1. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) a serious, chronic and debilitating disease What is MS? A disease of the brain and spinal cord.

2. INTERFERON BETA TREATMENT http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2htgh31y gok What treatment is used in MS? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2htgh31y gok How It Works The interferon beta medicines resemble the natural interferon the body produces during a response by the immune system to disease. It is not completely clear how interferon beta medicines work in people who have multiple sclerosis (MS). But it is known that they affect the immune system and also help fight viral infections. They also work by preventing inflammation and demyelination in the central nervous system.

3. Why Is It Used? Interferon beta is used to treat people with MS who have relapses followed by periods of recovery (relapsing-remitting MS). Findings from clinical trials show that people treated soon after being diagnosed with MS may have better results than those who delay treatment.relapsing-remitting MS RELAPSE = return of an illness

4. How does it work? Studies have shown that: Interferon beta decreases the number of relapses in relapsing multiple sclerosis. People who take interferon beta have less disability and fewer areas of damage (lesions) on the brain as seen on MRI. Treatment with interferon beta may reduce the number of attacks and slow disease progression in people who have clinically isolated syndrome and relapsing-remitting MS. Treatment with interferon beta may also reduce the number of attacks and slow disease progression in people who have secondary progressive MS. MRI = Magnetic Resonance Imaging

5. What are the possible side effects? All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine. Here are some important things to think about: Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects. Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.

6. INTERFERON BETA TREATMENT What are the possible side effects? Common side effects of this medicine include: Constipation or diarrhea. Dizziness. Heartburn or indigestion. Hoarseness or loss of voice. Unusual tiredness or weakness. Hoarseness = Raucedine Heartburn = Bruciore/acidità di stomaco Dizziness = vertigini

7. INTERFERON BETA TREATMENT What are the drawbacks to Interferon Beta treatment? In addition to side effects, there are some drawbacks to treatment with interferon beta: Treatment does not work for some people. And it is hard to predict whether the medicine will help a particular person. Some experts worry that in some people interferon may become less effective after long-term use because the body may produce neutralizing antibodies that may reduce the effect of the medicine. Treatment is costly. Drawbacks = Inconvenienti