The Basics
What is Interferon Beta?
Used to reduce episodes of symptoms in patients with relapsing-remitting of multiple sclerosis.
Brand names for Interferon Beta
Avonex
How Interferon Beta is classified
Immunologic Adjuvants, Biological Response Modifiers
Interferon Beta During Pregnancy
Interferon Beta pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Interferon Beta while pregnant
N/A
Taking Interferon Beta While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Interferon Beta?
The levels of interferon beta-1a in breastmilk are minuscule. In addition, because interferon is poorly absorbed orally, it is not likely to reach the bloodstream of the infant. A small number of nursing mothers receiving interferon beta-1a while partially breastfeeding their infants and one woman exclusively breastfed her infant while taking interferon beta-1b and reported no adverse effects. The Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Excellence on Reproduction and Child Health considers interferon beta to be moderately safe to use during breastfeeding,[1] and a French consensus group of neurologists concluded that interferon beta can be used during breastfeeding.[2] No special precautions appear to be required during breastfeeding while using interferon beta. Holder pasteurization (62.5 degrees C for 30 minutes) decreases the concentration of endogenous interferon-gamma by an average about 10%.[3]
Maternal / infant drug levels
The levels of interferon beta-1a in breastmilk are minuscule. In addition, because interferon is poorly absorbed orally, it is not likely to reach the bloodstream of the infant. A small number of nursing mothers receiving interferon beta-1a while partially breastfeeding their infants and one woman exclusively breastfed her infant while taking interferon beta-1b and reported no adverse effects. The Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Excellence on Reproduction and Child Health considers interferon beta to be moderately safe to use during breastfeeding,[1] and a French consensus group of neurologists concluded that interferon beta can be used during breastfeeding.[2] No special precautions appear to be required during breastfeeding while using interferon beta. Holder pasteurization (62.5 degrees C for 30 minutes) decreases the concentration of endogenous interferon-gamma by an average about 10%.[3]
Possible effects of Interferon Beta on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Interferon Beta
(Hepatitis C) Interferon Alfa, Interferon Alfacon-1 (Multiple Sclerosis) Glatiramer, Immune Globulin.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Bove R, Alwan S, Friedman JM et al. Management of multiple sclerosis during pregnancy and the reproductive years: A systematic review. Obstet Gynecol. 2014;124:1157-68. PMID: 25415167
2. Bodiguel E, Bensa C, Brassat D et al. [Multiple sclerosis and pregnancy]. Rev Neurol (Paris). 2014;170:247-65. PMID: 24684929
3. Ewaschuk JB, Unger S, O’Connor DL et al. Effect of pasteurization on selected immune components of donated human breast milk. J Perinatol. 2011;31:593-8. PMID: 21330996
4. Hale TW, Siddiqui AA, Baker TE. Transfer of interferon beta-1a into human breastmilk. Breastfeed Med. 2012;7:123-5. PMID: 21988602
5. Rockhoff M, Hellwig K. [Family planning and interferon (beta)-1b – A case report of successful hormonal stimulation, pregnancy and breast-feeding under interferon (beta)-1b]. Aktuel Neurol Suppl. 2012;39 (Suppl 1):S49-S51.
6. Hellwig K, Gold R. Glatiramer acetate and interferon-beta throughout gestation and postpartum in women with multiple sclerosis. J Neurol. 2011;258:502-3. PMID: 20878174
7. Fragoso YD, Boggild M, Macias-Islas MA et al. The effects of long-term exposure to disease-modifying drugs during pregnancy in multiple sclerosis. Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2013;115:154-9. PMID: 22633835
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
