LOW-DOSE STEROIDS REDUCE FLU-LIKE SYMPTOMS AT THE INITIATION OF IFN-BETA-1B IN RELAPSING-REMITTING MS

To determine whether low-dose prednisone reduces flulike symptoms at t he initiation of interferon beta 1-b (IFN beta-1b), we studied 71 pati ents with clinically definite, relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis who were started on IFN beta-1b. Patients were randomized to receive p rednisone plus paracetamol or only paracetamol and were monitored for side effects. Systemic side effects were minimal in the steroid group compared with the nonsteroid group during the first 15 days of treatme nt (p = 0.005). At 3 months, both groups showed a similar frequency of flu-like symptoms. No differences in local reaction between the two g roups were observed throughout the study.