The ABCs of MS Treatments
Where can I get more information?: Avonex Support Line (Avonex Alliance): 800-456-2255
BETASERON®
Chemical Name: Interferon beta-1b
Approved in U.S. and Canada
No Generic Equivalent Available
What is it?: Betaseron is the first drug approved for use in the United States for the treatment of MS. It is indicated for reducing the frequency of clinical exacerbations in ambulatory patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
How is it Administered?: Because Interferon beta-1b is a protein it can be destroyed by stomach acid and cannot be taken by mouth. Betaseron must also be kept refrigerated, and is given as a subcutaneous (between the fat layer just under the skin and the muscles beneath) injection every other day. The new injector devices make it much easier for those who are anxious about needles and syringes.
What are the side effects?: Injection site reactions are common and include: redness, pain and swelling, and discoloration. Less frequently, injection site necrosis (skin breakdown and tissue destruction) can occur, but can be minimized by rotating injection sites. Depression is also a reported side effect. Flu-like symptoms are also common and include: fever, chills, sweating, fatigue, and muscle aches. Many patients take Betaseron at night to help lessen the impact of flu-like symptoms
Betaseron should not be used during pregnancy or if you are trying to become pregnant. If you wish to become pregnant while taking Betaseron® discuss the matter with your doctor. Women who are nursing, should talk to their doctor about whether to stop nursing or stop taking the drug because it isn't yet known whether Betaseron is excreted in human milk.
Where can I get more information?:Betaseron support line (Pathways): 800-788-1467; 800-948-5777 (financial issues)
COPAXONE®
Chemical Name: glatiramer acetate
Approved in U.S. and Canada
No Generic Equivalent Available
What is it?: Copaxone, the fastest-growing MS therapy in the US, is not an interferon. It has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the number of relapses in people with relapsing-remitting MS and appears to work differently than any other MS drug therapy. Many people with multiple sclerosis find that it is both effective and well-tolerated.
Copaxone appears to block myelin-specific autoimmune responses. The active ingredient, glatiramer acetate, consists of the acetate salts of synthetic polypeptides which resemble the structure of myelin basic protein. Myelin basic protein is thought to be one of the areas the immune system attacks in MS.
How is it Administered?: This drug is mixed with sterile water and administered via a daily subcutaneous injection.
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