Amelioration of flulike symptoms at the onset of interferon beta-1b therapy in multiple sclerosis by low-dose oral steroids is related to a decrease in interleukin-6 induction.

Low-dose oral steroid use at the onset of interferon beta-1b (IFNbeta-1b) therapy in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RR-MS) patients reduces flulike symptoms. To determine the mechanism by which steroid treatment minimizes these side effects, we analyzed the percentage of interleukin-6 (IL-6)-, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha)-, and IL-10-producing cells before and after 3 months of IFNbeta-1b therapy onset. Our results support a relationship between IL-6 induction and fever. Such side effects can be ameliorated by steroids.