title: Improving the convenience of home-based interferon beta-1a therapy for multiple sclerosis.
abstract: Subcutaneous interferon beta-1a (Rebif) therapy has been recognized as a significant advance in the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). The drug is supplied as a solution in a ready-to-use prefilled syringe. Given the chronic nature of the disease, a convenient and simple drug delivery for self-administration improves patient management. Home-based therapy requires comprehensive knowledge of multiple sclerosis and a training and support program to ensure maximum convenience and independence for the patient. These result in high compliance with therapy and optimum response to treatment.
authors.affiliation: Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, University Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lesaux
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Jadbäck
authors.forename: C E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Harraghy
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D006701:Home Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D020529:Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing*; D009864:Ontario; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012646:Self Administration
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D016899:Interferon-beta; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a