Side effect profile and adherence to in the treatment of multiple sclerosis with interferon beta-1a.
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.
Mohr
D C
DC
University of California, San Francisco, Mt. Zion MS Center 94115-1642, USA.
Likosky
W
W
Boudewyn
A C
AC
Marietta
P
P
Dwyer
P
P
Van der Wende
J
J
Goodkin
D E
DE
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