MS Treatments (July 2017)
First-line treatment Interferon beta-1b Extavia (Novartis) Betaferon (Bayer) The first drug that was approved for treatment of MS, interferon beta-1b inflammation in the central nervous system. Injectable The most common side effects include injection site reactions and GI symptoms, such as stomach pain, constipation, and diarrhoea Interferon beta-1a Avonex (Biogen) Rebif (Serono) An injectable medication, interferon beta-1a reduces inflammation, possibly through the reduction of T cell production and also reduction of inflammatory cells in the CNS. Like interferon beta- 1b, it is believed to prevent the crossing of inflammatory cells through the blood-brain barrier Injectable The most common side effects include injection site reactions and fevers Glatiramer acetate (by Mylan) This immunomodulator is used to prevent relapses. Subcutaneous injectable Glatiramer acetate -generic equivalent of Copaxone 20 mg and 40 mg doses The most common…
MS News: August 2014
August 2014 has been a great month for people with neurological illnesses, as they finally saw their type of illness broadcast, and indeed, doused by ALS ice bucket challenges. To quickly place ALS amongst other neurological illnesses, perhaps the most famous person with ALS is Stephen Hawking, a personal hero of mine since my teenage years. ALS, also called MND (Motor Neurone Disease and Lou Gehrig’s Disease), is similar to multiple sclerosis and has several causes. A lot of money has gone to charitable organisations supporting ALS as well as other neurological illnesses.
