Strategies to Enhance the Intravenous Treatment Satisfaction and Drug Safety Awareness Among Patients with Multiple Sclerosis in Macedonia

Abstract

Abstract Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment aims not only to prevent the rate of relapse, but also to slow down patient’s disability progression. Monoclonal antibodies constitute a new class of therapeutic agents and are administered by intravenous (IV) infusion. Treatment satisfaction and incidence of adverse drug events influence the patient’s treatment adherence which is essential to ensure patients obtain the best treatment outcomes and also to make that treatment cost-effective. Our primary objective was to assess the current IV treatment satisfaction among MS patients. Methods: A standard questionnaire was developed which contained 20 questions about patient’s disease, IV treatment satisfaction and drug safety awareness. Analyzed data was presented as a percent of the respondents. Results: The cross-sectional study included 13 MS patients on IV treatment, with mean age of 35 years. 54% of them had relapse-remitting MS, while 46% had secondary progressive MS. The most common onset symptoms were tingling reported in 46% and numbness in 31% patients. 70% of patients were satisfied, while 23% were not satisfied with the conditions under which they were receiving their IV treatment that lasts in average 2 hours. Well-established pharmacovigilance practice enhanced the patient’s knowledge that was reflected through 100% reporting of adverse drug reactions in the past. Conclusion: High level of satisfaction from the current IV treatment conditions and high drug safety awareness among MS patients was shown. Establishment of infusion centre as a proposed strategy by MS patients would substantially increase their IV treatment satisfaction and adherence.