The heterogeneity of multiple sclerosis (MS) and the current therapeutic landscape require an integrated assessment that includes individual needs to optimise treatment benefits. Having data on patients’ symptoms, overall health and satisfaction with treatment—which are often undetected by clinicians—is a good start with regard to offering better patient-centred care.

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of teriflunomide on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and symptoms such as fatigue and depression, which complement effectiveness and safety outcomes for determining whether the clinical benefits of teriflunomide are reflected in patient’s lives.

The improvements observed in the psychological domain of HRQoL and the lack of worsening of fatigue and depression over 2 years on teriflunomide reflect how MS patients perceived the clinical benefits of the treatment and how it may contribute to their general well-being.

Moreover, the effectiveness at reducing the annualized relapse rate (ARR) and disability worsening in mildly affected patients with relapsing–remitting MS reinforces the importance of appropriate patient selection in achieving better outcomes.