- Corticosteroids are the most used treatments for this condition. During a relapse, inflammation in the body significantly increases and steroids quickly combat this inflammation. Commonly used steroids include oral prednisone and intravenous methylprednisolone. Steroids have a number of serious side effects, so frequent long-term use is undesirable.
- Symptoms of MS tend to worsen over time as the disease progresses. Interferons like Betaseron, Avonex and Rebif help slow the progression of the severity of symptoms. Interferons can cause significant damage to the liver.
- Glatiramer (Copaxone) acts on the immune system to keep it from attacking myelin, which are the sheaths that cover the nerve cells. You are required to inject this drug into the skin daily. Possible side effects are flushing and shortness of breath after the injection.
- Generally, a doctor will give you natalizumab (Tysabri) if you have not responded or cannot handle other treatments. It blocks damaging immune cells from traveling through the bloodstream to your brain and spinal cord. This treatment increases your chances of contracting multifocal leukoencephalopathy, a deadly brain infection, which explains why it is used only when other options are not feasible.
- Mitoxantrone (Novantrone) is an immunosuppressant usually reserved for people with advanced forms of the disease because it is dangerous for the heart.
- Medication is the primary means of treating MS but other treatment options can also help manage symptoms.Therapists can show you exercises to increase strength and flexibility as well as how to use certain devices that make routine tasks easier. Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) separates blood cells from plasma (the liquid portion of your blood) and is used to treat severe symptoms, particularly if you are not seeing results from intravenous steroid treatments.
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