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(DIR) Return to: BETASERON (interferon beta-1b, Betaferon, Extavia)
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#Post#: 1764--------------------------------------------------
Potential risks of beta-interferons in treating MS
By: agate Date: July 26, 2017, 12:57 am
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From Science Daily, May 15, 2017:
[quote]Potential risks of common MS treatment
In one of the most comprehensive studies to date, UBC
researchers have identified potential adverse reactions of a
commonly used multiple sclerosis drug.
The study aimed to identify potential adverse events related to
beta-interferon treatment for relapsing-remitting multiple
sclerosis by analyzing health records of over 2,000 British
Columbians with multiple sclerosis between 1995 and 2008.
"Once a drug is released on the market, there are very few ways
to systematically monitor adverse events," said Helen Tremlett,
senior author of the study and a professor in the department of
medicine at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health.
"Clinical trials cannot identify all adverse effects of a drug
treatment partly due to small sample sizes and relatively short
follow-up periods."
The study found an increased risk of events such as stroke,
migraine and depression, as well as abnormalities in the blood
with taking beta interferon for multiple sclerosis.
"Beta interferons are generally thought of as having a
favourable safety profile, especially compared to the newer
therapies for multiple sclerosis. And that is still the case;
our study does not change that," said Tremlett, Canada Research
Chair in Neuroepidemiology. "However, very few studies had
comprehensively and quantitatively assessed their safety in real
world clinical practice. Our findings complement and extend on
previous observations."
The researchers found that there was a 1.8-fold increased risk
of stroke, a 1.6-fold increased risk of migraine and a 1.3-fold
increased risk of both depression and abnormalities in the
blood. The researchers stress that patients and physicians
should not change their treatment plans. The study is based on
population-level data and the risk to individual patients will
vary greatly depending on individual factors.
Tremlett hopes that their study will lead to further research to
develop biomarkers to help identify patients who are at the
greatest risk of having an adverse event.
"Further advances could enable personalized or precision
medicine where patients who are at increased risk of having an
adverse reaction can be identified. This could help guide
discussions about individual treatment options and
considerations," she said.
"It is important for patients with multiple sclerosis to have
ongoing review of the benefits and risks of therapy, and to
identify supportive strategies, such as diet and exercise, that
could optimize their brain health" said Dr. Anthony Traboulsee,
co-author of the study, associate professor of neurology and
director of the MS Clinic at UBC.
In addition to the negative effects, Tremlett and her colleagues
identified a positive relationship. They found a reduced risk of
bronchitis and upper respiratory infections with taking beta
interferon for more than two years. These infections can be
common and problematic in people with multiple sclerosis.
Story Source:
Materials provided by University of British Columbia. Note:
Content may be edited for style and length.[/quote]
(HTM) https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/05/170515122201.htm
(HTM) https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/05/170515122201.htm
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