Interferon beta but not glatiramer acetate therapy aggravates headaches in MS.
Type and frequency of headaches during immunomodulatory therapy in MS were determined in 167 consecutive patients. In a prospective group of 65 patients beginning interferon beta therapy, headache frequency and duration increased in 18% of all and in 35% of patients with pre-existing headache by more than 50% during the first 6 months. In two retrospective groups, increased headache frequency was reported by 34% of 53 patients on interferon beta, but by only 6% of 49 patients during at least 6 months of glatiramer acetate therapy.
Marianne-Strauss-Klinik, Berg, Germany. WPoellmannMue@aol.com
W
W
Pöllmann
L-P
LP
Erasmus
W
W
Feneberg
F
F
Then Bergh
A
A
Straube
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate; D006261:Headache / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a; D000068576:Interferon beta-1b; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000209:etiology; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000187:drug effects; D010455:Peptides / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D010455:Peptides; D000068576:Interferon beta-1b; D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate; D016899:Interferon-beta; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a