Comparison of injection site pain and injection site reactions in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients treated with interferon beta-1a or 1b.
This prospective, multicentre, international, observational, cohort study compared injection site pain (ISP) and injection site reactions (ISRS) between interferon beta-1b (IFNB-1b; Betaferon) 250 microg subcutaneously every other day and interferon beta-1a (IFNB-1a; Rebif) 44 microg subcutaneously three times weekly in patients with relapsing-remitting MS. Patients started treatment within 3 months before recruitment and were on full dose of therapy at inclusion. Patients self-injected IFNB and self-assessed ISP for 15 consecutive injections immediately, 30 and 60 min after injection, using a visual analogue scale diary. Study staff assessed ISRS. Of 445 patients (valid cases), approximately 90% used autoinjectors. More patients were pain-free at all timepoints with IFNB-1b than with IFNB-1a (eg, 30 min: 42.6% versus 19.7%; P<0.0001). The mean proportion of pain-free injections was greater for IFNB-1b (eg, 30 min: 79.0%) than for IFNB-1a (53.3%; P<0.0001). The proportion of patients without ISRS was greater for IFNB-1b (second visit 51.8% versus 33.8%; P<0.0001). Compared with IFNB-1a, more IFNB-1b patients either had no pain or their ISP had no influence on treatment satisfaction (76.9% versus 64.1%; P=0.006). The impact on tolerability and patient acceptability of any new IFNB product formulations would, however, have to be evaluated in comparative studies.
Baum
K
K
Department of Neurology, Klinik Hennigsdorf, Hennigsdorf, Germany. karl_baum01@yahoo.co.uk
O'Leary
C
C
Coret Ferrer
F
F
Klímová
E
E
Procházková
L
L
Bugge
J
J
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a; D000068576:Interferon beta-1b; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D020529:Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010146:Pain / Q000139:chemically induced*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000068576:Interferon beta-1b; D016899:Interferon-beta; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a