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Disease Modifying Drugs & Therapies

 

 

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Interferons                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

This group of drugs are often referred to collectively as the beta interferons.

 

Studies have shown that on average Rebif reduces the relapse rate in people with relapsing/remitting MS by about a third and also reduces the severity of those relapses that do occur. Interferons are proteins that occur naturally in the immune system. It is thought that beta interferon acts by reducing both inflammation and the immune response that is attacking the body's own myelin.

 

Interferon beta-1a - Avonex®                                                                                                                                                                                                      

For relapsing forms of Multiple Sclerosis, to lessen the number of flare ups and relief the occurrence of  physical disability common in MS. Avonex is injected into a muscle once a week. Used for MS people when they have experienced a first attack coupled with lesions consistent with MS on their MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging. [1]

 

Side effects may occur                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

• Flu like symptoms following injections. These tend to reduce over time and are usually no longer a problem after three months on treatment.
• Liver may be affected.
• Red or white blood cell levels may drop  Heart may be affected.
• Seizures.
• Severe allergic reaction.
• Thyroid function may alter.

 

Interferon beta-1b - Betaferon (UK) - Beterseron (Nth America)                                                                                                                                           

For relapsing forms of Multiple Sclerosis, to lessen the frequency of clinical exacerbations. Betaferon is one of the disease modifying drugs, licensed for relapsing - remitting MS and some people with secondary progressive MS. Betaferon is injected under the skin every other day. [2]

 

Side effects may occur                                                                                                                                                                                                                

• Anaphylaxis - rare.
• Asthenia  
• Headaches
• Injection site reaction
• Lymphopenia
• Risk during pregnancy

 

Interferon beta-1a - Rebif®                                                                                                                                                                                                          

For relapsing forms of Multiple Sclerosis, to lessen the frequency of relapse and delay the occurrence of physical disability common in MS people. Rebif is injected under the skin three times a week.

One of the disease modifying drugs licensed for relapsing/remitting MS and some people with secondary progressive MS. [3]

 

Side effects may occur                                                                                                                                                                                                                

• Depression.
• Liver problems.
• Loss of consciousness on rare occasions.
• Possibility of breathing problems.
• Risk during pregnancy.    
• Severe allergic reactions.

A new formulation of Rebif was introduced in spring 2008. Rebif must now be stored in the fridge - between 2 and 8 degrees - and injected as soon as possible after removal from refrigeration. Storage at room temperature is not recommended.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Interferon therapies are usually prescribed to an MS person when they are ambulant (able to walk 10 metres or more). Plus showing signs of MS symptoms that are either:

• Evidence of additional lesions within the last year on their MRI scans - or same evidence in a MS person but with a poor prognosis for other reasons.
• One disabling relapse in the past year.
• Two significant relapses in the past two years.

Or

 

• An acute worsening of MS symptoms that is sustained for a day or more followed by an improvement of the symptoms over one to four weeks would indicate a relapse has occurred.

 

In certain circumstances an MS person experiencing Secondary - Progressive MS, provided that they are ambulant and that relapses are the cause of an increasing disability, may be treated - advice should be obtained from a clinician.

 

A worsening of MS symptoms may also be caused by:

• Flu or a cold.
• Infection.
• Fever.

 

 

 

 

Other Pages                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

One type of MS responds to beta interferon, generally considered the best treatment. The other type does not -- and beta interferon treatment may even make it worse - 2 Types of MS, Study Reveals

 

 

1. Avonex Jacobs LD, et al. Intramuscular interferon beta 1-a for disease progression in relapsing multiple sclerosis. Annals of Neurology 1995;39:285-294

2. Betaferon - Betaseron IFNB Multiple Sclerosis Study Group. Interferon beta-1b in the treatment of multiple sclerosis: final outcome of the randomised controlled trial. Neurology 1995;45:1277-1285.

3. Rebif PRISMS Study Group. Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled study of interferon beta-1a in relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis. Lancet 1998;352:1498-1504.

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