It does not, however, seem likely physicians will stop prescribing interferon beta-1a as a result of this study. 20 mg subcutaneously daily. After 12 months, patients on glatiramer and interferon beta-1b had significantly fewer relapses. There was no significant change of scores in the interferon beta-1a group after 12 months. Dr. Khan was quick to say he would not advocate that physicians stop prescribing interferon beta-1a.
Every drug has a role.
Every drug doesn't work for every patient. While the patients on interferon beta-1a received the standard dose of the drug, this dose may be too low to cause great changes in patients, he said. Furthermore, some patients like the drug because the injection is only once a week. Overall, results of the study did not surprise Dr. Khan or his colleagues, although they were somewhat surprised to see glatiramer was most effective in the second six months of treatment. Dr. William McIllroy, national medical adviser for the Canadian MS Society, said his initial response to this study is that the differences noted may be dose-related.