Neurol. praxi. 2019;20(5):362-367 | DOI: 10.36290/neu.2019.142

Safety monitoring of escalation treatment of multiple sclerosis

MUDr. Jiří Piťha

MS centrum při Neurologickém oddělení KZ, a. s. – Nemocnice Teplice, o. z., Teplice

Currently, ten drugs with a different mechanism of action are approved for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis. Fingolimod, cladribine, natalizumab, alemtuzumab and ocrelizumab are very effective but are associated with some more serious side effects, some of which may be life-threatening. These drugs are second choice drugs and are usually chosen as escalation. For highly active forms of the disease, their potential can be exploited as induction therapy. The choice of optimal treatment is based on the knowledge of the mechanism of action, the benefit-risk balance and must be tailored to the individual patient. Patient preference, lifestyle, family planning, and co-morbidity should be taken into account. A number of examinations that minimize the possibility of undesirable effects should be performed before these drugs are used. Safety monitoring is performed during treatment. The risks associated with reactivating the disease or the consequences of previous treatment should be taken into account when discontinuing treatment.

Keywords: multiple sclerosis, safety, monitoring, disease modifying drugs

Published: November 1, 2019  Show citation