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Alroughani R, Inshasi J, Al-Asmi A, Alkhabouri J, Alsaadi T, Alsalti A, Boshra A, Canibano B, Ahmed SF, Shatila A. Disease-Modifying Drugs and Family Planning in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Consensus Narrative Review from the Gulf Region. Neurol Ther 2020; 9:265-280. [PMID: 32564333 PMCID: PMC7606397 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-020-00201-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Most disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) are contraindicated in pregnancy. Management of MS is especially challenging for pregnant patients, as withdrawal of DMDs leave the patient at risk of increased disease activity. We, a group of experts in MS care from countries in the Arab Gulf, present our consensus recommendations on the management of MS in these patients. Where possible, a patient planning pregnancy can be switched to a DMD considered safe in this setting. Interferon β now can be used during pregnancy, where there is a clinical need to maintain treatment, in addition to glatiramer acetate. Natalizumab (usually to 30 weeks' gestation for patients with high disease activity at high risk of relapse and disability progression) may also be continued into pregnancy. Cladribine tablets and alemtuzumab have been hypothesised to act as immune reconstitution therapies (IRTs). These drugs provide a period of prolonged freedom from relapses for many patients, but the patient must be prepared to wait for up to 20 months from initiation of therapy before becoming pregnant. If a patient becomes pregnant while taking fingolimod, and requires continued DMD treatment, a switch to interferon β or natalizumab after a variable washout period may be prescribed, depending on the level of disease activity. Women who wish to breastfeed should be encouraged to do so, and interferon β may also be used during breastfeeding. There is a lack of data regarding the safety of using other DMDs during breastfeeding.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jihad Inshasi
- Department of Neurology, Rashid Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Dubai Medical College, Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abdullah Al-Asmi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | | | - Taoufik Alsaadi
- Department of Neurology, American Center of Psychiatry and Neurology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Amir Boshra
- Neurology and Immunology Medical Affairs Gulf Region, Merck Serono Middle East FZ LTD, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Beatriz Canibano
- Department of Neurology (Neuroscience Institute), Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Ahmed Shatila
- Neurology Department, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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Current World Literature. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2011; 23:481-5. [DOI: 10.1097/gco.0b013e32834dce59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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