Fatigue Improvement after Switching Multiple Sclerosis Treatment from Interferon-[beta] to Glatiramer Acetate in Clinical Practice

Background/Aims: The immunomodulatory effect of glatiramer acetate may help in reducing multiple sclerosis (MS)-related fatigue; however, evidence to prove this notion especially after switching from another immunomodulatory therapy is limited. We assessed the 6-month effect of glatiramer acetate on MS-related fatigue in patients switching from interferon-β (IFN-β) in clinical practice. Methods: This was an observational study including 54 patients with relapsing-remitting MS that showed moderate/severe fatigue primarily caused by MS before switching from IFN-β to glatiramer acetate and received glatiramer acetate for ≥6 months in daily practice. Study data were retrospectively collected through chart review at treatment switch and over the following 6 months on glatiramer acetate. Results: Over the 6-month administration of glatiramer acetate, scores on the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale decreased: overall (p < 0.001), physical scale (p < 0.001), cognitive scale (p < 0.001), and psychosocial scale (p < 0.001). The Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire showed improvements in work (p = 0.009) and other daily activity impairment (p < 0.001). Health-related quality of life as per the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale also improved: physical score (p < 0.001) and psychological score (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Patients with moderate/severe fatigue switching from IFN-β to glatiramer acetate may benefit from fatigue improvements that contribute to reduce their work/activity impairment and improve their quality of life.