How can it help? It has been shown to reduce the rate of relapse by about one-third in people with relapsing remitting MS. It also reduces the severity of relapses that occur. (5) (6) (7) (8) How is it administered? Avonex must be injected into the muscle once a week and should be stored in the fridge. Rebif must be injected under the skin three times per week and should be stored in the fridge. Rebif comes in two dosages 22mcg and 44mcg. (7) – Plegridy must be injected under the skin every 2 weeks and should be stored in the fridge. Who manufactures it? Avonex Biogen – Rebif EMD Serono – Plegridy Biogen – What type of MS is it prescribed for? All types of interferon beta-1a are classed as 1’ drugs therefore they are used in those ‘category diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS. (1) What are the side effects? The most common side effect experienced when taking interferon beta-1a is flu-like symptoms trial injecting. Injection site irritations may also occur, such as redness, swelling, itching. Other less common side effects can be mood swings (mainly from Avonex), fever and blood abnormalities. Most people find these effects reduce over a three month period of taking the drug. If they persist, a conversation with an MS nurse or neurologist would be recommended. (5) (6) (7) (8)
How can it help? It has been shown to reduce the rate of relapse by about one-third in people with relapsing remitting MS. It also reduces the severity of relapses that occur. (5) (6) (7) (8) How is it administered? Avonex must be injected into the muscle once a week and should be stored in the fridge. Rebif must be injected under the skin three times per week and should be stored in the fridge. Rebif comes in two dosages – 22mcg and 44mcg. (7) Plegridy must be injected under the skin every 2 weeks and should be stored in the fridge. Who manufactures it? Avonex – Biogen Rebif – EMD Serono Plegridy – Biogen What type of MS is it prescribed for? All types of interferon beta-1a are classed as ‘category 1’ drugs therefore they are used in those diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS. (1) What are the side effects? The most common side effect experienced when taking interferon beta-1a is flu-like symptoms injecting. Injection site irritations may also occur, such as redness, swelling, itching. Other less common side effects can be mood swings (mainly from Avonex), fever and blood abnormalities. Most people find these effects reduce over a three month period of taking the drug. If they persist, a conversation with an MS nurse or neurologist would be recommended. (5) (6) (7) (8) trial
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