Side Effects of bb-Interferon: A Comparative Study Among Avonex, Betaseron and Rebif

The administration of b-interferon is a recognized treatment for multiplesclerosis. the frequency of side effects is an important factor in drug or productselection. in this study, the side effects of three available b-interferon products arecompared in 122 multiple sclerosis patients who were treated with b-interferonproducts for at least three months and had the expanded disability status scale(edss) between 1 and 6. the frequencies of side effects were determined for eachgroup and the collected information were compared in the three treated groups. fever,chills, headache, malaise and asthenia were the most frequent observed complications.necrosis at the injection site was seen only in betaseron group. somnolence wasmore frequent with the administration of avonex. gastro-intestinal disturbances wereless frequent in patients treated with rebif. weight gain was more frequent inpatients treated with avonex, and seizure and migraine were observed only in thisgroup.urticaria and hypersensitivity skin reactions were less frequent with theadministration of avonex. rebif may be a better choice for patients with gastrointestinaldisturbances, suicidal attempts and chronic fatigue syndrome. avonex maybe better tolerated in patients with a history of urticaria and hypersensitivity skinreactions, but it is less recommended for patients with a history of seizure, migraineand syncope. betaseron may be a better choice in patients with a history of chestpain and hypertension.