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Multiple Sclerosis is known to be an autoimmune disorder that negatively affects the central nervous system of the human body. The U.S National library of Medicine notes that this disorder is found mostly in women and usually affects individuals in the age range of 20 to 40 years. However, it is important to note that this condition may affect any individual, irrespective of the age or gender of the person.
The U.S National Library of Medicine explains that this condition occurs as a result of harm to the myelin sheath, which covers the nerve cells. If this protective layer is damaged, it hampers the nerve signals, which further leads to inflammation. This website also notes that you are at increased risk of suffering from multiple sclerosis if any of your family members suffer from this condition. It is important to note that this condition cannot be cured but can only be treated by making use of certain medications. There are several medications that may prove effective in reducing the frequency and severity of symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis.
Medications for Treating Multiple Sclerosis
Copaxone
Copaxone is a medication that is used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Drugs.com notes that this medication contains four amino acids that affect the immune system of the body. This website further states that this medication helps in preventing the recurrence of multiple sclerosis even in the future. Although this medication does not cure this condition, it is helpful in reducing the frequency of relapses. Copaxine is administered in the form of an injection, which should only be given by your physician.
Mild side effects of this medication include weakness, frequent urination, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, muscle strain and white sores in the mouth. Serious side effects of Copaxone include chest pain, fever, flu, chills, extreme pain on the injection spot and rapid heart rate. If you suffer from any of these serious side effects, it is advisable that you consult your physician immediately and discontinue the use of this medication.
Orapred
Orapred is a medication that is considered beneficial for treating the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Drugs.com notes that this medication helps in deterring the release of chemicals that trigger inflammation in the body. If you suffer from an allergic reaction to any component of this medication or fungal infection, it is advisable that you abstain from using this medication. Before using Orapred in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, it is advisable that you inform your physician if you suffer from tuberculosis, depression, glaucoma, diabetes, thyroid problems, kidney disease, heart disease, peptic ulcers or osteoporosis.
The website Drugs.com highly advises against the consumption of alcohol along with this medication. Mild side effects of Orapred include excessive sweating, headache, nausea, bloating, thinning skin, insomnia and acne. However, if you experience serious side effects such as bloody stools, low potassium levels, coughing up blood or deterred vision, it is advisable that you seek medical attention immediately.
Gilenya
Gilenya is medication that is used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Drugs.com notes that this medication is an immunosuppressant, which helps in deterring the immune cells from reaching the CNS, by causing the lymph nodes to hold them. You should not use this medication if you suffer from an allergic reaction to fingolimod or if you suffer from conditions such as heart failure or angina. If you suffer from any infection, diabetes, liver disorders, kidney disease, long QT syndrome or slow heart rate, it is advisable that you seek approval from your doctor before using this medication for treating multiple sclerosis.
Mild side effects of Gilenya include diarrhea, backache, sinus pain, cough and headache. If you experience serious side effects such as chest pain, swelling, nausea, loss of appetite, oozing, itching, tightness of chest, rapid heartbeat or dark urine, it is important that you seek medical help immediately.
Novantrone
Novantrone is a medication that is used in decreasing the frequency of relapses as well as treating disability associated with multiple sclerosis. The working of this medication is not fully understood until date, but it is believed to reduce the multiplication as well as the growth of free radicals. This medication is usually administered in the form of an injection, which should only be given by a physician. Mild side effects of this medication include backache, constipation, cough, mouth pain, stuffy nose, fatigue, weakness and hair loss. However, if you experience serious side effects such as chest pain, sudden weight gain, painful urination, bleeding or deterred vision, it is important that you seek medical attention immediately.
Ampyra
Ampyra is a medication that is used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and is classified as a potassium channel blocker. Drugs.com notes that this medication is utilized for improving walking in individuals suffering from MS. This website also states that the actual reason behind its effectiveness has not been fully understood, however, it is believed that this medication helps in boosting nerve function in the human body. Before utilizing this medication in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, it is advisable that you inform your doctor if you suffer from convulsions, kidney disease or if you are taking another medication known as Fampridine, which is also used for MS treatment.
Drugs.com highly recommends that you do not give this medication to individuals below 18 years of age, unless prescribed by a physician. You should take this medication in doses as prescribed by your physician. It is important that you swallow the whole tablet, without breaking or chewing. This is due to the fact that if the tablet opens up, too much of this medication is released at once, which may cause the patient to experience a seizure. Less serious side effects of Ampyra include backache, weakness, sinus pain, sore throat, insomnia, headache, dizziness and constipation. Serious side effects include seizures, burning pain while urinating, numbness in certain parts of the body and recurrence of MS symptoms. If you experience any of these serious side effects, it is highly recommended that you consult your physician immediately and stop the use of this medicine.
