title: Multiple sclerosis: side effects of interferon beta therapy and their management.
abstract: Article abstract-Interferon beta (IFNbeta) reduces the relapse rate, disease activity as measured by serial MRI scanning, and disease progression of MS. Therapy with IFNbeta may be associated with a number of adverse reactions. Relatively frequent side effects include flu-like symptoms, transient laboratory abnormalities, menstrual disorders, and increased spasticity. Dermal injection site reactions occur after subcutaneous application of IFNbeta-1b and IFNbeta-1a. Possible side effects of IFNbeta include various autoimmune reactions, capillary leak syndrome, anaphylactic shock, thrombotic-thrombocytopenic purpura, insomnia, headache, alopecia, and depression. We discuss the mechanisms and management of the different side effects of IFNbeta.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology and Institute for Clinical Neuroimmunology, Munich, Germany.
authors.forename: E U
authors.initials: EU
authors.lastname: Walther
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hohlfeld
mesh_terms: D000339:Affect / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000139:chemically induced; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007774:Lactation / Q000187:drug effects; D008599:Menstruation Disturbances / Q000139:chemically induced; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000139:chemically induced; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D016899:Interferon-beta