Common Side Effects
Betaseron
Flu-like symptoms following injection, which lessen over time for many. Injection site reactions, about 5% of which need medical attention. More rare: allergic reactions, depression, elevated liver enzymes, low white blood cell counts.Avonex
Flu-like symptoms following injection, which lessen over time for many. More rare: depression, mild anemia, elevated liver enzymes, allergic reactions, heart problems.Copaxone
Injection site reactions. More rare: vasodilation (dilation of blood vessels); chest pain; a reaction immediately after injection, which includes anxiety, chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, and flushing. This lasts 15-30 minutes, passes without treatment, and has no known long-term effects.Novantrone
Blue-green urine 24 hours after administration; infections, bone marrow suppression (fatigue, bruising, low blood cell counts), nausea, hair thinning, bladder infections, mouth sores. Patients must be monitored for serious liver and heart damage.Rebif
Flu-like symptoms following injection, which lessen over time for many. Injection site reactions. Less common: Liver abnormalities, depression, allergic reactions, and low red or white blood cell counts.Managing side effects of the self-injectable drugs
The flu-like side effects of the interferon products, Avonex, Betaseron, and Rebif, can be usually minimized. Discuss this with your physician and the patient support program of your drug company. Should unacceptable side effects occur, movement to another drug is suggested. All the injectable drugs, including Copaxone, may cause injection site reactions, including bumps, bruises, pain, and infections. Good injection techniques can minimize problems. Auto-injecting devices may be helpful. The industry-sponsored patient support programs offer injection training and helpful tips for avoiding or limiting site reactions.Novantrone side effects
Novantrone (mitoxantrone) is a chemotherapeutic drug, originally developed for certain forms of cancer. The total lifetime dose is limited in order to avoid possible heart damage. People taking Novantrone should have regular tests of their heart function. It cannot be used in people with pre-existing heart problems, liver disease, and certain blood disorders.(published with permission in writing from:http://www.nationalmssociety.org/)
