Side Effects of MS Medication
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affects the spinal cord and brain by damaging the protective covering of nerve cells. Although there is no cure for MS, the use of medication is aimed at controlling and slowing the symptoms, which can include muscle weakness, vision disturbances, thinking and memory problems, numbness and coordination problems. There are six FDA-approved medications prescribed for relapsing forms of MS.
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Avonex
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Avonex is injected once a week into a muscle. Flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, fatigue, chills, headache and joint pain are common after an injection. Other common side effects include weakness, dizziness, difficulty sleeping and stomach pain. Photosensitivity can occur, so you should wear sunscreen and avoid sun exposure while taking this medication. Less common side effects include mild anemia, depression, allergic reaction, liver abnormalities and heart problems.
Betaseron
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Betaseron is injected under the skin every other day. Flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, fatigue, chills, headache and joint pain are common after an injection. Additional common side effects are muscle tension, weakness, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain and vomiting. Less common side effects include depression, allergic reaction, liver abnormalities and decreased white blood cell counts.
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Copaxone
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Copaxone is injected under the skin every day. Common side effects include injection site reactions such as pain or tenderness. An immediate reaction after a Copaxone injection can occur with symptoms such as chest pain, flushing, anxiety, shortness of breath and itching. The reaction is short-lived, requires no treatment and can occur several months after beginning the medication.
Novantrone
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Novantrone is administered by IV infusion in a medical facility four times a year. Common side effects include infections, blue-green urine that can occur within 24 hours after administration, nausea, bladder infections, the whites of your eyes may turn blue, hair thinning and mouth sores. An additional side effect is bone marrow suppression with symptoms such as low blood cell counts, bruising and fatigue. There is a limit to the number of Novantrone doses you can receive to avoid possible heart damage.
Rebif
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Rebif is injected under the skin three times a week. Flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, fatigue, chills, headache and joint pain are common after an injection. Photosensitivity can occur, so you should wear sunscreen and avoid sun exposure while taking this medication. Additional common side effects include depression, liver abnormalities, allergic reaction and low red or white blood cell count.
Tysabri
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Tysabri is administered by IV infusion in a registered infusion facility. Common side effects include fatigue, headache, depression, urinary tract infections, joint pain, lower respiratory tract infections and chest discomfort. Less common side effects are liver abnormalities and an allergic reaction within two hours of infusion. Symptoms of an allergic reaction are fever, rash, dizziness, nausea, itching, low blood pressure, chest pain, flushing and difficulty breathing.
People taking Tysabri are at an increased risk for developing a rare, fatal brain disease called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) with symptoms including progressive weakness, clumsiness and visual, speech and personality changes.
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