Betaseron Drug Interactions

If zidovudine or theophylline products are taken in conjunction with Betaseron, drug interactions can occur. Betaseron may increase the level of theophylline or zidovudine in your blood, which could increase your risk for side effects. To help minimize the chances of developing drug interactions with Betaseron, make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking before starting multiple sclerosis treatment.

 

An Introduction to Betaseron Drug Interactions

Betaseron® (interferon beta-1b) can potentially interact with a couple of other medications. Some of these medicines that may lead to Betaseron interactions include:
 

Betaseron Interactions Explained

The following sections explain in detail the potentially negative interactions that can occur when Betaseron is combined with any of the drugs listed above.
 
 
Theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24, TheoCap, Theochron, Uniphyl)
Interferons (such as Betaseron) may increase the level of theophylline in your blood, increasing the risk of side effects. Your healthcare provider may need to monitor your theophylline blood levels and adjust your theophylline dosage as necessary.
 
Zidovudine (Retrovir, Combivir, Trizivir)
Betaseron may increase the level of zidovudine in your blood and increase your risk for side effects of zidovudine, including serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using these medications together.
 
(Betaseron Drug Interactions Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;