Table 5.
Immunomodulatory treatment options of MS patients
| Treatment | Early treatment (<1 year) (n=66) | Late treatment (>1 year) (n=68) | Adverse events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interferons β | 35 (53.03%) | 31 (45.60%) | 12 FLS, 10 ALF (1 DC), 3 ISR (1 DC), 2 depression (both DC) |
| Glatiramer acetate | 0 (0%) | 1 (1.47%) | 1 ISR |
| Teriflunamide | 1 (1.51%) | 1 (1.47%) | None |
| Fingolimod | 3 (4.55%) | 6 (8.82%) | 2 ALF (1 DC), 2 BCA (1 DC) |
| Natalizumab | 2 (3.03%) | 7 (10.29%) | 1 (+JCV after 2 years, DC) |
| Rituximab | 2 (3.03%) | 4 (5.88%) | 1 hypotension |
| Cyclophosphamide | 11 (16.67%) | 13 (19.12%) | 3 UTI, 1 persistent vaginal moniliasis (DC), 2 BCA |
| Azathioprine | 8 (12.12%) | 2 (2.94%) | 2 BCA, 2 ALF (1 DC) |
| Methotrexate | 3 (4.55%) | 2 (2.94%) | 2 BCA |
| Mitoxantrone | 1 (1.51%) | 1 (1.47%) | 1 BCA (dose modification) |
Abbreviations: ALF, altered liver function; BCA, blood count abnormalities; DC, discontinued; FLS, flu-like symptoms; ISR, injection site reaction; JCV, John Cunningham virus; MS, multiple sclerosis; UTI, urinary tract infection.