Betaseron: the new MS treatment.
Betaseron is a new medication that decreases the frequency and severity of exacerbations in persons with relapsing-remitting MS. It is the first to alter the disease itself and has, therefore, generated considerable hope among patients, families and health care providers. Patients who meet the criteria for use of Betaseron will be confronted with a number of decisions and cost factors. Further, they must be willing to prepare and administer Betaseron injections. Potential adverse effects, direct and indirect costs of Betaseron, and administration and monitoring requirements determine the nursing implications. To provide optimum care and education to patients with MS, nurses must maintain current knowledge about this new medication.
Kelley
C L
CL
Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107.
Smeltzer
S C
SC
D000359:Aftercare; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D016527:Drug Costs; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D004356:Drug Storage; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a; D000068576:Interferon beta-1b; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000191:economics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000600:supply & distribution / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000191:economics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000600:supply & distribution / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012008:Recurrence; D012106:Research; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D000068576:Interferon beta-1b; D016899:Interferon-beta; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a