title: Side effect profile and adherence to in the treatment of multiple sclerosis with interferon beta-1a.
abstract: This study examines the course of patient-reported side effects during the first 4 months of treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) with interferon beta-1a (IFN beta-1a), and the relationship of those side effects to discontinuation of medication. Flu-like symptoms, muscle aches and chills decreased over the first 2 months of treatment but did not change over the second 2 months. Loss of feeling or numbness, tingling and depression increased over 4 months, however these side effects were generally mild. Loss of feeling or numbness and tingling at 2 month follow-up were significantly related to discontinuation of IFN beta-1a by 4 month follow-up.
authors.affiliation: University of California, San Francisco, Mt. Zion MS Center 94115-1642, USA.
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Mohr
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Likosky
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Boudewyn
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Marietta
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dwyer
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Van der Wende
authors.forename: D E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Goodkin
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D010292:Paresthesia / Q000209:etiology; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012768:Shivering / Q000502:physiology