Interferon? Sad face...

I'm better now...

I decided I can't be angry... it will only make me worse :)

So I have a few options:

• beta interferon 1a (Avonex)
• beta interferon 1a (Rebif)
• beta interferon 1b (Betaferon)
• glatiramer acetate (Copaxone) NOPE.

Since the launch of the Risk-sharing Scheme in 2002, further disease modifying drugs have been licensed.

• natalizumab (Tysabri) - licensed in 2006, this drug is approved for people with rapidly evolving severe relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis but is not part of the Risk-sharing Scheme

So. In summary... my only option NOW is interferons... Why did I not choose interferon treatment before? Because of this:

Interferon (cont.)

Flu-like symptoms following each injection (fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and pains, malaise) occur with all of the interferons. These symptoms vary from mild to severe and occur in up to half of all patients. The symptoms tend to diminish with repeated injections and may be managed with analgesics such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl).

Tissue damage at the site of injection occurs with all of the interferons but more commonly with interferon beta-1b and pegylated interferon alfa-2b.

Depression and suicide have been reported among patients receiving interferons; however, it is unclear whether depression and suicidal thoughts are caused by the diseases being treated or the interferons themselves. Therefore, all patients receiving treatment with an interferon should be observed for the development of depression and suicidal thoughts.

Other side effects that may occur with all interferons and which may be caused by higher doses are:

• fatigue,
  
  
• diarrhea,
  
  
• nausea,
  
  
• vomiting,
  
  
• abdominal pain,
  
  
• joint aches,
  
  
• back pain, and
  
  
• dizziness.

Anorexia, congestion, increased heart rate, confusion, low white blood cell count, low platelet count (thrombocytopenia), low red blood cell count, an increase in liver enzymes, an increase in triglycerides, skin rashes, mild hair loss or hair thinning, swelling (edema), cough, or difficulty breathing have been reported.

Um. I don't know about this.

Or hey! What about... Tysabri, like my Neurologist suggested last year?

Tysabri increases your chances of developing PML.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a disease of the white matter of the brain, caused by a virus infection that targets cells that make myelin--the material that insulates nerve cells (neurons). Polyomavirus JC (often called JC virus) is carried by a majority of people and is harmless except among those with lowered immune defenses. The disease is rare and occurs in patients undergoing chronic corticosteroid or immunosuppressive therapy for organ transplant, or individuals with cancer (such as Hodgkin’s disease or lymphoma). Individuals with autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosis -- some of whom are treated with biological therapies that allow JC virus reactivation -- are at risk for PML as well.

Oh happy day.

Which death-trap should I go with? Help me please :)

Love,

Jaime Lee