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MS With Interferon Treatment

There is no cure for multiple sclerosis (MS) yet, and the cause is still unknown. Prior to 1993, no disease-modifying treatments existed for MS. The first treatment, introduced in 1993, was an interferon called Betaseron. Since then, two more interferons have been introduced and are in use today. These are administered by injection.

  1. What is an Interferon?

    • According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), "the interferons are a group of natural proteins that are produced by human cells in response to viral infection and other stimuli." The NMSS goes on to say that interferons "got this name because they interfere with viruses that are replicating." The three interferon treatments for MS suppress this activity, which causes damage to the central nervous system, are Betaseron, Avonex and Rebif.

    Frequency of Injections

    • Betaseron is injected every other day and is subcutaneous--injected just under the skin with a short, thin needle. Avonex, approved in 1996, is injected once a week and is intramuscular--injected into the muscle with a longer needle. Rebif, approved in 2002, is injected three times a week and is subcutaneous.

    Indications

    • All disease-modifying medications for MS are indicated for relapsing-remitting MS. Copaxone is a noninterferon drug taken once a day subcutaneously. The NMSS discusses the fact that research has proven that these disease-modifying drugs slow the rate of progression of MS.

    Side Effects

    • MS is different in each person with different stages of the disease. In the same way, reactions to medications and treatments vary. Reported side effects of interferons include flu-like chills, fever, muscle aches and malaise, which diminish in some people over time. Less common side effects include changes in blood cell counts and liver functions.

      Injection site reactions are common for a period of time, appearing as bumps with redness or bruises. Once the body adjusts to being injected with the medication, they typically stop appearing.

      The FDA cautions against using interferons in patients with depression and other mood disorders. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression or other mood changes, contact your physician

    Cautions and Help

    • All interferons can potentially affect blood cell counts and liver functions. The NMSS recommends that patients using interferons have a baseline blood test before starting a medication and to follow the baseline test with periodic blood tests, which your physician can prescribe.

      In March, 2005, the FDA issued a product safety alert about Avonex, suggesting that, prior to prescribing, physicians need to consider the potential risks of this medication if used in conjunction with other medications or products (such as alcohol) that are toxic to the liver.

    Bottom Line

    • Because MS is a potentially progressive disease of the central nervous system, interferons can be used to slow the progression. All disease-modifying MS drugs now offer an autoinjector, making the injections easier to manage for many patients. If you cannot deliver your own injections, have a family member, friend or nurse administer the shots for you. Side effects are often treated with aspirin and do diminish over time in many patients.

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