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.