Interferon, Beta-1b (Systemic)

Brand Names : Betaseron

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine 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 as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Abdominal pain; break in the skin at place of injection, with blue-black discoloration, swelling, or drainage of fluid; flu-like symptoms including chills, fever, generalized feeling of discomfort or illness, increased sweating, and muscle pain; headache or migraine; hives, itching, or swelling at place of injection; hypertension (high blood pressure); irregular or pounding heartbeat; pain at place of injection; redness or feeling of heat at place of injection; stuffy nose

Less common

Breast pain; bloody or cloudy urine; changes in vision; cold hands and feet; difficult, burning, or painful urination; fast or racing heartbeat; frequent urge to urinate; pain; pelvic pain; swollen glands; troubled breathing; unusual weight gain

Rare

Abnormal growth in breast; benign lumps in breast; bleeding problems; bloating or swelling; changes in menstrual periods; confusion; convulsions (seizures); cyst (abnormal growth filled with fluid or semisolid material); decreased sexual ability in males; dry, puffy skin; feeling cold; hyperactivity; increased muscle tone; increased urge to urinate; loss of memory; mental depression with thoughts of suicide; problems in speaking; red, itching, or swollen eyes; swelling of front part of neck; unusual weight loss

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

More common

Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; laryngitis (loss of voice); menstrual pain or other changes; unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

Anxiety; drowsiness; hair loss; nervousness; vomiting

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.