A patient that is newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) is concerned about the interferon-beta injections she was told to give herself. What would you want to make her aware about concerning adverse reactions?
I. The most common adverse reactions involve the injection site and include pain, redness and soreness.
II. Keep the syringe in the refrigerator, rotate the areas where you inject and use NSAIDS for any flu-like symptoms.
III. The most serious adverse reactions concern suicidal ideation, cardiac arrhythmias, blood abnormalities and intestinal obstruction.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

All of the statements are correct. Interferon-beta comes in an injectable form that should be refrigerated between uses. Rotating the areas for injection will minimize pain. NSAIDS are appropriate for the flu-like symptoms that often accompany IFN use. Patients must be monitored for mental health and for the arrhythmias, blood dyscrasias and intestinal obstructions that are the most serious reported side effects.

A Patient That Is Newly Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)