MULTIPLE-SCLEROSIS - TREATMENT WITH RECOM BINANT INTERFERON BETA-1B

Recombinant interferon beta-lb has been registered with the Swiss heal th authorities since August 1995. Due to a special arrangement with he alth insurances it has been possible to prescribe this medication sinc e spring 1995. We report on our experience with the first 30 consecuti vely treated multiple sclerosis patients. Indication, adverse event pr ofile and clinical response to treatment are described. The most commo n side effects were local injection site reactions (63%), influenza-li ke symptoms (50%) and fatigue (33%). As compared to the prestudy perio d we observed a 49% reduction in the exacerbation rate. Compliance was excellent, possibly due to strict selection and extensive information about possible effects and side effects.