Will New Injection Devices for Interferon Beta-1a s.c. Affect Treatment Adherence in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis? An Expert Opinion in the Middle East

ABSTRACT

Treatment adherence to disease modifying drugs (DMDs) in multiple sclerosis is sub-optimal. This, in turn, can affect patients’ long-term responses to therapy. A key factor that influences treatment adherence is the need for self-injection of DMDs, which can be demanding and disruptive for patients, and difficult for those with cognitive difficulties or reduced manual dexterity. In addition, pain resulting from poor injection technique, and needle anxiety, may both compromise adherence. Changes to the formulation of interferon (IFN) beta-1a for subcutaneous injection that were designed to improve injection local tolerability, and changes in drug-delivery technology, designed to make injections simpler and more convenient for patients, were reviewed by a group of experts on MS in the Middle East. The group also considered the possible effects of these changes in drug delivery technology on patient adherence to IFN beta-1a s.c.

KEYWORDS: :

• Adherence
• disease-modifying drugs
• injection devices
• middle east
• multiple sclerosis