Interferon Beta is known as a Disease Modifying Drug, or Disease Modifying Treatment (DMT). In the UK these drugs are generally only approved for use with the Relapse Remitting form of MS, but check with your Doctor to make sure.
Betaseron® interferon beta-1B is the brand name marketed by the Chiron Corporation, Rebif® is a brand name of Interferon Beta 1A, as is Avonex® marketed by Biogen IDEC.
Interferon Beta is an immune system suppressant and is the only product that has been proven effective in all three
of the following key areas:
Significantly reducing the number of active brain lesions and T2 lesion areas (or area) as seen on
MRI, Reducing frequency of multiple sclerosis relapses, delaying disability progression
Interferon Beta is administered by a subcutaneous injection on a regular basis. In the case of Rebif this is thrice weekly.
MS patients who are taking disease modifying drugs like these can experience common side effects including:
Injection-site reactions
Soreness, redness, pain, bruising, or swelling may occur at the place of the injection.
Flu-like symptoms
Most patients have flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, sweating, muscle aches, and fatigue).
Depression
If you are feeling noticeably sadder or helpless, or feel like hurting yourself or others, you should tell a
family member or friend right away and call your doctor as soon as possible.
Liver problems
Your liver may be affected by taking Interferon Beta and a few patients have developed severe liver injury.
Your healthcare provider may ask you to have regular blood tests to make sure that your liver is working properly.
If your skin or the whites of your eyes become yellow or if you are bruising easily you should call your doctor right away.
Blood abnormalities
Interferon Beta may affect your blood cell counts, so you may be asked to have regular blood tests to make sure your
blood cell levels have not dropped. If you have difficulty fighting an infection, feel tired or sluggish, or bruise
or bleed easily, contact your doctor.
Risk to Pregnancy
If you become pregnant while taking Rebif, Betaseron or Avonex you should stop using
it immediately and call your doctor. Interferon Beta may cause you to lose your baby (miscarry)
or may cause harm to your unborn child. You and your doctor will need to decide whether the potential benefit of taking
the medication is greater than the risks are to your unborn child.
Thyroid problems
Your thyroid function may change, and you may be asked to have regular blood tests to monitor your thyroid
function. Symptoms of thyroid change include feeling cold or hot all the time and/or unexplained change in your weight.
Contact your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
Allergic reactions
Some patients taking interferon beta have had severe allergic reactions, leading to difficulty breathing and loss
of consciousness. If you think you are having an allergic reaction, you should stop therapy immediately and contact your doctor.
