Side Effects of interferon beta-1a subcutaneous injection: A Synthesis of Findings from 17 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Main Research Findings

Interferon beta-1a is a commonly used medication for treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Several studies have shown its effectiveness in reducing relapse frequency and delaying disease progression. 13 , 7 , 4 However, challenges remain regarding patient adherence due to its injectable nature. 3 , 15 , 12 Additionally, side effects such as injection site reactions and flu-like symptoms can occur. 10 , 14 , 8 Newer formulations like PEGylated interferon beta-1a aim to address these issues with reduced dosing frequency and potentially fewer side effects. 6 , 4 , 1 , 5

Reasons for Side Effects

Side effects of interferon beta-1a arise due to its stimulation of the immune system, leading to inflammatory responses. 10 As it's used for treating viral infections, its immune-boosting action is beneficial for MS treatment but can also cause side effects.

Common Side Effects

Injection Site Reactions

Injection site reactions are a common side effect of interferon beta-1a. These reactions can include pain, swelling, redness, and itching at the injection site. 10 While usually mild and temporary, 15 severe cases could lead to infections or tissue death.

Flu-like Symptoms

Interferon beta-1a can induce flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, muscle aches, and joint pain. 8 Typically mild and short-lived, 15 severe flu-like symptoms could require hospitalization.

Liver Dysfunction

Liver dysfunction is another potential side effect of interferon beta-1a. Abnormal blood test results can indicate this issue. 15 While usually mild and temporary, severe cases could lead to hepatitis or cirrhosis.

Depression

Interferon beta-1a has been associated with depression. 15 Symptoms may include sadness, loss of interest, sleep difficulties, appetite changes, and fatigue. While generally mild and temporary, severe cases could lead to suicidal thoughts or actions.

Neuropathy

Interferon beta-1a can cause neuropathy, leading to symptoms such as numbness, pain, and paralysis. 15 Typically mild and temporary, severe cases could result in permanent disabilities.

Other

Besides those mentioned, interferon beta-1a can cause other side effects. 15 These include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, digestive issues, rash, hair loss, vision problems, hearing problems, and breathing difficulties. While generally mild and temporary, severe cases could be life-threatening.

Countermeasures for Side Effects

Injection Site Reactions

Cooling the injection site or applying steroid ointments can help alleviate injection site reactions. 10

Flu-like Symptoms

Antipyretics, antihistamines, and adequate rest can help manage flu-like symptoms. 8

Liver Dysfunction

If liver dysfunction is suspected, regular blood tests as directed by your doctor are crucial. 15

Depression

If depression is suspected, professional diagnosis and treatment are necessary. 15 Treatment options include antidepressants and counseling.

Neuropathy

If neuropathy is suspected, professional diagnosis and treatment are required. 15 Treatment options include medication and physical therapy.

Other

If you have concerns about side effects from interferon beta-1a, consult your doctor. 15

Comparison between Studies

Common Points of Studies

Multiple studies indicate the effectiveness of interferon beta-1a in treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. 13 , 7 , 4 They also consistently identify injection site reactions and flu-like symptoms as potential side effects. 10 , 14 , 8

Differences in Studies

Variations exist across studies in administration methods, dosing frequency, and the incidence and severity of side effects. 10 , 15 , 14 , 8 For instance, subcutaneous and intramuscular injections of interferon beta-1a can have different rates and severity of injection site reactions. 10 Additionally, higher dosing frequencies tend to increase the likelihood of side effects like flu-like symptoms. 8

Points to Note Regarding Application to Real Life

While interferon beta-1a is effective for treating multiple sclerosis, it's important to remember that side effects are a possibility. 15 Consulting your doctor before starting interferon beta-1a is crucial to understand the potential side effects and their management. 15 Regular medical checkups are also essential while taking interferon beta-1a. 15

Limitations of Current Research

The long-term safety and effectiveness of interferon beta-1a still require further investigation. 15 Research gaps remain in identifying the most responsive patients and the safest and most effective administration methods.

Directions for Future Research Needed

Continued research is needed to comprehensively understand the long-term safety and efficacy of interferon beta-1a, optimize administration methods, develop effective side effect management strategies, and address individual variations. 3 , 12 The development of new formulations such as PEGylated interferon beta-1a holds great potential for improving multiple sclerosis treatment. 6 , 4

Conclusion

Interferon beta-1a is a valuable medication for treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, but it's essential to be aware of potential side effects. 15 Before starting interferon beta-1a, consult your doctor to discuss potential side effects and management options. 15 Regular medical checkups while on interferon beta-1a are also important. 15

Literature analysis of 17 papers
Positive Content
16
Neutral Content
0
Negative Content
1
Article Type
4
0
0
4
17
3.

PEGylated interferon beta-1a: meeting an unmet medical need in the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis.

Author: BakerDarren P, PepinskyRobert Blake, BrickelmaierMargot, GronkeRobert S, HuXiao, OlivierKenneth, LernerMichaela, MillerLarisa, CrossmanMary, NestorovIvan, SubramanyamMeena, HitchmanStacy, GlickGabrielle, RichmanSandra, LiuShifang, ZhuYing, PanzaraMichael A, DavarGudarz

Reduced dosing frequency
Reduced side effects
Safe and efficacious treatment

A PEGylated form of interferon beta-1a is being tested for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis. It is administered subcutaneously every 2 or 4 weeks and may offer a safer and more effective treatment option.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

5.

Treatment satisfaction significantly improves in patients with multiple sclerosis switching from interferon beta therapy to peginterferon beta-1a every 2 weeks.

Author: HendinBarry, NaismithRobert T, WraySibyl E, HuangDeren, DongQunming, LivingstonTerrie, JonesDaniel L, WatsonCrystal, JhaveriMehul

Improved convenience
Improved treatment satisfaction
Not applicable

Switching patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis from other interferon (IFN) therapies to subcutaneous (SC) peginterferon beta-1a significantly improved treatment satisfaction, particularly in terms of convenience.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

6.

PEGylated IFNβ-1a in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

Author: KhanUmair Tahir, TanasescuRadu, ConstantinescuCris S

MS treatment
Poor adherence
Side effects

Injectable therapies for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) are effective but may suffer from poor adherence due to frequent injections and side effects.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

7.

PRISMS: the story of a pivotal clinical trial series in multiple sclerosis.

Author: CohenBruce A, RiveraVictor M

MS treatment

The PRISMS study, initiated in 1994 when few disease-modifying drugs existed for multiple sclerosis (MS), has provided up to 8 years of clinical, MRI, safety, and immunogenicity data on subcutaneous interferon (IFN) beta-1a in patients with relapsing-remitting MS. This review collates all the data and discusses future studies involving a new formulation of subcutaneous IFN beta-1a.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

8.

Administration of subcutaneous interferon beta 1a in the evening: data from RELIEF study.

Author: PattiFrancesco, ZimatoreGiovanni Bosco, Brescia MorraVincenzo, AgugliaUmberto, BossioRoberto Bruno, MarzioloRoberto, ValentinoPaola, ChisariClara Grazia, CapacchioneAntonio, ZappiaMario,

Flu-like syndrome

This study discusses the flu-like syndrome (FLS) associated with subcutaneous recombinant interferon-beta 1a (IFN-β1a SC) treatment for relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). FLS occurs in 75% of patients, and there are no recommendations on whether evening or morning administration could induce better or worse FLS.

Clinical Trial, Phase IVPost-marketing surveillance. Monitors long-term safety/efficacy after approval.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

9.

Treatment satisfaction across injectable, infusion, and oral disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis.

Author: EagleTessa, StuartFiona, ChuaAlicia S, LaRussaAllison, LeclaireKaitlynne, CookSandra L, ChitnisTanuja, WeinerHoward L, GlanzBonnie I, HealyBrian C

Oral DMT convenience
Side effect reporting

This study compared patients' experiences with and perceptions of injectable, infusion, and oral multiple sclerosis (MS) therapies. Patients reported treatment with the oral medications as more convenient than the injectable and infusion DMTs.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Observational StudyResearch that observes and collects data on participants' behavior and outcomes in their natural state, without intervention.

Language : English

11.

Impact of a switch to fingolimod versus staying on glatiramer acetate or beta interferons on patient- and physician-reported outcomes in relapsing multiple sclerosis: post hoc analyses of the EPOC trial.

Author: CalkwoodJonathan, CreeBruce, CraytonHeidi, KantorDaniel, SteingoBrian, BarbatoLuigi, HashmonayRon, AgashivalaNeetu, McCagueKevin, TenenbaumNadia, EdwardsKeith

Multiple sclerosis treatment

The EPOC study assessed physician- and patient-reported outcomes in individuals with relapsing multiple sclerosis switching from injectable disease-modifying therapy (iDMT) to fingolimod. Post hoc analyses indicated a favorable switch to fingolimod compared to staying on individual iDMTs.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

12.

An update on new and emerging therapies for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

Author: Weinstock-GuttmanBianca

Improved adherence
MS treatment
Oral administration
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
Side effects

Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) have been used for over a decade to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). While first-line DMTs have shown only partial benefits and often have inadequate patient adherence, newer DMTs offer more efficacious treatment, more favorable methods of administration, and lower infusion frequencies, which may improve adherence and clinical outcomes.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

13.

Evidence of interferon beta-1a dose response in relapsing-remitting MS: the OWIMS Study. The Once Weekly Interferon for MS Study Group.

Author:

MRI benefit
Limited clinical effect

Higher doses of interferon beta-1a, administered weekly, show a dose-effect relationship for both clinical and MRI variables in relapsing multiple sclerosis.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

14.

Postmarketing Safety Profile of Subcutaneous Interferon Beta-1a Given 3 Times Weekly: A Retrospective Administrative Claims Analysis.

Author: SmithMeredith Y, Sabidó-EspinMeritxell, TrochanovAnton, SamuelsonMark, GuedesSandra, CorvinoFrank A, RichyFlorent F

Effective MS treatment

This study examines the postmarketing safety profile of interferon beta-1a administered subcutaneously 3 times weekly (IFN β-1a SC tiw) for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), using health insurance administrative claims data.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Observational StudyResearch that observes and collects data on participants' behavior and outcomes in their natural state, without intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

15.

Patient adherence to and tolerability of self-administered interferon β-1a using an electronic autoinjection device: a multicentre, open-label, phase IV study.

Author: LugaresiAlessandra, FlorioCiro, Brescia-MorraVincenzo, CottoneSalvatore, BellantonioPaolo, ClericoMarinella, CentonzeDiego, UccelliAntonio, di IoiaMaria, De LucaGiovanna, MarcellusiAndrea, PaolilloAndrea,

Improved tolerability
MS treatment adherence

This study assessed short-term adherence to, and tolerability of, interferon (IFN) β-1a administered via electronic autoinjection device in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The results suggest that electronic autoinjection devices may improve adherence to self-injected treatments for multiple sclerosis.

Clinical Trial, Phase IVPost-marketing surveillance. Monitors long-term safety/efficacy after approval.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

16.

Intralesional recombinant interferon beta-1a in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma: results of an open-label multicentre study.

Author: KowalzickLutz, RogozinskiThomas, WimheuerRolf, PilzJosef, ManskeUwe, ScholzAlbrecht, FierlbeckGerhard, MohrPeter, OchsendorfFalk, WagnerGunnar, GausWilhelm, BrzoskaJoseph, JablonskaStefania

Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment
Cosmetic Results
Flu-Like Symptoms
Local Inflammation

Interferon beta-1a is a drug that can treat basal cell carcinoma (BCC). It is effective in a large majority of patients and has few side effects.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Clinical Trial, Phase IIIA Phase III trial is a trial that further rigorously verifies the efficacy and safety of a new drug or treatment, whose efficacy and safety have been confirmed in a Phase II trial, in a large number of patients, and evaluates whether it is superior to existing treatments.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.

Language : English

17.

Evidence of interferon beta-1a dose response in relapsing-remitting MS: the OWIMS Study. The Once Weekly Interferon for MS Study Group.

Author:

MRI benefit
Limited clinical effect

Higher doses of interferon beta-1a, administered weekly, show a dose-effect relationship for both clinical and MRI variables in relapsing multiple sclerosis.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

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