Betaseron is prescribed to people with multiple sclerosis, and is designed to decrease the number of flare-ups associate with the disease.
Betaseron is a drug designed to decrease the amount of flare-ups that multiple sclerosis patients experience. Flare-ups can occur frequently, and this is the time during which the disease progresses. Betaseron slows the progression of physical disability and helps keep the patient in remission for longer periods of time. However, Betaseron can cause serious side effects.
Multiple sclerosis is a disease that is still being extensively researched. It is believed to be an autoimmune disease (a disease in which the body’s immune system attacks itself) that affects the central nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.
People with multiple sclerosis will experience periods of flare-ups, when the disease gets worse, and periods of remission, when conditions do not progress. Although no one is sure why multiple sclerosis occurs, factors like genetics and environmental triggers like viruses, trauma and harmful toxins may contribute to the disease.
Betaseron is designed to decrease the frequency of these flare-ups and help patients remain in remission, when the disease is least likely to progress. However, Betaseron can cause serious side effects, including:
- depression
- harm to an unborn child, such as miscarriage
- allergic reactions
- injection site problems, such as rashes or necrosis
- liver disease
Betaseron is injected under the skin every other day. If you experience serious symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Serious symptoms include:
- flu-like symptoms
- skin reactions
- depression and anxiety, which can lead to suicide
- yellow or jaundiced skin
- blood problems like anemia
- abnormal fluctuations in weight
- allergic reaction
Contact your personal injury attorney if you experience injuries associated with Betaseron.
Tags: autoimmune disease, betaseron, flare-up, MS, multiple sclerosis, remission