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Published on: June 14, 2018
Non-adherence to interferon-beta therapy in Swedish patients with multiple sclerosis
A Cunningham1, K Gottberg, L von Koch
1Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Neurology, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden. cunningham.anna@gmail.com
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|January 9, 2010
Summary
Many multiple sclerosis patients stop or switch interferon-beta therapy within 3 years due to lack of effect or side effects. Identifying at-risk patients and providing support is crucial for adherence.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Pharmacotherapy
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system.
- Interferon-beta (IFNβ) is a common first-line therapy for relapsing forms of MS.
- Treatment adherence is critical for managing MS progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the rates and reasons for discontinuing, switching, or continuing initial interferon-beta therapy in Swedish MS patients.
- To identify demographic, clinical, and therapy-related factors influencing treatment decisions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 259 multiple sclerosis patients' medical charts.
- Comparison of patients continuing therapy for ≥3 years versus those switching or stopping.
- Analysis of factors associated with treatment persistence or discontinuation.
Main Results:
- 69% of patients stopped (15%) or switched (54%) interferon-beta therapy within 3 years.
- Patients stopping therapy had longer disease duration, less frequently relapsing-remitting MS, and higher disability scores (EDSS 6-9.5).
- Perceived lack of efficacy and side effects were the primary reasons for switching or stopping.
Conclusions:
- Adherence to initial interferon-beta therapy in multiple sclerosis is suboptimal.
- Identifying patients at higher risk of treatment discontinuation is essential.
- Providing adequate patient support can improve adherence to immune-modulating therapies.
