Betaseron

Type: Interferon beta-1b* (immune system modulator with antiviral properties)

Side Effects: Flu-like symptoms, injection-site skin reaction, blood count and liver test abnormalities

How Administered: 250 micrograms taken via subcutaneous injections every other day

Notes: Side effects may be prevented and/or managed effectively through various treatment strategies; side effect problems are usually temporary.

Avonex

Type: Interferon beta-1a* (immune system modulator with antiviral properties)

Side Effects: Flu-like symptoms and headache

How Administered: 30 micrograms taken via weekly intramuscular injections

Notes: Side effects may be prevented and/or managed effectively through various treatment strategies; side effect problems are usually temporary.

Rebif

Type: Interferon beta-1a* (immune system modulator with antiviral properties)

Side Effects: Flu-like symptoms, injection-site skin reaction, blood count and liver test abnormalities

How Administered: 44 micrograms taken via subcutaneous injections three times weekly

Notes: Side effects may be prevented and/or managed effectively through various treatment strategies; side effect problems are usually temporary.

Copaxone

Type: Synthetic chain of four amino acids found in myelin (immune system modulator that blocks attacks on myelin)

Side Effects: Injection-site skin reaction as well as an occasional systemic reaction-occurring at least once in approximately 10 percent of those tested

How Administered: 20 milligrams taken via daily subcutaneous injections

Notes: Systemic reactions occur about five to 15 minutes following an injection and may include anxiety, flushing, chest tightness, dizziness, palpitations, and/or shortness of breath. Usually lasting for only a few minutes, these symptoms do not require specific treatment, and have no long-term negative effects.

Novantrone

Type: Antineoplastic agent (immune system modulator and suppressor)

Side Effects: Usually well tolerated; side effects include nausea, thinning hair, loss of menstrual periods, bladder infections, and mouth sores; additionally, urine and whites of the eyes may turn a bluish color temporarily

How Administered: IV infusion one every 3 months (for two to three years maximum)

Notes: Novantrone carries the risk of cardiotoxicity (heart damage) and may not be given beyond two or three years. People undergoing treatment must have regular testing for cardiotoxicity, white blood cell counts, and liver function. Novantrone was studied in combination with large IV doses of steroids. Concurrently, many physicians often use it in combination with one of the interferons or Copaxone.



*Additional information about interferons: Some individuals develop neutralizing antibodies (NABs) to the interferons (Avonex, Betaseron, and Rebif), but their impact on the effectiveness of these medications has not been established.

The MS Council and the American Academy of Neurology have concluded that the higher-dosed interferons are likely to be more effective than lower-dosed interferons. Several factors, however, must be considered when selecting one of these drugs, and this decision must be made on an individual basis under the guidance of a qualified physician.