Multiple Sclerosis: Population Analysis of Predicted Medication Adherence Behavior by Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) (P2.132)

Objective: Explore predicted adherence behavior to medication in people with MS (PwMS).Background: PwMS and prescribers have multiple treatment choices. Disease modifying therapy (DMT) non-adherence and delay in DMT initiation impact outcomes. DMT adherence in PwMS might contribute to long-term economic costs. Adherence can be measured by patient report, prescription refills and other measures. With varied DMT route and frequency, “predicted PwMS adherence behavior” needs investigation to evaluate how this might impact MS care and prescribing practice. The Morisky Medication Adherence Score (MMAS-8), a validated 8 point questionnaire, is predictive of medication adherence, pharmacy fill data, relevant for treatments of varied routes/frequency, and correlates with efficacy and economic outcomes. DMT Choice reflects many factors but adherence directly impacts therapy efficacy and perhaps safety. The long term economic impact of ineffective treatment demands efficacy, adherence and safety.Design/Methods: Single site cross sectional analysis of PwMS who completed Morisky Medication Adherence questionnaire (MMAS-8) in the course of routine care.Results: 788 PwMS, 73[percnt] female, average age 48. Predicted adherence behaviors were: 17[percnt] high, 45[percnt] medium, and 38[percnt] low adherence. The difference in predicted adherence behavior was significant (pu003c0.01). Gender and age by themselves had no significant impact on predicted adherence profile. DMT route did not appear to impact overall predicted PwMS adherence profile.Conclusions: Patient adherence is a significant problem in MS care. Reduced DMT efficacy might reflect sub-optimal adherence. High potency DMT, requiring safety monitoring, might have sub-optimal patient adherence. High frequency prescribed DMT prescribed to PwMS who are likely low adherent might reflect a poor choice of available DMT options. Treatment required for chronic disease requires ongoing efficacy, tolerability and high adherence. Analysis of individual adherence behavior might impact treatment decisions and alter DMT choices. Factors improving adherence or DMT choice might improve efficacy/outcome and reduce long term care costs. Disclosure: Dr. Gudesblatt has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen, Teva Neuroscience, Medtronic, Acorda, and Genzyme as a consultant, and from Novartis as part of the Advisory Board. Dr. Wissemann has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bumstead has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec and Teva as a consultant. Dr. Zarif has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec, Teva Neuroscience, Novartis and Questcor Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Fafard has nothing to disclose. Dr. Thotam has nothing to disclose. Dr. Buhse has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec, Teva Neuroscience, Bayer Pharmaceuticals, and Questcor as a consultant. Dr. Golan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Becker has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sullivan has received personal compensation for activities with Genzyme Corporation as a consultant. Dr. Wilken received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec and Sention, Inc. Dr. Morisky has nothing to disclose.