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

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.