scholarly journals The low adherence and disability outcomes of disease-modifying drugs in Multiple Sclerosis in Saskatchewan, a cohort study, 1997-2014

2015 ◽  
Vol 42 (S1) ◽  
pp. S32-S32
Author(s):  
WJ Hader
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Disease Progression ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Disease Modifying Drugs ◽  
Relapsing Remitting ◽  
Disease Modifying ◽  
Remitting Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
The Impact

Background: The beneficial effects of the injected disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) in relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis have been previously reported. However the results related to disability outcomes and the reduction of disease progression in the pivotal trials and few longer studies are variable and inconclusive. Objectives: To determine the utilization and the disability outcomes of the DMDs on relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis over fifteen years. Methods: A prospective open-label cohort of 262 clinical definite patients, 78 men and 184 women, with two attacks in the past two years and a disability level DSS≤5.5 were enrolled consecutively from December 1997 to November 1999. A descriptive analysis of the cohort and individual drugs outcomes were performed. The results were compared to natural history studies of Multiple Sclerosis as controls. Results: At 15 years, one-seventh, 38/262 (14.5%) remain on the initial prescription, Betaseron, 15/131 (11.5%), Copaxone, 16/102 (15.5%) and Rebif 7/28 (25%), Avonex 0/1. 223(63.6%) had discontinued at a mean duration of 5.5(SD=4.7) years. 95/262 (36.4%) remain on a drug after switches. The DSS levels of the individual DMDs were analyzed. Conclusion: One-seventh of participants remained on their first prescription. Because of low adherence, the impact of DMDs on disease progression in the longer term cannot be verified.

scholarly journals When to Initiate Disease-Modifying Drugs for Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis in Adults?

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mona Alkhawajah ◽  
Joel Oger
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Glatiramer Acetate ◽  
Major Question ◽  
Disease Modifying Drugs ◽  
Relapsing Remitting ◽  
Disease Modifying ◽  
Remitting Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

For patients with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Scierosis Beta Interfaerons and Glatiramer Acetate were the first to be licensed for treatment. This review deals with one major question: when to initiate therapy? Through exploring the unique characteristics of the disease and treatement we suggest an approach that should be helpful in the process of decision-making.

The Case for Early Diagnosis and Treatment In Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

1999 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard A. Rudick
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Tissue Injury ◽  
Disease Course ◽  
Disease Modifying Drugs ◽  
Relapsing Remitting ◽  
Neurologic Disability ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Disease Modifying ◽  
Remitting Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract The emergence of partially effective disease-modifying drugs for patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RR-MS) has raised important questions. Which patients with RR-MS should be started on disease-modifying drugs? Can some patients be observed without treatment? Treatment decisions are difficult in part because currently available drugs must be administered by injections, and the drugs are expensive. Emerging research findings support the view that most people diagnosed with RR-MS are at risk for irreversible brain tissue injury and resultant neurologic disability. Importantly, the pathologic process is active during the early stages in many RR-MS patients who appear clinically stable. These findings provide a rationale for proactively treating patients with RR-MS early in their disease course with disease-modifying drugs in order to suppress disease activity, minimize tissue injury, and prevent disability at a later stage. Evidence in support of this approach is reviewed in this report, as are practical issues related to the use of disease-modifying drugs in RR-MS patients.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document