| Multiple sclerosis is a complex disease that attacks | | | | Depression or feelings of sadness are a common side |
| the body's central nervous system. These can lead | | | | effect of Avonex. |
| to a number of physical and neurological symptoms | | | | Rebif is another injectable treatment that is |
| that can be debilitating and frightening to the patient. | | | | administered three times a week and includes a |
| While there is not yet a cure, significant advances | | | | naturally occurring human protein. It has the same |
| have been made in multiple sclerosis treatment. In | | | | effect as Avonex. Other similar injected treatments |
| this article, we'll explore a variety of treatments and | | | | include Betaseron and Copaxone. |
| help you decide which is best for you. | | | | Infusion therapies for symptoms of MS may be an |
| Before you speak to your doctor about multiple | | | | option for patients who are having an inadequate |
| sclerosis treatment, prepare a list of questions | | | | response to their current treatment or are having |
| beforehand and take notes about the responses. For | | | | issues with side effects. These medications are |
| each drug option, find out how effective it is, how it | | | | administered directly into the bloodstream through a |
| is administered and how often, and what the | | | | vein to help stop inflammation and prevent further |
| potential side effects are. Because MS is a chronic | | | | damage. |
| disease, you will need to use the medication for a | | | | Ask your doctor or nurse if infusion therapy may be |
| long time. You should be comfortable with any | | | | right for you, as well what the latest infusion |
| multiple sclerosis therapy that you choose. | | | | therapies are, and what the most important |
| Researchers believe that damage to the brain and | | | | information is that you should know. In addition to |
| spinal cord may be happening early in the | | | | medication, you may also want to consider making |
| development stage, before the symptoms of multiple | | | | lifestyle changes. Diet, exercise and other changes |
| sclerosis occur. That's why it's important to start | | | | can help you manage multiple sclerosis symptoms. |
| treatment as soon as possible. | | | | If you've been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, then |
| Research has shown that the progression of physical | | | | you should talk to your doctor about which multiple |
| disability can be slowed if you start treatment early. | | | | sclerosis treatment is right for you. Some of the |
| Some patients choose injected therapies for relapsing | | | | most common side effects of drug therapy include |
| forms of multiple sclerosis. Avonex is an intramuscular | | | | fever, chills, sweating, muscle aches and tiredness. |
| injection given once a week. | | | | For many people, these symptoms lessen or go |
| This form of MS treatment is used for patients in | | | | away over time. Talk to your doctor if these |
| remission to slow the accumulation of physical | | | | symptoms continue longer than the first few months |
| disability and decrease the frequency attacks. | | | | of therapy, or if they are difficult to manage. |