lesions on the brain and spinal cord, a hallmark of MS. The rate of new or newly enlarged lesions discovered through MRI was 4.4 with fingolimod and 9.3 with interferon beta-1a.
Both drugs carried a high risk of adverse events, 89 percent with fingolimod and 95 percent with interferon beta-1a.
Serious adverse events occurred in about 17 percent of patients taking fingolimod, and included seizures, infection and low white blood cell counts.
“The ultimate decision is based on a clear benefit-risk discussion between the physician and family-patient. A careful review of potential side effects and monitoring is required,” Chitnis said.
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SOURCES: Tanuja Chitnis, M.D., pediatric neurologist and director, Partners Pediatric MS Center, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston; Bruce Bebo, Ph.D., executive vice president, research, National MS Society; Sept. 12, 2018, New England Journal of Medicine