Withdrawal of fingolimod treatment for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: report of six cases

Mult Scler. 2012 Nov;18(11):1636-9. doi: 10.1177/1352458512454773. Epub 2012 Jul 24.

Abstract

The objective of this article is to report our experience on fingolimod suspension in multiple sclerosis patients. We evaluated clinical and magnetic resonance (MR) outcomes in six patients after fingolimod discontinuation. Within three months from fingolimod suspension, five subjects returned to pre-treatment disease activity; one patient, however, exhibited a clear rebound of clinical and MR activity. Our findings suggest that clinical and MR outcomes after fingolimod suspension can vary among patients. Systematic collection of clinical, laboratory and imaging data is highly advisable to identify subjects who are at higher risk of rebound and to define effective management strategies in these subjects.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Disability Evaluation
  • Disease Progression
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Drug Substitution*
  • Female
  • Fingolimod Hydrochloride
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / administration & dosage*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / diagnosis
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / drug therapy*
  • Propylene Glycols / administration & dosage*
  • Sphingosine / administration & dosage
  • Sphingosine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Immunologic Factors
  • Propylene Glycols
  • Fingolimod Hydrochloride
  • Sphingosine