Complications of steroid treatment may include nonspecific immunosupression leading to opportunistic infections, fluid retention, hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, behavioral disturbances, peptic ulcers, osteoporosis, hypertension and increased risk of cataract development. Avoidance of salt or sugar during steroid therapy is recommended. An MRI study revealed fewer lesions in the treated group versus the placebo group. Patients with the stable or progressive course of the disease are not yet known to benefit from this treatment. This medication can exhibit significant side effects that may require discontinuation of treatment.
All patients experience local injection site reaction.
Some patients even developed tissue necrosis at injection site. Many patients complain of flu-like symptoms following the injection, including chills and fevers, myalgia and malaise. Blood levels need to be monitored while on this medication to assess liver function and WBC count. Liver function abnormalities and leukopenia were seen in some patients. Preliminary results of clinical trials suggest that this medication is very similar to Betaseron in its positive effects on the relapsing-remitting population of patients.