Pakulski LA, DiMarco LM. Severe vaginal bleeding associated with recombinant interferon beta-1B.
Ann Pharmacother 1997;
31:50-2. [PMID:
8997465 DOI:
10.1177/106002809703100107]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To report a case of severe vaginal bleeding associated with interferon beta-1b (IFN-beta).
CASE SUMMARY
A 19-year-old white woman diagnosed with multiple sclerosis was treated with IFN-beta 4 million IU every other day for 1 month. After 1 month, the dosage was increased to 8 million IU. The patient subsequently experienced severe vaginal bleeding. Because her hemoglobin was 3.9 g/dL, she was admitted to the hospital for treatment and observation. IFN-beta was discontinued and she was treated with conjugated estrogens and received 2 units of packed red blood cells. The bleeding ceased and the patient was discharged in stable condition.
DISCUSSION
Menstrual disorders of mild-to-moderate severity were reported during clinical trials with IFN-beta. This is the first case report regarding severe vaginal bleeding probably associated with IFN-beta. The mechanism for development of IFN-beta-related menstrual disorders is unknown.
CONCLUSIONS
Reports of menstrual disorders associated with recombinant IFN-beta are rare; however, clinicians should be aware that this complication can occur. Should menstrual disorders occur with no other etiologic factors identified, IFN-beta should be discontinued, with improvement expected shortly thereafter.
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