Management of patients receiving interferon beta-1b for multiple sclerosis: report of a consensus conference

Results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in ambulatory patients with relapsing-remitting MS showed that interferon beta-1b reduced the rate of exacerbations by one-third compared with placebo and limited new disease activity in the brain as evidenced by MRI. Interferon beta-1b, administered subcutaneously at a dosage of 0.25 mg (8 million IU) every other day is indicated for the treatment of ambulatory patients with relapsing-remitting MS. Interferon beta-1b may help a wider range of patients, but it should be prescribed only for patients with a diagnosis of clinically definite or laboratory-supported definite MS. The decision to treat a patient with interferon beta-1b should be individualized; that is, based on each patient's clinical presentation and course of MS. The most common adverse effects include (1) injection-site reactions and (2) flu-like symptoms, which are generally manageable and usually abate after the first few months of treatment. Spasticity may increase. Patients with severe depression or suicidal ideation should be monitored carefully, and symptomatic treatment should be pursued. Interferon beta-1b is contraindicated in pregnant and nursing women. Interferon beta-1b is effective in reducing the progression of total disease burden as seen on MRI in patients with MS. Its use is relatively straightforward and generally does not require alteration in the symptomatic treatment of MS. Patient education and support remain the mainstays of maintaining compliance through the early phases of therapy.