MS Interferon Drugs -- Brain Atrophy and Other Problems

[Rebecca]

There are two very important studies of which everyone needs to be aware. The first shows that the use of interferons such as Betaseron results in gray matter atrophy (brain shrinkage). Here is a link:

<shortened url>

The second study shows that when the interferons cause the development of antibodies, these antibodies cause a worsening of MS symptoms -- even long after taking the medicine is stopped. Here's a link to that study:

http://www.takingcontrolofmultiplescler ... BS_108.pdf

This stuff is shocking and we need to make sure everyone is aware of these problems.

[justjazz]

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[NHE]

Hi Rebecca,
That's an interesting paper that you have referenced. I will certainly have to obtain the full article. In addition to the other study mentioned above, you may wish to review the third figure in the following post and also read the linked abstract. http://www.thisisms.com/ftopicp-60622.html#60622

Avonex has been shown to decrease brain atrophy during the second year of treatment vs placebo.

I'm not trying to persuade anyone that Avonex is great, I'm merely noting that there has been conflicting evidence published in the past.

NHE

[MrsMomTo6]

What is the MOST discouraging about this is:

1-I never knew it, or found such research when I said 'yes' to taking betaseron.
2-No Neuro reads the MRI reports the same...so, I feel like I never really know the full extent of my MRI reports.
3-I KNOW I have had more issues in the year since I stopped Betaseron, but, I had a pitiful reading of my MRI that basically said, 'findings concurrent with a demylenating process like MS' REALLY!?!?! a brain MRI on an 'MS PATIENT" whose MRI reveals MS?!?! shocking revelation!!!

Even when I had my neuro RE-read it, he did not even discuss all the areas where issues were found, just a brief explanation of what he saw...unlike my 'old' Neuro, who spoke on and addressed EVERY single abnormal thing he saw on the MRI...but, he was the one who prescribed Betaseron...