MANAGING SIDE-EFFECTS OF INTERFERON-BETA IN PATIENTS WITH RELAPSING-REMITTING MULTIPLE-SCLEROSIS

In separate clinical trials, two preparations of recombinant interfero n (IFN)-beta, IFN beta-la and IFN beta-lb, reduced exacerbation rates in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RR-MS). Further, IFN beta-l a slows the progression of disability in patients with RR-MS. Although they are effective in the treatment of MS, use of these drugs is asso ciated with both class-specific and agent-specific side effects. Class -specific side effects include fever, chills, myalgias, arthralgias, a nd other flulike symptoms beginning 2 to 6 hours after injection and r esolving within 24 hours of injection. Transient worsening of preexist ing MS symptoms also occurs infrequently. Agent-specific side effects include injection-site reactions with IFN beta-lb. Simple management s trategies can be used to minimize these reactions, including patient e ducation; tailoring the dose and time of administration of IFN-beta; a nd prescribing appropriate combinations of acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and steroids. Although side effects tend to diminish with treatment, successful management allows long-term admini stration of these drugs to achieve a reduction in disease activity and commensurate improvement in outcomes.