Interferon Beta Drugs Slow the Progression of Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis and Reduce the Frequency of Clinical Symptoms

 

Interferon beta drugs are a part of the normal standard therapy for patients suffering from multiple sclerosis. Interferon beta-1b slows the progression of relapsing multiple sclerosis and reduces the frequency of clinical symptoms. However, as a consequence of multiple sclerosis and especially when an immune deficiency disorder is involved, the use of these drugs for treating multiple sclerosis victims can sometimes prove to be inappropriate. Furthermore, it has also been used for the therapy of hepatitis C in Japan previously but is currently not approved for the therapeutic treatment of HCV in many countries.

Multiple sclerosis patients usually respond very well to interferon beta drugs. The drugs are administered in combination with other medications and therapies such as phototherapy, cortisone, and biologic therapy which can also have favorable results in some patients. Phototherapy uses light-activated substances such as water, vegetables, and algae to suppress MS-inflammatory cells. Biologic therapy uses living agents such as interferon beta-1a or interferon gamma, xylene, or other systemic antigens which are then delivered by means of skin creams, intravenous, intramuscular, and oral vaccines.

Interferon beta drugs may be given to people who have moderate to severe multiple sclerosis, including people with both hemispheres of the cerebral disc. It is critical for people with multiple sclerosis to follow the guidelines because they provide a solid background for determining which treatment options are appropriate. Multiple sclerosis is a debilitating disease that causes many problems for patients and their families. Often people with this condition lose the ability to live a normal life and can become depressed or anxious. Taking these new guidelines into consideration may help improve the quality of life for people with MS.

There are several interferon beta drugs in the market today. Some of the most common brands include Avonex (interferon beta 1a), Rebif (interferon beta 1a), Plegridy (peginterferon beta 1a), Betaferon (interferon beta 1b), and Extavia (interferon beta 1b). It is important that patients consult with their physicians before using these medications in order to determine the proper dosage for each patient. Patients with multiple sclerosis who are receiving treatment through an interferon beta-drug regimen should only take the drug in accordance with the doctor's orders.