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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
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A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data
Published on: December 9, 2015
Long-term adherence to interferon beta therapy in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
E Portaccio1, V Zipoli, G Siracusa
1Department of Neurology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy. portilio@tin.it
European Neurology
|December 7, 2007
Summary
High rates of patients discontinue interferon-beta (IFNB) therapy for multiple sclerosis due to efficacy concerns or side effects. Switching to alternative disease-modifying drugs is often successful, allowing most patients to continue treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) treatment often involves interferon-beta (IFNB).
- Patient adherence and reasons for discontinuing IFNB therapy are critical for long-term management.
- Understanding drop-out patterns informs treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the proportion and causes of IFNB discontinuation in RRMS patients.
- To evaluate the outcomes of switching patients to other disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) after IFNB cessation.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 225 RRMS patients treated with IFNB (Betaferon, Avonex, Rebif) was analyzed.
- Patients were categorized by reasons for stopping IFNB: perceived lack of efficacy (PLE), side effects (SE), or other.
- Kaplan-Meier curves assessed long-term adherence; outcomes of treatment switching were recorded.
Main Results:
- 46% of patients discontinued IFNB therapy over a mean follow-up of 4.2 years.
- Perceived lack of efficacy (29%) and side effects (15%) were the primary reasons for discontinuation.
- Most patients who stopped IFNB due to PLE or SE were switched to other DMDs, with the majority continuing treatment.
Conclusions:
- Discontinuation of IFNB therapy is common in RRMS patients.
- Switching to alternative DMDs, considering the reasons for drop-out and disease activity, is a viable strategy for sustained treatment.
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