title: [Discontinuation and long-term adherence to beta interferon therapy in patients with multiple sclerosis].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine discontinuation rate and degree of adherence to first-line treatment with interferon-beta (INFβ) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), identifying causes and associated factors.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective observational study that included patients with MS treated with INFβ during 2001. The patients were followed-up from the beginning of treatment until the end of 2006. The data sources used were a computer database compiled in the outpatients' area, medical records and application protocols for beginning and monitoring treatment for MS. Patient characteristics at baseline, treatment and continuity were included in the information collected.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The study included 131 patients. Mean follow-up was 74 ± 26 years. 641% of the patients were treated with only one drug during the study. At 2 years follow-up 99% of patients had discontinued INFβ therapy and at 5 years 412% had done so. Men, patients with relapsing-remitting MS and those treated with INFβ1a i.m. continued treatment for a longer period, but this was statistically significant only in patients with 10 years or less of disease progression at the beginning of therapy. Main causes of discontinuation were lack of efficacy (388%) and adverse effects (328%). Compliant patients presented lower discontinuation rates (558% vs. 75%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  treatment of MS patients with IFNβ is discontinued mainly due to lack of efficacy and adverse effects. Greater understanding of patients' views can help to identify those at greatest risk of lack of adherence, thereby helping to improve treatment.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Farmacia, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, España. cvicente@salud.aragon.es
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vicente Iturbe
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Ara Callizo
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Huarte Lacunza
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Navarro Aznárez
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Serrano Mislata
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Rabanaque Hernández
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016208:Databases, Factual; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D020529:Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / Q000188:drug therapy; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D016899:Interferon-beta