Side Effects Of Interferon-Beta Treatment For Multiple Sclerosis

Natural produced interferons produce flu-like symptoms as the body fights disease-causing microbes such as viruses and bacteria. Similarly, laboratory manufactured interferons stimulate the immune system and produce significant side effects such as fever, chills, headaches, fatigue, muscle aches and joint pains after injections. They may vary in severity for different patients, being somewhat debilitating for some. However, these symptoms may improve after several weeks of therapy. Mild pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be taken to reduce these flu-like symptoms.

Although depression is common among patients with MS, interferon treatment may make their symptoms worse.

Other conditions that may accompany MS and become worse with interferon treatment include anxiety, sleeping and eating disorders. One must consult their doctor when symptoms last more than a couple of days.

Patients who are being treated with beta-interferons must also be monitored using blood tests, preferably every three months to watch out for untoward changes in liver, thyroid, and immune function. However, in most cases, abnormalities found in these tests are reversed when treatment is stopped or when doses are adjusted.

Other drawbacks of interferon therapy include the prohibitive cost of interferon injections. While some patients do not respond to treatment, in others, the effect of long term treatment diminishes as the body produces neutralizing antibodies that counter the effects of treatment. Long-term risks are not yet known. It is best to discuss with your doctor about the benefits, risks, cost and prognosis involved in treating MS with interferon.

The application of a cold compress prior to injection may provide a transient localized anesthetic effect, while post-injection warmth may palliate ensuing discomfort or edema. Topical corticosteroid preparations, such as hydrocortisone, may be beneficial in addressing localized pruritus or inflammatory responses.

Psychotherapeutic intervention and, if clinically indicated, pharmacotherapy with antidepressants or anxiolytics, can be of value. Moreover, peer support, facilitated through patient advocacy groups or structured support systems, offers invaluable empathetic and experiential insights.

For patients experiencing alopecia or hair thinning, it is prudent to advise a gentle trichological regimen and to eschew aggressive hair treatments. If significant hair changes are observed, referral to a dermatologist specializing in trichology may be warranted. A holistic approach to patient care, emphasizing balanced nutrition, structured physical activity, and adequate sleep hygiene, may bolster overall well-being and potentially attenuate some adversarial side effects.

The decision whether to take disease-modifying drugs such as interferon will depend on your decision, as well as the doctor's advice. Some experts recommend beginning interferon therapy early right after diagnosis, so as to prevent further damage to the nervous system and reduce the risk for relapses. However, other experts advise their patients to wait and see, especially those who have mild symptoms, since the cost and side effects of treatment may outweight its benefits.

Read More: Interferon As Adjuvant Therapy For Malignant Melanoma

Other Options for Treatment of MS

Because of the prohibitive cost and side effects of interferons, doctors also consider using other disease-modifying drugs to manage the disease. These include the use of glatiramer acetate (Copaxone), another FDA approved drug for reducing relapses in MS. Glatiramer is a synthetic protein mixture that resembles myelin, which blocks and reduces the immune system reaction to the nerve covering. A local skin reaction and other side effects such as chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, or anxiety may occur.

Oral medications such as fingolimod (Gilenya) and teriflunomide (Aubagio) have also been approved, but their long-term effects are not yet known.

Aside from these disease-modifying drugs, patients may also be given other medications to control their symptoms. These include pain relievers, anti-depressants, corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, antibiotics and vitamins. Walkers, physical therapy, foot braces, and other supportive therapy may be used as needed.