Medications and Treatments

Medications and Treatments

When it comes to treatment dealing with MS there are multiple questions. Will the medication work for me? Are there side effects? How do these drugs work? Doctors are extremely knowledgeable about the best treatment and medications to help with the pain and symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. A number of medications have been shown to slow down MS progression. These types of drugs are called disease-modifying drugs. Some of these drugs include:

·      Aubagio (Terifumonide)

·      Avonex

·      Betaseron

·      Copaxone

·      Gilenya

·      Novantrone

·      Rebif

·      Tecfidera

All of these drugs work by suppressing or changing the way the immune system reacts to activities in the body. These drugs do not cure Multiple Sclerosis, however the decrease the frequency and severity of attacks and lesions on the brain. They also decrease the risk of future disability because they slow down the progression of Multiple Sclerosis. These medications are very important because they help to increase quality of life for MS patients. Physicians usually recommend starting these drugs right away, and are very good at distinguishing which drug is right for each patient. The most important goal is to find a drug that suits your lifestyle, and that you feel comfortable using consistently.

Multiple Sclerosis relapses can be reduced without medications, but it will definitely take time. Corticosteroids are recommended for severe relapses that may involve loss of vision, dizziness, loss of balance, and severe weakness. The most common treatment regimen is a three to five day course involving a high dosage of corticosteroids that will reduce inflammation and end the relapse sooner. It is important to consult with a doctor and inform them of allergies, or former medicines that you may be immune to. By doing this you are helping yourself and reducing symptoms of MS.

Citations:

 "Drugs to Slow Progression of MS (Multiple Sclerosis)." WebMD. WebMD. Web. 23 Mar. 2016. <http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/guide/ms-drug-treatments>.

"Medications." National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Web. 23 Mar. 2016. <http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Treating-MS/Medications>.