How are interferon drugs made?
The interferon drugs are produced by bacteria (Escherichia coli) in the laboratory. All the interferon drugs have been shown to cause liver damage in some people. We detect this damage by measuring liver function tests in the blood. The interferon drugs are not only used for the treatment of MS. These medications have been used also for the treatment of hepatitis, myeloma, leukemia, and other diseases. How many inferferon drugs are there? There are three interferon drugs available for the treatment of MS: interferon B1a (Avonex), interferon B1b (Betaseron), and interferon B1a (Rebif). All of the interferon drugs must be injected. None are available to take by mouth. The interferon drugs have different doses and routes of injection. Betaseron is injected every other day subcutaneously (under the skin). Rebif is injected three times per week subcutaneously. Avonex is injected once a week intramuscularly (into a muscle). Interferon drugs can affect the liver In this issue of Neurology, Tr
