Reasons for discontinuation of subcutaneous interferon β-1a three times a week among patients with multiple sclerosis: a real-world cohort study.

Background: Continuation of interferon (IFN) β-based therapies is important for maximum treatment effectiveness in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS); however, few real-world data are available on discontinuation from IFN β. The aim of this cohort analysis was to estimate real-world discontinuation rates up to 3 years among MS patients in the United States taking subcutaneous (sc) IFN β-1a three times a week (tiw) and to identify whether the factors associated with discontinuation change over time.

Methods: Patient data were pooled from the MarketScan Commercial and Medicare Supplemental healthcare claims databases.