"Balance...a medication that works for you, a support system and a doctor you trust."
Comparing Treatments
How do Relapsing MS therapies differ?
| Rebif® (interferon beta-1a) |
Betaseron® (interferon beta-1b) |
Copaxone® (glatiramer acetate injection) |
Avonex® (interferon beta-1a) |
Tysabri® (natalizumab) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thinnest needle in category* | Yes 29 gauge |
No 27 gauge |
No 27 gauge |
No 23 gauge† |
No 23-25 gauge (variable) |
| Dosing Frequency | 3 times per week | Every other day | Every day | Once per week | Every 4 weeks |
| Number of injections per year/Route of injection | 156 (under the skin) |
182 (under the skin) |
365 (under the skin) |
52 (into the muscle) |
N/A (monthly, hour long IV infusion at registered infusion center) |
| Materials Needed for 1 Month of Treatment | 12 prefilled, preassembled syringes | 14 vials of powder 14 diluent syringes 14 vial adapter/needle assemblies |
30 prefilled, preassembled syringes | 4 vials of powder, 4 vials of diluent, 4 injection needles, 4 syringes, 4 Micro Pins®. Also available as 4 prefilled syringes (require assembly) | Must be administered by medical professional |
* The higher the gauge, the thinner the needle.
† A 25-gauge, 1'' needle for intramuscular injection may be substituted for the 23-gauge, 1 ¼'' needle by the prescribing physician, if deemed appropriate.
No conclusions regarding comparative safety of effectiveness of these products can be drawn based on this information.
Read frequently asked questions about comparing treatments.
Avonex is a registered trademark of Biogen Idec.
Betaseron is a registered trademark of Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals.
Copaxone is a registered trademark of Teva Neuroscience, Inc.
Tysabri is a registered trademark of Elan Corporation, Inc.

