Despite the fact that there is no specific cure for multiple sclerosis
in present, existing treatments are effective in slowing down the
progression rate of the disease and preventing the development of
further complications. Considering the fact that most of the effects of
multiple sclerosis are irreversible, it is imperative to timely
diagnose the disease and begin the administration of the appropriate
course of medications. With the right treatment and with the aid of
supportive therapies (physiotherapy and kinetotherapy), patients with
multiple sclerosis can regain control of their bodies and live normal,
active lives.
The medications available today are used to accomplish a series of
goals in patients with multiple sclerosis: some medication treatments
are aimed at slowing the progression rate of the disease, while others
are aimed at ameliorating its generated symptoms and prolonging the
periods of remission. The medications that are nowadays extensively
used to delay and control symptomatic flare-ups among patients with
multiple sclerosis are known as “ABC drugs”. This category of
medications consists of Avonex, Betaseron and Copaxone.
The so called ABC drugs are crucial in the treatment of multiple
sclerosis, as they reduce the intensity, duration and frequency of the
immune system’s attacks on healthy nervous cells. These medications act
by triggering a series of biologic mechanisms that decrease the
autoimmune response of the body. Prescribed in the appropriate dose,
each of these previously mentioned multiple sclerosis medications can
reduce the frequency and intensity of specific neurological symptoms by
up to 30 percent.
Avonex (Beta-interferon-1a) is a very effective multiple sclerosis
medication that is administered under the form of intramuscular
injections. This medication is used to successfully alleviate a series
of symptoms such as muscular weakness, visual problems, as well as
cognitive affections (poor concentration, memory loss, confusion).
Administered in the appropriate dose, Avonex can also reduce the
frequency of symptomatic flare-ups. Due to the fact that it also
generates various side-effects ranging in intensity from mild to
moderate, Avonex is usually associated with acetaminophen and
ibuprofen, drugs that minimize the undesired effects of Avonex on the
body. The side-effects produced by the prolonged use of Avonex comprise
fever, chills and muscular pain. However, these symptoms are completely
eliminated when the treatment is interrupted.
Betaseron (Beta-interferon-1b) is an effective multiple sclerosis
medication primarily administered to patients with
secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis. Betaseron is administered
under the form of subcutaneous injections and produces the best results
on long-term use. The side-effects generated by Betaseron are usually
mild and consist of flu-like symptoms and local skin irritation at the
site of the injection.
Copaxone (Glatiramer acetate or Copolymer-1) is yet another efficient
medication used to decrease the frequency and duration of multiple
sclerosis flare-ups. This medication is also administered as
subcutaneous injections. Unlike interferon-based medications, Copaxone
is very well tolerated by the body and produces no perceivable
side-effects. Under special circumstances, Copaxone can produce
temporary irritation and tenderness at the injection site.
Apart from the popular ABC drugs, the treatment of multiple sclerosis
often includes medications such as steroids (anti-inflammatory drugs),
as well as anticonvulsive and antispastic medications. Amantidine
(Symmetrel) is often used to eliminate the states of generalized
fatigue characteristic to multiple sclerosis, while medications such as
Oxybutynin (Ditropan) and tolterodine (Detrol) are administered to
patients confronted with bladder problems due to implication of
multiple sclerosis at the level of the urinary system. Chemotherapeutic
drugs such as methotrexate and azathioprine (Imuran) are rarely used,
being prescribed to patients confronted with severe types of multiple
sclerosis.
