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Interferon Beta-1b Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 1, 2024.

Applies to interferon beta-1b: subcutaneous powder for solution.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Check with your doctor right away if you have dark urine, persistent loss of appetite, flu-like symptoms, headache, continuing vomiting, general feeling of tiredness or weakness, light-colored stools, right upper stomach pain or tenderness, or yellow eyes or skin. These could be symptoms of a serious liver problem.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, hoarseness, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine.

This medicine may cause some people to be anxious, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed. If you or your caregiver notice any of these side effects, tell your doctor right away.

This medicine may cause redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site. Some patients have developed serious skin infection or damage (necrosis), including a permanent depression under the skin at the injection site. Contact your doctor right away if you notice depressed or indented skin, blue-green to black skin discoloration, or pain, redness, or sloughing (peeling) of the skin.

This medicine commonly causes a flu-like reaction, with aching muscles, chills, fever, headaches, joint pain, and nausea. Using your shot at bedtime may allow you to sleep through the symptoms. Your doctor may want you to take a medicine to help control the pain or fever (eg, acetaminophen or ibuprofen). Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about how to prevent or treat these symptoms.

This medicine may lower the number of white blood cells in the blood. This will increase your chance of getting an infection. It can also lower the number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are necessary for proper blood clotting. If this occurs, there are certain precautions you can take, especially when your blood count is low, to reduce the risk of infection or bleeding:

Thrombotic microangiopathy, including thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and hemolytic uremic syndrome may occur while you are using this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you have black, tarry stools, blood in the urine, difficulty with speaking, fever, pinpoint red spots on the skin, seizures, stomach pain, unusual bleeding or bruising, or yellow eyes or skin.

This medicine may cause pulmonary arterial hypertension. Check with your doctor right away if you have trouble breathing or unusual tiredness or weakness.

Check with your doctor right away if you have a rash, bloody or cloudy urine, drowsiness, headache, paleness or cold feeling in fingertips and toes, tingling or pain in fingers or toes when exposed to cold, swelling of the face, feet, or lower legs, trouble breathing, or unusual weight gain. These may be symptoms of a drug-induced lupus erythematosus.

This medicine is made from donated human blood. Some human blood products have transmitted certain viruses to people who have received them, although the risk is low. Human donors and donated blood are both tested for viruses to keep the transmission risk low. Talk with your doctor about this risk if you are concerned.

The removable rubber cap of the prefilled syringe contains natural rubber latex, which may cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to latex. Tell your doctor if you have a latex allergy before you start using this medicine.

Serious side effects of interferon beta-1b

Along with its needed effects, interferon beta-1b may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking interferon beta-1b:

More common side effects

  • blue-green to black skin discoloration
  • changes in menstrual periods
  • chills
  • cough
  • decreased sexual ability in males
  • diarrhea
  • fever
  • general feeling of discomfort or illness
  • headache
  • irregular or pounding heartbeat
  • joint pain
  • loss of appetite
  • muscle aches and pains
  • nausea
  • runny or stuffy nose
  • shivering
  • sore throat
  • stomach pain
  • sweating
  • trouble sleeping
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • vomiting

Less common side effects

  • bloody or cloudy urine
  • changes in vision
  • cold hands and feet
  • difficult, burning, or painful urination
  • frequent urge to urinate
  • pelvic pain
  • swollen glands
  • trouble breathing
  • unusual weight gain

Incidence not known

  • black, tarry stools
  • bleeding problems
  • bleeding gums
  • bloating or swelling
  • blood in the urine or stools
  • chest pain, discomfort, or tightness
  • confusion
  • dry, puffy skin
  • feeling cold
  • hoarseness or husky voice
  • increased muscle tone
  • increased urge to urinate
  • light-colored stools
  • loss of memory
  • nervousness
  • nosebleeds
  • pale skin
  • pinpoint red spots on the skin
  • problems with speaking
  • red, itching, or swollen eyes
  • restlessness
  • seizures
  • sensitivity to heat
  • swelling of the feet or lower legs
  • swelling of the front part of the neck
  • trouble sitting still
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • unusual weight loss
  • upper right abdominal or stomach pain
  • yellowing eyes and skin

Other side effects of interferon beta-1b

Some side effects of interferon beta-1b may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

  • constipation
  • dizziness
  • loss of voice
  • menstrual pain or other changes

Incidence not known

  • difficulty in moving
  • loss or thinning of the hair
  • muscle stiffness

For healthcare professionals

Applies to interferon beta-1b: subcutaneous powder for injection.

General adverse events

Influenza-like symptoms (e.g., myalgia, fever, chills, sweating, asthenia, headache, nausea) are the most common adverse reactions.[Ref]

Dermatologic

Endocrine

Gastrointestinal

Cardiovascular

Genitourinary

Hematologic

Hepatic

Hypersensitivity

Immunologic

Local

Metabolic

Musculoskeletal

Nervous system

Other

Psychiatric

Renal

Respiratory

See also:

References

1. (2002) "Product Information. Betaseron (interferon beta-1b)." Berlex Laboratories

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."

3. Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (2006) APPGuide online. Australian prescription products guide online. http://www.appco.com.au/appguide/default.asp

Further information

Interferon beta-1b side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.