Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease in which your immune system attacks your body and starts to destroy the protective covering of your nerves. When this happens, your brain cannot effectively communicate with your body. This can lead to the destruction of the nerves, which is not reversible, according to the Mayo Clinic. There is no cure for MS, but there are drugs that can fight the attack from the immune system and help minimize symptoms.
Avonex (interferon beta-1a)
Avonex is a synthetic interferon that is comprised of many of the same proteins as the natural interferon in the body, interferon beta. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Avonex for the treatment of MS that relapses, in order to slow down any physical impairments and reduce flare-ups, according to the National MS Society. Clinical trials have found that patients taking this medication have a slower rate of disease progression, and have a lower number of lesions in the brain then those patients who do not take the drug. This medication is given once a week, and common side effects include fatigue, chills, sweating and general flu symptoms, as well as depressive symptoms, which should be reported to your doctor at once.
Betaseron/Extavia (interferon beta 1b)
Betaseron (also called Extavia) is recommended by the FDA for relapsing MS, to reduce the amount of clinical flare-ups. Patients who have had one MS attack can also take this medication, if their MRI shows signs that indicate a diagnosis of MS. This drug is injected under the skin every other day, and may cause symptoms of depression in some people, which include sadness, irritability, loss of interest in activities, and sleep and eating disturbances. If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. Other side effects can include fatigue, fever, body aches, and pain or swelling at the injection site, reports the National MS Society.
Copaxone (glatiramer acetate)
Copaxone simulates myelin basic protein, according to the National MS Society, which helps to cover the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. It helps protect myelin. The FDA has approved this drug to reduce the amount of relapses in patients who have relapsing-remitting MS. Individuals who have had one attack and whose MRI shows signs of MS can also take this drug. Copaxone is taken daily, and injected under the skin. Some patients have reactions at the injection site, tremor, weakness and weight gain. If you develop hives or intense pain at the place of injection, or if you have a temporary immediate reaction to the injection including chest tightness, trouble breathing and hot flashes, call your doctor immediately.
Novantrone (mitoxantrone)
This drug used to treat various forms of cancer, and has also been approved to treat MS. It interferes with the actions of T-cells, B-cells, and macrophages, all of which attack the myelin sheath, which causes MS symptoms. Novantrone is mainly used in MS that keeps getting progressively worse or is advanced, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is given every three months and there is a lifetime maximum dosage due to the possible adverse effects on the heart. This medication can also cause hair loss, nausea, and menstrual cycle changes (nationalmssociety.org). If you develop problems with urination, mouth sores, trouble breathing, tarry stools or fever or chills, call your doctor immediately.
Tysabri (natalizumab)
Tysabri is a drug called a monoclonal antibody. This drug helps prevent some possibly dangerous immune cells in the blood from crossing over into the brain and spinal cord. The FDA approved this medication in 2006, and it is not supposed to be used with any other disease-modifying drug. Tysabri helps slow down physical disability related to disease progression and lessen the amount of flare-ups. This drug is not for every patient; it increases the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). PML is a virus that can infect the brain and generally is either fatal or results in disabilities. For this reason, this drug is only used when other treatments have not been effective.
