Side Effects of interferon beta-1b injection: A Synthesis of Findings from 19 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Main Research Findings

Interferon beta-1b is a medication approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in the USA and has been shown to be effective in reducing disease activity and progression. 8 , 13 It has also been found to be beneficial for patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). 8 However, interferon beta-1b can cause side effects, most commonly flu-like symptoms and injection-site reactions. 8 , 7 , 12 Other less frequent side effects have been reported, including fatigue, depression, and elevated liver enzymes. 7 , 12 In rare cases, more serious side effects like skin necrosis have been documented. 1

Reasons for Side Effects

Interferon beta-1b is a powerful immune modulator, meaning it alters the way the immune system functions. 4 This modulation can trigger a range of reactions in the body, some of which manifest as side effects. The mechanism of action of interferon beta-1b involves interacting with immune cells and influencing their activity, potentially leading to some unwanted effects. While the precise reasons for certain side effects are not fully understood, it is believed that they arise from the complex interactions between interferon beta-1b and the immune system. 9 The drug's impact on the immune-endocrine communication, particularly the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, may also play a role in certain side effects. 4

Common Side Effects

Flu-like symptoms

Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, muscle aches, and joint pain, are common side effects of interferon beta-1b. These typically occur within the first few hours after injection and usually subside within 24 hours. 8 , 7 , 12 , 5

Injection-site reactions

Injection-site reactions, including pain, redness, swelling, and tenderness at the injection site, are also common with interferon beta-1b. 8 , 7 , 12 , 2 , 5 New auto-injectors have been developed to improve patient satisfaction and compliance by minimizing discomfort. 2

Fatigue

Fatigue is another frequently reported side effect of interferon beta-1b treatment. 7 , 12

Depression

Depression is a less common side effect associated with interferon beta-1b, but it is important to be aware of and monitor for. 12

Elevated liver enzymes

Elevated liver enzymes are a rare side effect that may occur with interferon beta-1b. Regular liver function tests are typically conducted to monitor for this. 12

Skin necrosis

Skin necrosis, a severe skin reaction that involves tissue death, is a very rare side effect of interferon beta-1b. It is important to report any unusual skin changes or reactions to your doctor. 1 , 10

Countermeasures for Side Effects

Flu-like symptoms

Flu-like symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Staying hydrated and getting adequate rest can also help. 5

Injection-site reactions

To minimize injection-site reactions, applying a cold compress to the area can help. Your doctor may also recommend using a smaller needle or rotating injection sites. 5

Fatigue

Managing fatigue may involve getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in regular physical activity. 5

Depression

If you experience symptoms of depression, it is crucial to seek help from a healthcare professional. Your doctor can assess your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment options. 5

Elevated liver enzymes

If your liver enzymes are elevated, your doctor may adjust your medication or recommend further monitoring. 5

Skin necrosis

If you experience any skin necrosis, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. This is a serious condition requiring prompt treatment. 5

Comparison Between Studies

Commonalities

All of these studies highlight the effectiveness of interferon beta-1b in managing MS and confirm that it is a valuable therapeutic option. 8 , 7 , 13 , 12 , 1 , 10 , 5

Differences

The studies vary in their focus, methodologies, and patient populations. Some studies explore the long-term safety and tolerability of interferon beta-1b. 8 , 12 Others examine specific side effects like skin necrosis. 1 Additionally, studies may differ in the type of interferon beta used (beta-1a vs. beta-1b) and the dosage and frequency of administration. Despite these differences, they all confirm the potential for side effects with interferon beta-1b treatment. 8 , 7 , 13 , 12 , 1 , 10 , 5

Precautions for Applying to Real Life

Interferon beta-1b is a powerful medication that can significantly improve the lives of individuals with MS. However, it is essential to be aware of the potential side effects and manage them effectively. 5 Always discuss any concerns or questions you have about the medication with your doctor. They can provide personalized advice and monitor your progress closely. 5 Remember that staying informed and proactive in managing your treatment plan is vital for a positive outcome.

Limitations of Current Research

Many studies focus on the short-term effects of interferon beta-1b, while research on long-term effects and side effect frequency over extended periods is limited. 5 More research is needed to understand the long-term implications of interferon beta-1b therapy and to optimize treatment strategies.

Future Research Directions

Future research should prioritize understanding the long-term effects of interferon beta-1b and the frequency and severity of side effects over time. 5 Investigating new and improved methods for administering interferon beta-1b, such as the development of more patient-friendly delivery systems, is also crucial. 2 Moreover, exploring potential strategies for reducing side effects and improving patient compliance and satisfaction is essential. 5

Conclusion

Interferon beta-1b is an important treatment for MS, but it is essential to be aware of its potential side effects and how to manage them. It is crucial to work closely with your doctor to ensure you are receiving the optimal treatment plan. Staying informed about your condition and proactively managing your care are key to achieving positive outcomes. 5

Literature analysis of 19 papers
Positive Content
16
Neutral Content
2
Negative Content
1
Article Type
2
0
0
7
19
1.

Skin necrosis following a recombinant interferon-beta-1b injection.

Author: YangChih-Hsun, ChenChien Hsun, ChanHeng-Leong

MS treatment
Skin necrosis
Vascular effects

Interferon beta-1b can cause skin necrosis through its vascular effects, as evidenced by a case report of an MS patient who developed multiple deep cutaneous ulcers at injection sites.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

2.

Patient satisfaction with ExtaviPro™ 30G, a new auto-injector for administering interferon β-1b in multiple sclerosis: results from a real-world, observational EXCHANGE study.

Author: HoffmannFrank A, TrenovaAnastasiya, LlanezaMiguel A, FischerJohannes, LusGiacomo, von BredowDorothea, LaraNúria, LamElaine, Van HoefMarlies, BakshiRajesh

Multiple sclerosis treatment
Flu-like symptoms
Injection site pain

A new auto-injector, ExtaviPro™ 30G, improved patient satisfaction with interferon β-1b treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS). This may be related to reduced injection-site reactions and pain.

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.
Observational StudyResearch that observes and collects data on participants' behavior and outcomes in their natural state, without intervention.

Language : English

3.

Advancing treatment with interferon beta-1b (Betaferon/Betaseron) in the next decade--thinking beyond the standard dose.

Author: CookStuart D

Improved Outcome
MS Treatment
Flu-Like Symptoms
Injection Site Reactions

High-dose, high-frequency interferon beta (IFN beta) may be the most effective treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS). While side effects are common, they are usually mild and can be reduced with pre-medication.

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.

Managing side effects of interferon-beta in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

Author: MunschauerF E, KinkelR P

Reduced MS exacerbation rates
Slowed progression of disability
Flu-like symptoms
Injection site reactions

Two preparations of recombinant interferon (IFN)-beta, IFN beta-1a and IFN beta-1b, reduced exacerbation rates in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RR-MS). IFN beta-1a slows the progression of disability in patients with RR-MS. Both drugs are associated with side effects, including flu-like symptoms and injection-site reactions.

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

6.

Long-term experience with interferon beta-1b (Betaferon)in multiple sclerosis.

Author: ArnasonBarry G W

Multiple sclerosis treatment
Antibody development

Interferon beta-1b (IFNbeta-1b) is a medication used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). It has been shown to reduce attack frequency and severity, decrease MRI activity, and reduce disability accumulation in MS patients. IFNbeta-1b therapy is generally well tolerated, but some patients develop anti-interferon antibodies.

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.

[Multiple sclerosis: therapy with recombinant beta-1b interferon: initial results with 30 multiple sclerosis patients in northwest Switzerland].

Author: HuberS, SpycherM, Lechner-ScottJ, BellaicheY, SteckA J, KapposL

Improved compliance
Reduced MS exacerbations
Fatigue
Flu-like symptoms
Injection site reactions

Recombinant interferon beta-1b was well-tolerated in patients with multiple sclerosis. The most common side effects were injection site reactions, flu-like symptoms, and fatigue. Treatment resulted in a 49% reduction in exacerbation rate.

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.
Controlled Clinical TrialA clinical trial that evaluates the effectiveness of a treatment by comparing a group that receives the intervention with a group that receives a placebo or standard treatment.
English AbstractA summary of a research paper/publication written in English for a wider audience.
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.

Language : German

8.

Lessons from 10 years of interferon beta-1b (Betaferon/Betaseron) treatment.

Author: BayasAntonios, GoldRalf

MS Treatment
Reduced MRI Lesions
Reduced Relapses
Flu-Like Symptoms
Injection Site Reactions

Interferon beta-1b (IFN beta-1b) is an effective treatment for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and secondary progressive (SP) MS. It is most effective for SPMS patients with active disease and relapses. Common side effects include flu-like symptoms and injection site reactions, which are usually mild and decrease with time.

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

9.

Effects of IFN-beta on human cerebral blood flow distribution.

Author: MackowiakP A, SiegelE, WassermanS S, CameronE, NessaiverM S, BeverC T

Treats MS
CNS side effects

This study examined the effect of interferon-beta1b (IFN-beta) on cerebral blood flow in multiple sclerosis patients using single-photon emission tomography. IFN-beta injection was associated with an increase in relative blood flow to the basal ganglia. This increase correlated positively with changes in mean arterial pressure.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.Research funding provided by US government agencies other than the Public Health Service.

Language : English

10.

Interferon-induced cutaneous necrosis.

Author: SassevilleD, GhamdiW A, KhenaizanS A

Interferon treatment
Local inflammation
Local necrosis
Systemic side effects

Interferons, potent biologic response modifiers, can cause inflammation or necrosis at the injection site.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

11.

Interferon beta-1b treatment in patients with relapsing--remitting multiple sclerosis under a standardized protocol in Spain.

Author: ArbizuT, Alvarez-CermeñoJ C, DecapG, FernándezO, UríaD F, García MerinoA, IzquierdoG, MontalbánX

This study analyzed data on the use of interferon beta-1b (IFNbeta-1b) in Spain. The data were collected from several health services and compiled into a database to assess the real-world performance of IFNbeta-1b in a clinical setting.

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.

Language : English

13.

Interferon-beta1b for the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

Author: LamSum, WangShan, GottesmanMalcolm

MS treatment
Side effects

IFN-beta1b is an effective treatment for multiple sclerosis.

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

14.

Morphea secondary to interferon beta1b injection: a case and review of the literature.

Author: OzluEmin, KaradagAyse Serap, AkdenizNecmettin, UzuncakmakTugba Kevser, ZemheriEbru, OzkanliSeyma

Inflammatory dermatological side effects
Local reaction
Morphea

Interferon beta (IFNβ) is a common treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) but can cause skin side effects. This case report describes a patient who developed morphea, a rare skin condition, after receiving IFNβ1b injections. This case highlights the importance of being aware of the potential for rare side effects, even with commonly used medications.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
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

15.

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

16.

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

17.

Placebo-controlled multicentre randomised trial of interferon beta-1b in treatment of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. European Study Group on interferon beta-1b in secondary progressive MS.

Author:

This article discusses the potential role of interferon beta in treating patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SP-MS).

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.
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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