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01-02-2014 | Current Opinion

A Review of Safety-Related Pregnancy Data Surrounding the Oral Disease-Modifying Drugs for Multiple Sclerosis

Authors: Ellen Lu, Bing Wei Wang, Sura Alwan, Anne Synnes, Leanne Dahlgren, A. Dessa Sadovnick, Helen Tremlett

Published in: CNS Drugs | Issue 2/2014

Abstract

The recent approval of several oral disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) for multiple sclerosis (MS) brings promise of improved clinical effectiveness as well as greater drug compliance compared to the existing non-oral DMDs, and substantially increases patient choice and therapeutic options in the effective management of MS. However, for men and women with MS of childbearing age, concerns about the effect of oral DMDs on pregnancy and the fetus may arise. Some limited data from animal reproductive studies of oral DMDs suggest a potential increased risk of early pregnancy loss, impaired growth and birth defects. Although active surveillance mechanisms exist, there is limited data to inform clinical practice. Using existing information from published clinical trials and drug monographs, as well as recent conference proceedings, this review summarizes the mechanism of action (in relation to embryogenesis and pregnancy) and existing animal or human pregnancy-related data for approved (fingolimod, teriflunomide and dimethyl fumarate) and investigational (laquinimod and firategrast) oral DMDs for MS.

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Title: A Review of Safety-Related Pregnancy Data Surrounding the Oral Disease-Modifying Drugs for Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Ellen Lu
Bing Wei Wang
Sura Alwan
Anne Synnes
Leanne Dahlgren
A. Dessa Sadovnick
Helen Tremlett
Publication date: 01-02-2014
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: CNS Drugs / Issue 2/2014
Print ISSN: 1172-7047
Electronic ISSN: 1179-1934
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40263-013-0131-5

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

A Review of Safety-Related Pregnancy Data Surrounding the Oral Disease-Modifying Drugs for Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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