Ask a Neurologist
06.10.2008 - Lupus
- Question:
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing from the Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Program at New York University Medical Center. I had a question regarding the use of your product, Betaseron, in patients with lupus. Have there been any incidences of betaseron being associated with lupus-like symptoms (eg. malar rash, arthritis, nephritis, elevated ANA, etc) in MS patients with or without known lupus?
Thank you for your help. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
- Reply:
Dear Mr,
Thank you for your question.
There are single case reports in the literature mainly of cutaneous lupus-like manifestations following Interferon-beta administration. Rashes and myalgia are known to be - uncommon - side effects of Interferon-beta, but this does not refer to arthritis, nephritis, or elevated ANA titres.
Incidence of SLE has been reported to be associated with Interferon-alpha (which is not given in MS).
Comorbidity of both immunological diseases MS and SLE independent from medication is rare but can occur.
- Consultant:
- The MS-Gateway Consultation Team