Tolerability, adverse events and compliance to glatiramer acetate in 28 patients with multiple sclerosis using the drug continuously for at least six months.

AIM

To assess tolerability, adverse events and compliance to treatment with glatiramer acetate in multiple sclerosis.

METHOD

Review of patient records and individual interviews.

RESULTS

30 individuals residing in the coastal region of the State of São Paulo who had been in use of glatiramer acetate for at least 6 months were identified. From this group, 28 individuals came to regular consultations and were individually assessed, their complaints being noted down in confidential records. Ten patients reported systemic reactions to the drug. Four of them stopped the medication due to such reactions. Eight patients reported local reactions to the injections. Compliance with injections was achieved, although three patients reported forgetting the injection on a few days.

CONCLUSION

We noticed a higher level of systemic adverse events in our patients than in reports in the literature.