Non‐adherence to interferon‐beta therapy in Swedish patients with multiple sclerosis

Cunningham A, Gottberg K, von Koch L, Hillert J. Non‐adherence to interferon‐beta therapy in Swedish patients with multiple sclerosis.
Acta Neurol Scand: 2010: 121: 154–160.
© 2009 The Authors Journal compilation © 2009 Blackwell Munksgaard. Objectives – To explore the occurrence and reasons for stopping, switching or continuing first prescribed interferon‐beta therapy in patients with multiple sclerosis in Sweden, with respect to demographic, clinical and/or therapy‐related factors. Materials and methods – A retrospective study reviewing the medical charts of 259 patients with multiple sclerosis, comparing patients continuing therapy for at least 3 years with those switching or stopping therapy. Results – Sixty 9% stopped (15%), or switched (54%), interferon‐beta therapy within 3 years. Stoppers had longer disease duration before starting therapy (P = 0.002), less frequently relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis (P = 0.046), and more often Expanded Disability Status Scale scores 6–9.5 (P = 0.045) compared to Switchers. The most common reasons for switching/stopping therapy were perceived lack of effect and side‐effects. Conclusions – Adherence to initial immune‐modulating therapy is low; identification of patients at higher risk of stopping therapy and provision of adequate support are essential.