Predictors of long-term interferon discontinuation in newly diagnosed relapsing multiple sclerosis

Most of the factors associated with Interferon-β discontinuation are not modifiable, and are part of demographic features (i.e. gender), or of disease characteristics (i.e. disability at diagnosis), but should be taken into account when prescribing the first DMT for MS. Noteworthy, the use of Interferon-β1b is associated with 50% increased risk of discontinuation, compared with high-dose Interferon-β1a, highlighting the importance of drug formulations in treatment persistence.