Drug Treatments
Now that you have a basic idea of who, what, why, where, when, and how, we can move on to the different drug treatments available for MS and it's symptoms. Even though no cure has been found for Multiple Sclerosis, there are many ways to help ease the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. The three main choices for use in slowing the progress of MS are Avonex, Betaseron, and Copaxone. These drugs that are taken by injection, are fondly called the CRABs. (As if we didn't have anything worse to think about.)
Medications for slowing the progression of MS:
Avonex® (Interferon Beta-1a) Avonex is an intramuscular shot that is taken weekly. For more information on Avonex, please visit their web site at www.biogen.com.
Rebif® (Interferon Beta-1a) Rebif is an intramuscular shot that is taken multiple times per week. For more information on Rebif, please visit their web site at www.mslifelines.com/rebif/index.jsp.
Betaseron® (Interferon Beta-1b) Betaseron is a subcutaneous (under the skin, like a shot) injection taken every other day. To find out more about Betaseron visit their site at www.betaseron.com.
Copaxone® (Glatirmer Acetate) Copaxone is a daily injection, which is subcutaneous like Betaseron. For more information on Copaxone you can visit www.tevamarionpartners.com
Rebif® (Interferon Beta-1a) Rebif is an intramuscular shot that is taken multiple times per week. For more information on Rebif, please visit their web site at www.mslifelines.com/rebif/index.jsp.
Betaseron® (Interferon Beta-1b) Betaseron is a subcutaneous (under the skin, like a shot) injection taken every other day. To find out more about Betaseron visit their site at www.betaseron.com.
Copaxone® (Glatirmer Acetate) Copaxone is a daily injection, which is subcutaneous like Betaseron. For more information on Copaxone you can visit www.tevamarionpartners.com
How Rebif Affects MS
Interferion Trials, Do they work?
(This article was copied from the Taking Controll of Multiple Sclerosis webiste. To view the compleate article please click here.)
The interferons and glatiramer acetate are collectively described as ‘disease-modifying agents’. Their action is such that they are intended to modify the course of the disease rather than make a difference to current symptoms. Interferons belong to a class of chemical messengers in the body. The messenger chemicals called eicosanoids and cytokines have a role in regulating the function of the immune system. Some of these messengers promote inflammation and some suppress it. Interferons belong to the cytokine class of chemicals. The interferons in general have anti-viral actions, effects on the immune system, and inhibit the growth of tumours. It is not certain which action is responsible for their therapeutic effect in MS. The interferons have also been used in treating hepatitis C, malignant melanoma and granulomatous disease. In these diseases, there is usually considerable discussion with the patient before embarking on treatment with interferons because of the serious side effects they can cause.
The interferons and glatiramer acetate are collectively described as ‘disease-modifying agents’. Their action is such that they are intended to modify the course of the disease rather than make a difference to current symptoms. Interferons belong to a class of chemical messengers in the body. The messenger chemicals called eicosanoids and cytokines have a role in regulating the function of the immune system. Some of these messengers promote inflammation and some suppress it. Interferons belong to the cytokine class of chemicals. The interferons in general have anti-viral actions, effects on the immune system, and inhibit the growth of tumours. It is not certain which action is responsible for their therapeutic effect in MS. The interferons have also been used in treating hepatitis C, malignant melanoma and granulomatous disease. In these diseases, there is usually considerable discussion with the patient before embarking on treatment with interferons because of the serious side effects they can cause.