Medicines that contain the interferon beta are similar to the natural interferon generated by the body in case of activation of the immune system when it needs to fight a disease. These medications proved their efficiency in case of viral infections and were also very helpful in problems involving the immune system. But the information related to their effect on MS is poor. But one of its widely known effects is the anti-inflammatory action. Interferon -beta also maintains the myelin. .

Interferon-beta seems to annihilate the effect of a very dangerous factor that activates MS symptoms: gamma interferon.

Avonex is administered by injection into the muscle of the thigh, upper arm, or hip weekly. is also an injection that is inserted beneath the skin about 3 times in a week; Betaseron is administered the same way as Rebif every other day.

The treatment including interferon beta medicines deals with relapsing-remitting forms of MS .Although it is tested on adults and, thus, more recommended to them, interferon-beta is also used in children.

Betaseron received the approval of U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the treatment of people with secondary progressive MS

The Effectiveness

Based on studies, it was proved that:

Interferon beta treatment produced a significant decrease in number and severity of MS relapses. People who were administered Betaseron injections, once in two days and those that used Rebif for three times during a week were 1/3 less affected by relapses.

* - Less surfaces of the brain are affected by MS in the people that are on interferon. There MRI scans have shown this improvement of the condition and also that interferon beta doesn't allow the formation of lesions.

* - In case of relapsing remitted form, Avonex. Rebif or Betaseron prove their efficiency in minimizing disability chances and in delaying it in other cases.

* - Betaseron seems to delay the progress of MS in the secondary progressive form and, thus, disability.

* - Also for relapsing - remitted form of MS, Avonex and Betaseron delay the cognitive impairment.

Both Avonex and Betaseron have been approved by FDA, the first one to deal with early lesions or changes of MS detected by MRI and the other - for the other for the treatment for the secondary - progressive form and also that of relapsing - remitted form.

All three interferon beta compounds are effective, but better results seem to be obtained from more aggressive treatment (Betaseron, Rebif) compared to the low doses of Avonex's effects. Rebif is more effective by 12 percents in the prevention of relapses than Avonex, says a study which also shows the superiority of Rebif to Avonex regarding the lesions of the brain: they were much fewer in case of Rebif use.

Side effects:

* - Similarly symptoms to those of flu: tiredness, high body temperature, muscle aches that appear about a day after the administration of injections.

* - Headaches that appear from the first six months of treatments. Depending on their severity, the doctor will decide whether to change the medicine to glatiramer acetate.

* - Depression may appear, generated by interferon beta medicines. The labels of these medications contain a mention of this possibility. Avonex is the one that generated most of this kind of side effects. It is not recommended for people with serious psychiatric problems, especially depression. In case of mood fluctuation, depression or suicidal ideas, the doctor should be immediately informed.

* - The site where the injection was administered may inflame, turn red and present an increased sensitivity. Usually this is generated by Rebif and Betaseron. A pain reliever that precedes and follows the injection may be the best solution.

* - Common symptoms to these of MS: anxiety, confusion, loss of appetite and insomnia. In case they last for more than 2 days, the doctor should know about it.

Blood tests are necessary for people on interferon beta treatment; so that their leucocytes and the liver's function may be monitored because this kind of medications may seriously damage them.

The interferon beta medication mustn't be started until the MS diagnosis is a fact. Once it is diagnosed, this kind of therapy should be administered as soon as possible to prevent or stop the degradation of the nervous system functions due to the unpredictable nature of the disease.

The FDA and the producer of Avonex warn the people to avoid using this medicine in case of depression or another psychiatric condition because it makes their symptoms worse. Your doctor will tell you whether Avonex suits your case.

The annoying part of interferon beta treatments is represented by their side effects, that most frequently include flu like symptoms after the injection is administered. Ibuprofen, Napraxen or Acetaminophen improve these symptoms and increase your tolerance for higher doses of interferon beta compounds that really help MS.

Except for their side effects interferon beta treatment presents other disadvantages too:

- A person cannot be sure that the treatment will be effective in his/ her particular case; sometimes it may just not work.

- The risks of long term medications haven't been discovered yet.

- In time, interferon may loose its efficiency because the body learns how to annihilate its effects by means of antibodies.

- It is a very expensive treatment, over ten thousands $ each year

This kind of treatment isn't appropriate for pregnant women because it may produce a miscarriage. The women that follow this treatment must use birth control methods. In case pregnancy occurs, see your doctor as soon as possible and demand his advice.