Multiple Sclerosis Drugs
Drug Treatment for MS
Numerous drugs have been demonstrated to slow the progression of MS
in a few people.
These are called the illness modifying drugs. They include : * Avonex ( interferon beta-1a ) * Betaseron ( interferon beta-1b ) * Copaxone ( glatiramer acetate ) * Novantrone ( mitoxantrone ) * Rebif ( interferon beta-1a ) * Tysabri ( natalizumab )
How Do These Drugs Work?
All these drugs work by
suppressing, or changing, the activity of the body's immunity mechanism.
So , these treatments are based totally on the theory that MS is, at
least in part, a consequence of an unnatural reply of the body's
immunity mechanism that leads it to attack the myelin surrounding
nerves.
Do the Drugs Cure MS?
These medicines don't cure MS, but they do scale back the frequency and seriousness of attacks and the development of new brain wounds. Additionally, they slow down the progression of MS, reducing future incapacity. These drugs can improve the standard of life for many of us with MS. most doctors suggest that treatment with one of those drugs be started in the majority as quickly as a diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS has been made.
Is Drug Treatment Right for Me?
The choice concerning whether or when to start treatment with one of those medicines is ideally made by you and your medical practicioner.
Factors that should be considered include potential side-effects, benefits, frequency, system of medicine delivery, and your private concerns, concerns and way of life. The most significant goal is to get a treatment you may use easily and consistently. Each drug firm offers buyer support and might also provide some financial help for qualifying people without prescription drug coverage.
Information about the most utilized MS drugs.
Avonex ( interferon beta-1a )
Use : Treatment of relapsing kinds of MS, and to treat after a primary episode of soreness. How administered : Intramuscular ( into the muscle ) injection
Frequency of use : Weekly
Common side-effects : Mild flu-like symptoms
Support Program: MS Active Source 1-800-456-2255
Betaseron ( interferon beta-1b ) Use : Treatment of relapsing kinds of MS
How administered : Subcutaneous ( beneath the skin ) injection
Frequency of use : Each other day
Common side-effects : Mild flu-like symptoms
Support Program: MS Pathways 1-800-788-1467
Copaxone ( glatiramer acetate ) Use : Treatment of relapsing-remitting MS
How administered : Subcutaneous ( beneath the skin ) injection
Frequency of use : Daily Common side-effects : Possible reaction at the injection site
Support Program : Shared Solutions 1-800-887-8100
Novantrone ( mitoxantrone ) Use : Treatment of speedily worsening relapsing-remitting MS and for progressive-relapsing or secondary-progressive sorts of MS
How administered : Intravenous ( by vein )
Frequency of use : Once each three months or 4 times each year.
Maximum dose 8-12 doses
Common side effects:Nausea, hair thinning, reduced white blood cell count
Support Program : MS LifeLines 1-877-447-3243
Rebif ( interferon beta-1a ) Use : Treatment of relapsing types of MS
How administered : Subcutaneous ( beneath the skin ) injection
Frequency of use : 3 times per week
Common complications : Mild flu-like symptoms
Support Program : MS LifeLines 1-877-447-3243
