Alternatives for reducing relapse rate when switching from natalizumab to fingolimod in multiple sclerosis. Issue 4 (2nd April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fragoso, Yara Dadalti; Adoni, Tarso; Alves-Leon, Soniza Vieira; Apostolos-Pereira, Samira Luisa; Araujo, Yuna Ribeiro de; Becker, Jefferson; Brooks, Joseph Bruno Bidin; Correa, Eber Castro; Damasceno, Alfredo; Damasceno, Carlos Augusto de Albuquerque; Ferreira, Maria Lucia B.; Gama, Paulo Diniz da; Gama, Rodrigo Assad Diniz da; Gomes, Sidney; Goncalves, Marcus Vinicius Magno; Grzesiuk, Anderson Kuntz; Machado, Suzana Costa Nunes; Matta, Andre Palma da Cunha; Mendes, Maria Fernanda; Ribeiro, Taysa Alexandrino Goncalves Jube; Rocha, Cristiane Franklin da; Ruocco, Heloisa Helena; Sato, Henry; Simm, Renata Faria; Tauil, Carlos Bernardo; Vasconcelos, Claudia Cristina Ferreira; Vieira, Vera Lucia Ferreira
• Is Part Of: Expert review of clinical pharmacology. Volume 9:Issue 4(2016)
• Page Start: 541
• Page End: 546
• Publication Date: 2016-04-02
• Subjects: Natalizumab -- fingolimod -- progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy -- multiple sclerosis; Clinical pharmacology -- Periodicals; 615.105
• DOI: 10.1586/17512433.2016.1145053
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-2433

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Natalizumab is a therapeutic option for treating multiple sclerosis (MS) and is particularly efficacious for patients with highly active disease. A long washout period has been recommended between withdrawal of natalizumab and start of fingolimod (another option for treating MS). This long washout period has been associated with a significant increase in MS activity. In the present study, a group of 96 patients who were switched from natalizumab to fingolimod had short washout periods between drugs, or monthly corticosteroid pulse therapy if longer washout periods were recommended. This therapeutic approach led to the lowest reported relapse rate so far, among patients with MS switching from natalizumab to fingolimod (8.3%). No complications from short withdrawal were observed in this group of patients.