An open-labelled assessment of adverse effects associated with interferon 1-beta in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

Interferon 1-beta (IFNB) (Betaseron) has been reported to reduce the frequency and severity of exacerbations in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). Adverse effects from this every other day injection are frequent, and most often include injection site reaction or flu-like symptoms. This open-labelled prospective study of MS patients receiving IFNB found that while injection site reactions and flu-like symptoms were seen in 90.0% and 76.7% of patients respectively, only two of 30 patients discontinued therapy for these problems.