title: Improvement of interferon-beta related skin reactions after diluent halving: first experience of five patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The spectrum of side effects related to interferon beta-1b (INF-1b) treatment may compromise long-term adherence.
  
  
  METHODS
  Five INF-1b-treated multiple sclerosis patients with poor skin tolerability and clinical stability were instructed to dissolve the established (250 μg) INF-1b dose in half (0.5 mL) the standard diluent (1.0 mL, 0.54% sodium chloride solution), and were followed for 9 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Halving the volume of the treatment diluent was associated with significant improvement of skin side effects profile in all patients. The improvement was sustained for 9 months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Halving the volume of the INF-1b diluent could represent a different strategy to optimize skin tolerability and adherence in some multiple sclerosis patients.
authors.affiliation: Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Lugano.
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Zecca
authors.forename: Nikhil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Yawalkar
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gobbi