Generic Name

Trade Name

Company

Indication

Mechanism of Action

Potential Side Effects

Beta-Interferon-1a

Avonex, Rebif^a

Biogen, Serono

RRMS

Beta-interferon-1a is believed to suppress the autoimmune destruction of myelin. Slows accumulation of disability and decreases the frequency of clinical exacerbations. Interferon-β-1a is involved in the regulation of activation, proliferation, migration, and suppressor cell function of T-cells, the modulation of the production of cytokines, including down-regulation of proinflammatory cytokines and up-regulation of inhibitory, antiinflammatory cytokines.

Flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, fever, chills and weakness, pain from intramuscular injection

Beta-Interferon-1b

Betaseron

Berlex Labs (Distributor)

Chiron (Manufacturer)

RRMS

Possesses both antiviral and immunoregulatory activities, mediated through interactions with specific cell receptors, which results in the expression of interferon-induced gene products.

Redness, pain and swelling and discoloration at injection site, flu-like symptoms, depression, anxiety, depersonalization, suicide attempts