Social Media Surveillance of Multiple Sclerosis Medications Used During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Content Analysis.

Journal: Journal of medical Internet research
Published Date:

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease occurring mostly in women of childbearing age. Pregnant women with MS are usually excluded from clinical trials; as users of the internet, however, they are actively engaged in threads and forums on social media. Social media provides the potential to explore real-world patient experiences and concerns about the use of medicinal products during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Authors

  • Bita Rezaallah
    Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
  • David John Lewis
    Novartis Global Drug Development, Novartis Pharma GmbH, Oeflinger Strasse 44, D-79664, Wehr, Germany. david-1.lewis@novartis.com.
  • Carrie Pierce
    Booz Allen Hamilton Inc, Boston, MA, United States.
  • Hans-Florian Zeilhofer
    Department of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
  • Britt-Isabelle Berg
    Department of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.