Adverse side effects of Glatiramer acetate and Interferon beta-1a in  patients with multiple sclerosis:  A systematic review of case reports

Mohsen Rastkar; Mahsa Ghajarzadeh; Mohammad Ali Sahraian

doi:10.18502/cjn.v22i2.13340

Mohsen Rastkar Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mahsa Ghajarzadeh Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mohammad Ali Sahraian Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/cjn.v22i2.13340

Keywords: Systematic Review; Glatiramer Acetate; Interferon Beta-1a; Multiple Sclerosis; Adverse Effects

Abstract

Background: Glatiramer acetate (GA) and Interferon (IFN) beta-1a are used as first-line disease-modifying treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS). In this systematic review, we summarized case reports and case series of adverse side effects of GA and IFN beta-1a in MS patients.

Methods: Without any restrictions, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, and Embase databases, and gray literature were systemically searched until June 2022. Articles were screened and data were extracted based on a predefined table by two independent reviewers. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tool.

Results: We identified 2103 records from the preliminary search. After deduplication and screening, 172 articles were included in the systematic review. In total, 229 individuals (52 men, 173 women, and 4 unknown) were included in the study. The most common adverse events were cutaneous (32.75%), hepatic (13.54%), allergic (8.3%), and neurological (5.68%) side effects. Furthermore, most reported side effects were related to autoimmune diseases or hypersensitivity reactions.

Conclusion: GA and IFN beta-1a are associated with several side effects which may be related to the immunomodulatory function of medication or other injection-related reactions.