MS, or multiple sclerosis, is a disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the fatty protective covering of the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. Damaged myelin distorts the nerve signal, which results in weakness, numbness, pain, cognitive deficits, and difficulty walking, along with other symptoms. Early recognition and treatment of MS is necessary to prevent further progression of this disease. MS is treated with medications that primarily reduce the intensity of the body’s immune system. A patient with MS should be aware of medications he is taking and the effects that they have on the body.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are the most common drugs used to treat MS, states MayoClinic.com. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation caused by the immune system. Thus, corticosteroids reduce inflammation that damages myelin during a relapse. Commonly prescribed medications include oral prednisone and intravenous methyprednisolone. These medications are typically given over a short course to prevent serious complications.
Interferons
Interferons, such as Rebif, Betaseron and Avonex can slow the rate of progression. The National MS Society states that interferons can also reduce the frequency and severity of MS attack. In a clinical trial, interferon’s reduced MS attacks by 28 to 68 percent. Furthermore, most MS patients were found to have fewer, smaller or no lesions developing in the brain or spinal cord. While interferons may be beneficial, they increase the risk of liver damage. Thus, a patient should seek immediate medical treatment if he experiences signs of liver damage that include yellowing skin or eyes, clay-colored stool, dark urine or stomach pain. A patient should not drink alcohol while taking interferons.
Glatiramer
Glatiramer, or Copaxone, is also a common medication that may be used to treat MS. This medication may block the immune system’s attack on myelin. The National MS Society states that clinical trials showed that those taking glatiramer had a significant reduction in relapse rate and a reduction in new MS damage. This drug is injected once a day, and side effects include flushing and shortness of breath after the injection. Systemic side effects are minimal.
Natalizumab
Natalizumab, or Tysabri, interferes with the movement of damaging immune system cells from the bloodstream to the brain and spinal cord, according to the MayoClinic.com. Patients taking natalizumab had a reduced risk of MS progression and experienced fewer relapses. However, this medication is not commonly used to treat MS patients because is can increase the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalophy, which is a brain infection that can lead to death. Thus, an MS patient should thoroughly discuss the risks and benefits of taking this medication with his physician.
