Improvement of interferon-beta related skin reactions after diluent halving: first experience of five patients

ovement of interferon-beta related skin reactions after diluent halving: first experience of five patients Case Series (963) Total Article Views Authors: Zecca C, Yawalkar N, Gobbi C Published Date August 2012 Volume 2012:6 Pages 565 - 567 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/PPA.S33727 Received: 09 May 2012 Accepted: 15 May 2012 Published: 08 August 2012 Chiara Zecca,1 Nikhil Yawalkar,2 Claudio Gobbi1 1Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Lugano, 2Department of Dermatology, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland Background: The spectrum of side effects related to interferon beta-1b (INF-1b) treatment may compromise long-term adherence. Methods: Five INF-1b-treated multiple sclerosis patients with poor skin tolerability and clinical stability were instructed to dissolve the established (250 μg) INF-1b dose in half (0.5 mL) the standard diluent (1.0 mL, 0.54% sodium chloride solution), and were followed for 9 months. Results: Halving the volume of the treatment diluent was associated with significant improvement of skin side effects profile in all patients. The improvement was sustained for 9 months. Conclusion: Halving the volume of the INF-1b diluent could represent a different strategy to optimize skin tolerability and adherence in some multiple sclerosis patients.