Bhigjee AI
The Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital,
800 Vusi Mzimela Road, Mayville 4058, Durban
South Africa
Research Article
Real World Use of Teriflunomide in South Africa: A Medium Prevalence Multiple Sclerosis Area
Author(s): Britz M, Fourie N, Giampaolo DL, Guldenpfennig CG, Isaacs MD, Opperman DC, Pearl JC, Retief CF, Shamley DP, Terblanche JM and Bhigjee AIBritz M, Fourie N, Giampaolo DL, Guldenpfennig CG, Isaacs MD, Opperman DC, Pearl JC, Retief CF, Shamley DP, Terblanche JM and Bhigjee AI
Back ground: South Africa, which has a multi-ethnic population of over fifty million, is considered to have a medium (5-30/100 000) prevalence rate of Multiple Sclerosis. Teriflunomide is one of two oral disease modifying agents that have been registered in this country. We describe the real-world experience of this drug in South Africa with respect to efficacy, tolerability and side effects.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was undertaken of the demographics, clinical presentation, number of preceding relapses, date of last relapse, degree of disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale–EDSS- score) and the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes at initiation of therapy with teriflunomide (14 mg daily orally) and the subsequent course. Tolerability and side effects were recorded. Any preceding disease modifying therapy was rec.. View More»