Interrupted therapy: stopping and switching of the beta-interferons prescribed for MS

Neurology. 2003 Aug 26;61(4):551-4. doi: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000078885.05053.7d.

Abstract

A retrospective chart review of patients in British Columbia with multiple sclerosis prescribed beta-interferon (IFNbeta) between 1995 and 2001 was carried out to investigate reasons for the interruption of therapy. The highest proportion of interruptions (76/281; 27%) occurred in the first 6 months. The single most common reason was perceived lack of efficacy, cited by 84 of 281 (30%). Gender, disability, and disease duration were identified as factors influencing interruption of IFNbeta therapy.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / administration & dosage
  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / adverse effects
  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / therapeutic use*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / etiology
  • Culture
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Drug Utilization
  • Female
  • Glatiramer Acetate
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intramuscular
  • Injections, Subcutaneous
  • Interferon beta-1a
  • Interferon beta-1b
  • Interferon-beta / administration & dosage
  • Interferon-beta / adverse effects
  • Interferon-beta / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy*
  • Peptides / administration & dosage
  • Peptides / therapeutic use
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Failure

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Peptides
  • Interferon beta-1b
  • Glatiramer Acetate
  • Interferon-beta
  • Interferon beta-1a