at 1-877-447-3243.
Interferon beta-1a Lactation Warnings
There are no data on the excretion of interferon beta-1a into human milk. The manufacturer of Rebif (R) recommends that caution be used when administering interferon beta-1a to nursing women. The manufacturer of Avonex (R) recommends that due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
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