Monthly Treatment vs Orals

[RickB]

I read that soon (1-2 years) a new long acting interferon beta will be on the market that will require only one monthly injection. The adverse events seem to be limited only to the days after the injection so one will be able to have the rest of the month without side effects. If it turns out to be true, would you switch to this new product? Thoughts on a monthly interferon vs the other oral or IV treatment options that all seem to have a less than stellar safety record?

Thanks,
Rick

[MarkLavelle]

It all depends on how the safety/side effect data looks and whether I feel I've run out of more tested (and tolerable) options. I definitely wouldn't switch from Copaxone (every day, but absolute minimum side effects, for me) just to only have to shoot up once a month.

And in general, I'd hesitate to be in the first wave for any new (under 2 years) drug.