Why are the First-Line Therapies Used as Injections Discontinued in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis?

Abstract

Objective: Immunomodulatory therapies (IMTs) are used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) considering their efficacy and safety. Although other effective treatments have been used in recent years, the use of IMTs still continues. In this study, we aimed to reveal the reasons for the discontinuation of IMTs used as injections. Method: IMTs data of 1464 patients were collected and analysed from the Imed database, where 20-year data of the patients were entered by us. Groups were divided as; Interferon beta-1a subcutaneous (IFN-β1a SC), Interferon beta-1a intramuscular (IFN-β1a IM), glatiramer acetate (GA) and Interferon beta-1b (IFN-β1b). Age, gender, duration of illness, types of disease onset, time to start the injection, duration of injection therapy, and reason for discontinuation of patients were analysed. Results: The most common reason for discontinuation of treatments was found to be disease progression (20.13%, 28.14%, 19.64%, 23.87%). Side effects, increased attack frequency, patient demand, disease activity detection in imaging methods, and pregnancy planning followed the disease progression respectively. Conclusion: IMTs as an injection form are used in the treatment of MS, considering their effectiveness and reliability. The most common reason for discontinuing treatment is disease progression.