Posted: September 5th, 2017

Three medications referred to as the ‘ABC drugs’ are currently the main pharmacological therapy for multiple sclerosis. Which of the following statements reflects information to be included in patient teaching?

Three medications referred to as the ‘ABC drugs’ are currently the main pharmacological therapy for multiple sclerosis. Which of the following statements reflects information to be included in patient teaching?

a) Flu-like symptoms can be controlled with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and usually resolve after a few months of therapy.
Seventy-five percent of patients taking one of the interferons experience flu-like symptoms that can be controlled with NSAIDS and usually resolve after a few months of therapy.
b) Take interferon beta-la (Avonex) with food or milk.
Interferon beta-la is given by intramuscular injection once a week.
c) Take interferon beta-1b (Betaseron) at night before bedtime for best effects.
Interferon beta-1b is administered subcutaneously once a week.
d) Take glatiramer acetate (Copaxone) on an empty stomach.
Glatiramer acetate is administed by intramuscular injection once a week.