Interferons & Copaxone

1. Avonex: Slows the accumulation of physical disability and decrease the frequency of clinical exacerbations, in Relapsing forms of Multiple Sclerosis. The does is 30 meg, taken once a week and over two years reduced disability progression by 37%.

2. Betaseron: Reduced the frequency of clinical exacerbations, in ambulatory, Relapsing/Remitting MS. The dose is 8 MIU, taken every other day and reduced the relapse rate by  33%.

3. Copaxone: Decrease the frequency of clinical exacerbations, in Relapsing/Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. The dose is 20mg, taken everyday and reduced the relapse rate by 29%.

4. Rebif: Is chemically identical to Avonex, but Rebif is injected subcutaneously, in a larger doesage (44 meg three times per week) and reduced the relapse by 32% in the Prisms study.

5. Tysabri ( Natalizumab) Is a MonoClonal AntiBody: bioengineered from part of a mouse AntiBody to closely resemble the human AntiBody. It is given intravenously once a month in a physician's office. Tysabri reduced the frequency of relapses by 66% relative to placebo.

Common adverse reactions include Urinary Tract, Lower Respiratory Tract, GI System,and Vaginal Infections, Headaches, Depression, Joint Pain, and Menstrual Disorders.

written by maryanne

August 5, 2008