Ana
The breastfeeding information related to Interferon is very limited. I have used it
in Hepatitis C patients but they were not lactating. I know Interferon increases risk
of abortion in animals, but it doesn't cross the placenta.
I suppose the main concern would be that alpha Interferon stops cell duplication and
puts cells in a 'resting' state - thus the side effect of hair loss and why it is
used in haematological cancers, AIDS etc. The other effects of muscle pain, lethargy
loss of appetite and weight loss plus possible depression make it a bit of a nasty
for infants to ingest. These are the effects of alpha interferon, I think you use
beta for MS, so not sure if side effects are the same, but I expect so.
I suppose it also depends on the dose, as the side effects are basically dose related.
I don't know if interferon passes into milk. The potential effects on the milk or infant
are a bit of a worry, so I guess it comes down to risk v benefit again.
Hope others have more information.

Fiona Coombes
Doctor and IBCLC
Perth Western Australia