Betaseron, or beta – 1b, is an interferon medication that is manufactured and used for the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS. Interferons are naturally-occurring proteins produced by the immune system and they help to ward off infections, although it is not fully understood how interferon medications aid against multiple sclerosis attacks.
Betaseron was the first disease-modifying medication to be approved for the use of slowing multiple sclerosis activity: on the market since 1993, it has proven to be approximately 30 to 40% effective against MS relapses and their resulting disability (in some patients.) Just like the other disease-modifying medications, *Betaseron is not a cure for multiple sclerosis, and it is not effective in every patient.
Betaseron Advantages
- Betaseron has the longest track record of effectiveness out of all the disease-modifying injectable medications
- This medication comes in easy-to-mix kits. Prior to assembly, it does not need to be refrigerated, so it is very easy to store and transport.
- Administration is every other day
- Betaseron has an ultra-thin needle, which makes injections less painful
Betaseron Drawbacks
- Because it is an interferon, Betaseron can produce temporary flu-like side-effects: fever, chills, body aches, nausea, and/or headaches. It can also cause depression, lowered immunity to certain infections, and liver and thyroid abnormalities. Patients need to be monitored while taking this medication.
- Betaseron has the second most administrations among the disease-modifying medications
- This medication can cause injection site reactions: pain, redness, itching, and swelling
*any decision to take medication should be thoroughly discussed with your doctor
References: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, The Nat’l MS Society, All About MS- Betaseron
