MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS RECEIVING INTERFERON BETA-1B FOR MULTIPLE-SCLEROSIS - REPORT OF A CONSENSUS CONFERENCE

Results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in ambulatory pati ents with relapsing-remitting MS showed that interferon beta-1b reduce d the rate of exacerbations by one-third compared with placebo and lim ited new disease activity in the brain as evidenced by MRI. Interferon beta-1b, administered subcutaneously at a dosage of 0.25 mg (8 millio n IU) every other day is indicated for the treatment of ambulatory pat ients with relapsing-remitting MS. Interferon beta-1b may help a wider range of patients, but it should be prescribed only for patients with a diagnosis of clinically definite or laboratory-supported definite M S. The decision to treat a patient with interferon beta-1b should be i ndividualized; that is, based on each patient's clinical presentation and course of MS. The most common adverse effects include (1) injectio n-site reactions and (2) flulike symptoms, which are generally managea ble and usually abate after the first few months of treatment. Spastic ity may increase. Patients with severe depression or suicidal ideation should be monitored carefully, and symptomatic treatment should be pu rsued. Interferon beta-1b is contraindicated in pregnant and nursing w omen. Interferon beta-1b is effective in reducing the progression of t otal disease burden as seen on MRI in patients with MS. Its use is rel atively straightforward and generally does not require alteration in t he symptomatic treatment of MS. Patient education and support remain t he mainstays of maintaining compliance through the early phases of the rapy.