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Persistence with dimethyl fumarate in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a population-based cohort study
Irene Eriksson1,2, Thomas Cars3, Fredrik Piehl4
1Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. irene.eriksson@ki.se.
European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|November 13, 2017
Summary
Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) showed rapid uptake but low persistence in multiple sclerosis patients. Many patients discontinued or switched treatments within two years, indicating challenges in long-term DMF use.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
- Real-world evidence
Background:
- Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is a treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Understanding its real-world effectiveness and patient persistence is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe patients initiating DMF and measure persistence.
- To assess discontinuation and switching rates in DMF-treated patients.
Main Methods:
- Population-based cohort study in Stockholm County.
- Data from a regional healthcare and drug utilization database.
- Measured persistence, discontinuation, and switching of DMF.
Main Results:
- 400 patients initiated DMF; 61% had prior DMTs.
- 31% discontinued DMF, 29% switched treatments.
- Only 43% remained on DMF at 2 years; 34% stopped within 1 year.
Conclusions:
- DMF experienced rapid market uptake.
- Real-world persistence with DMF was low, despite initial expectations.
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