The six disease-modifying drugs currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis are:
• Beta-1a Intramuscular Injection (Avonex): This medication features crucial immune system proteins produced by the human body to fight infections. In studies, it has been shown to slow the progression of multiple sclerosis and reduce the risk of flare relapses in people who have already had an event.
• Interferon Beta-1b (Betaseron): , Interferon beta-1b includes naturally occurring proteins produced by the human body to fight infections. It reduces the severity of MS symptom flares and the size of lesions.
• Glatiramer (Copaxone): Glatiramer, a synthetic compound, works by diverting attacks on myelin, the covering over nerves that are targeted in multiple sclerosis. Clinical trials show that people taking this drug are less likely to have a flare relapse. Glatiramer has also been shown to slow the progression of MS.
• Mitoxantrone (Novantrone): This drug stops immune cells (T cells, B cells, and macrophages) that attack myelin and cause multiple sclerosis. Studies suggest that mitoxantrone can help prevent or reduce the number of flare relapses and slow the progression of disability and lesions.
• Interferon Beta-1a Subcutaneous Injection (Rebif): In people with relapse-remitting multiple sclerosis, this drug has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of flare relapses.
• Natalizumab (Tysabri): Natalizumab prevents dangerous immune cells from crossing the blood-brain barrier in order to slow disability and flare relapses.
Recent health and medicine headlines have highlighted the success of some cancer drugs as treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS). Still, the use of these drugs is often controversial and many doctors recommend them only when they have no other options. This is because, despite the positive effects they bring to bear on multiple sclerosis, they also carry a significant risk of side effects.
Although the aforementioned medications are most commonly used in treating acute MS attacks or relapses and in modifying the course of multiple sclerosis, there are a wide range of other medications available to help manage a variety of MS symptoms.
Physical Therapy: Research has shown that physical therapy and exercise can help people living with multiple sclerosis retain their mobility longer. A study of 98 hospitalized patients who had multiple sclerosis showed that those who participated in a personalized rehabilitation program for a year experienced less disability. The study results also suggest that people with multiple sclerosis who have access to rehabilitation programs may be able to slow the progression of disability.
Yoga: A 2004 study in the journal Neurology found that practicing yoga on a regular basis helped to reduce fatigue and improve quality of life for people living with MS.
Medical marijuana: Using marijuana to treat MS is a controversial issue that is still undergoing long-term study. Marijuana and various cannabis products such as pills and oral sprays are helpful in a some patients for pain and spasticity and problems with sleep.
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