Table 2.
FDA-Approved Injectable Disease-Modifying Therapies
| Injectable Therapies | Dosing | Adverse Effects/Warnings/Precautions |
|---|---|---|
| Glatiramer acetate33 | 20 mg SC daily or 40 mg SC 3 times per wk Indication: relapsing forms of MS |
Injection-site reactions Lipoatrophy Postinjection systemic reaction (eg, chest pain, palpitations, flushing, anxiety, dyspnea) Pregnancy Category: B |
| Interferon beta-1a34 | 30 mcg IM once per wk Indication: relapsing forms of MS |
Injection-site reactions Flulike symptoms Hematologic abnormalities Elevated liver enzymes Exacerbation of preexisting thyroid disease Worsening of mood disorder, including depression/anxiety Pregnancy Category: C |
| Interferon beta-1a35 | 22 mcg or 44 mcg SC 3 times per wk Indication: relapsing forms of MS |
Same as above |
| Interferon beta-1b36,37 | 0.25 mg SC every other day Indication: relapsing forms of MS |
Same as above |
| Peginterferon beta-1a38,39 | 125 mcg SC every 2 wk Indication: relapsing forms of MS |
Same as above |
Abbreviations: IM, intramuscular; SC, subcutaneous; MS, multiple sclerosis.