Stopping immunomodulatory medications in MS: Frequency, reasons and consequences

Discontinuation of disease-modifying therapies in multiple sclerosis – Clinical outcome and prognostic factors

“…This may argue that after a certain (but unknown) time period, DMT adds little or no advantage to some patients, regardless of whether they have entered secondary progressive phase of MS or not. 18…”

“…17 Discontinuation of currently available DMTs should be considered in patients with confirmed conversion to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS), as most of DMT are neither approved nor effective for this disease course – especially in patients not exhibiting relapses. 18 However, inflammatory activity declines over the natural course of MS, and prolonged periods of stable disease may also prompt consideration of DMT discontinuation in RRMS. 19 Robust data are lacking to support DMT discontinuation at any time point.…”

Understanding treatment decisions from the perspective of people with relapsing remitting multiple Sclerosis: A critical interpretive synthesis

“…This positive impact on their daily lives is often used as a justification to adhere to treatment and hope for positive long-term outcomes. Although some studies reported amelioration of MS symptoms while on DMTs [44,52] or improved quality of life [53], according to others, such perceptions are and should be corrected [47,54]. Although it is important to ensure realistic treatment expectations, patients test and trial medicines by measuring daily the impact on their bodies.…”

Discontinuation of disease-modifying therapy in patients with multiple sclerosis over age 60

“…1 This has spearheaded discussion and studies on the utility of DMT in progressive MS and whether DMT should be stopped in stable and/or progressive patients. 2–7…”