Contributions
Abstract: EP1711
Type: Poster Sessions
Abstract Category: Therapy - Others
Background: Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) has demonstrated a positive benefit-risk profile in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in clinical trials and real-world analyses. For some patients, DMF may be associated with gastrointestinal (GI) side effects that contribute to treatment discontinuation. MS nurses are well positioned to provide insight into best practices for managing these events.
Objective: Engage MS nurses to identify effective management approaches for mitigating GI side effects of DMF using Delphi consensus methodology.
Methods: A steering committee of MS nurses developed 2 sequential surveys to identify treatment practices for managing GI side effects associated with DMF. The first survey was sent to MS nurses in 7 countries (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, and the USA). Findings will be clarified and elaborated upon in a second, ongoing survey.
Results: The first survey was completed by 239 nurses. A majority (82%) have >6 years of experience treating people with MS and 92% are actively involved in patient education and support for MS treatments. Respondents estimate that concern for possible GI side effects always or almost always impacts treatment choice for 42% of patients and 38% of providers. A majority of respondents agree that education about GI side effects before treatment initiation (96%) and during the first 3 months (95%) of treatment contributes to adherence. A majority of respondents (96%) follow the dose titration schedule recommended in the label when initiating DMF. For 86% of respondents, recommending patients take DMF with food is always or almost always standard protocol, but the majority (60%) do not specify a particular type of food. Most respondents recommend pharmacologic (74%) and/or nonpharmacologic (56%) treatments for patients with GI symptoms. Descriptions of most frequently recommended food groups and pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments will be presented.
Conclusion: Based on the results from this first ever survey of DMF GI management practices among MS nurses, patient education on possible GI side effects is critical to improving patient adherence. In addition, most nurses follow the label recommendation for dose titration, advise patients to take DMF with food, and recommend symptomatic therapy for patients who experience GI side effects.
Disclosure: Supported by Biogen Inc.
T Campbell: Honoraria received from Biogen, EMD Serono, Novartis, Sanofi-Genzyme, Roche, and Teva
B Jenny: Nothing to disclose
LL Mayer: Has received consulting fees from Biogen, EMD Serono, Genentech, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Sanofi-Genzyme, and Teva Neuroscience
M Namey: Honoraria received from Biogen, Sanofi Genzyme, Novartis, EMD Serono, Teva, and Genentech
G Riemer: Honoraria received from Biogen, Sanofi Genzyme, and Novartis
MA Robles-Sanchez: Speaking or consulting honoraria received from Biogen, Genzyme, and Roche
S White: Honoraria received from Biogen, Genzyme, Merck Serono, Roche, and Novartis
M Edwards: Employed by Biogen
C Minor: Employed by Biogen
Abstract: EP1711
Type: Poster Sessions
Abstract Category: Therapy - Others
Background: Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) has demonstrated a positive benefit-risk profile in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in clinical trials and real-world analyses. For some patients, DMF may be associated with gastrointestinal (GI) side effects that contribute to treatment discontinuation. MS nurses are well positioned to provide insight into best practices for managing these events.
Objective: Engage MS nurses to identify effective management approaches for mitigating GI side effects of DMF using Delphi consensus methodology.
Methods: A steering committee of MS nurses developed 2 sequential surveys to identify treatment practices for managing GI side effects associated with DMF. The first survey was sent to MS nurses in 7 countries (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, and the USA). Findings will be clarified and elaborated upon in a second, ongoing survey.
Results: The first survey was completed by 239 nurses. A majority (82%) have >6 years of experience treating people with MS and 92% are actively involved in patient education and support for MS treatments. Respondents estimate that concern for possible GI side effects always or almost always impacts treatment choice for 42% of patients and 38% of providers. A majority of respondents agree that education about GI side effects before treatment initiation (96%) and during the first 3 months (95%) of treatment contributes to adherence. A majority of respondents (96%) follow the dose titration schedule recommended in the label when initiating DMF. For 86% of respondents, recommending patients take DMF with food is always or almost always standard protocol, but the majority (60%) do not specify a particular type of food. Most respondents recommend pharmacologic (74%) and/or nonpharmacologic (56%) treatments for patients with GI symptoms. Descriptions of most frequently recommended food groups and pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments will be presented.
Conclusion: Based on the results from this first ever survey of DMF GI management practices among MS nurses, patient education on possible GI side effects is critical to improving patient adherence. In addition, most nurses follow the label recommendation for dose titration, advise patients to take DMF with food, and recommend symptomatic therapy for patients who experience GI side effects.
Disclosure: Supported by Biogen Inc.
T Campbell: Honoraria received from Biogen, EMD Serono, Novartis, Sanofi-Genzyme, Roche, and Teva
B Jenny: Nothing to disclose
LL Mayer: Has received consulting fees from Biogen, EMD Serono, Genentech, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Sanofi-Genzyme, and Teva Neuroscience
M Namey: Honoraria received from Biogen, Sanofi Genzyme, Novartis, EMD Serono, Teva, and Genentech
G Riemer: Honoraria received from Biogen, Sanofi Genzyme, and Novartis
MA Robles-Sanchez: Speaking or consulting honoraria received from Biogen, Genzyme, and Roche
S White: Honoraria received from Biogen, Genzyme, Merck Serono, Roche, and Novartis
M Edwards: Employed by Biogen
C Minor: Employed by Biogen