Avonex (interferon beta-1a) may not be safe to use while pregnant but may be safe to use during breastfeeding. Certain factors, including the risk of fetal harm, may determine whether you should use the drug during this time.
Avonex is prescribed to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults.
If you may be or can become pregnant, it’s important to consider whether Avonex is a safe option for you.
It’s not known whether Avonex should be used during pregnancy. The drug’s manufacturer hasn’t studied the drug in pregnant people. Other studies with interferon beta are mixed.
A large observational study showed that pregnant people exposed to interferon beta did not increase the risk of fetal harm or congenital anomalies (commonly known as birth defects). However, some smaller studies found interferon beta exposure during pregnancy correlated with lower birth weight. (Avonex contains interferon beta-1a, a type of interferon beta.)
If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using this medication. They can help you decide on the right treatment plan for your condition.
If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, it’s important to understand the effects that Avonex could have on you or the child who is breastfed.
Most experts consider Avonex safe to use while breastfeeding. Only a
That said, if you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before using this medication. They’ll help determine whether Avonex is safe to use while breastfeeding.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
