Persistence, Adherence, and Switching to Higher-Cost Therapy in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Initiating Oral Disease-Modifying Therapies: A Retrospective Real-World Study

Abstract

Introduction: Therapeutic efficacy of diseasemodifying therapies (DMTs) for multiple sclerosis (MS) is often hindered by poor persistence and adherence, impacted by patient-perceived efficacy concerns, adverse effects, inconvenience, and forgetfulness. This study measured persistence, adherence, and time to switching to higher-cost therapy among patients with MS initiating teriflunomide, dimethyl fumarate, fingolimod, or diroximel fumarate treatment.