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Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is caused by your immune system attacking the myelin surrounding the nerves in your brain. It is thought that specific types of B cells and T cells in your body are drivers of the attack. B cells play a central role in MS development as they activate the immune system in multiple ways, which includes recruiting T cells to attack neurons. In MS, infection-fighting white blood cells cause inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, damaging the myelin sheath that normally protects our nerve cells. When this damage occurs, the nerves cannot function properly, and the symptoms of MS occur. MS can affect almost anyone, and it is a long-term condition.
Like many autoimmune diseases, with the right medical care and support many people can lead long, active and healthy lives. With MS, you may have periods of remission where your symptoms go away, and you feel more like yourself. You might even forget you have MS until symptoms flare up (return) again.Here are some general tips for managing multiple sclerosis for infusion patients:
1. Stick to your injection schedule: Infusions are typically given on a regular schedule, so make sure you keep up with your appointments to get the full benefit of the medication.
2. Manage symptoms: MS can cause a range of symptoms, such as fatigue, numbness, and difficulty walking. Speak with your healthcare professional about ways to manage your symptoms, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, or medication.
3. Follow a healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help to support your overall health and improve your symptoms. This includes a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and enough rest.
4. Attend regular check-ups: Regular check-ups can help to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed. Make sure to attend all scheduled appointments and report any changes in your symptoms.
5. Be aware of potential side effects: Infusions may cause side effects, such as flu-like symptoms, nausea, and headache. Let your healthcare professional know if you have any concerns.
6. Seek support: MS can be a challenging condition to manage, both physically and emotionally. Seek support from family, friends, or a support group to help you cope with the challenges of the condition.
7. Stay informed: Stay up-to-date on MS and treatment options by reading reputable sources of information, attending educational events, and asking your healthcare professional questions.
There are over fifteen medications, often called disease-modifying agents, that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in MS. Generally, all these medications aim to reduce the frequency of relapses, the activity seen on MRI scans, and disease progression. Each medication has its own side effects and risks, and how patients respond to each varies greatly. As with any treatment, it’s essential to talk with your doctor to determine what medication is right for you. There are currently three infusions that MS experts highly recommend.
Briumvi
Briumvi is an anti-CD20 therapy infusion for treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS), including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults. Briumvi is the first antibody approved for individuals with RMS and recent clinical studies have proved to reduce the rate of relapses and active lesions. Briumvi is manufactured by TG Therapeutics and is a twice-yearly infusion. The starting dose consists of 150 mg of Briumvi administered in 4 hours, followed by an infusion of 450 mg administered in 1 hour on day 15. Afterward, the drug is administered in the 450-mg dosage in 1 hour every six months.
Ocrevus
Ocrevus is a prescription medicine used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, and Primary Progressive MS in adults (PPMS). Ocrevus works by targeting specific types of B cells.Ocrevus is manufactured by Genentech and is a twice-yearly infusion. The first dose will be split into two treatments for a total of three infusions for the first year then will be given as one single infusion six months apart, each lasting 2-4 hours.
Tysabri
Tysabri is a prescription medicine used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease. In a 2-year study of 627 people treated with Tysabri versus 315 people taking placebo, Tysabri was significantly more effective in slowing the progression of physical disability evaluated over a period of twelve weeks, reducing the formation of new active brain lesions and reducing the number of relapses. Tysabri is manufactured by Biogen and is given once every 28 days (12 times a year) and takes about an hour.
Sage Infusion Can Help
At Sage Infusion, we provide expert patient-centered infusion care in a contemporary boutique environment. Sage Infusion eases your medical burdens by handling the care coordination process, including insurance authorization and patient progress updates. Our flexible scheduling meets our patient’s needs with extended hours. Day, night, and weekend appointments are available. Our physician assistants and nurse practitioners follow the National Infusion Center Association guidelines and our proprietary clinical protocols. Sage Infusion offers a variety of comforting amenities, and patients can choose to receive treatment in the open lounge or private room.
With locations in The Villages Lake Sumter, The Villages Spanish Springs (coming Spring 2024), Brandon, Fort Myers, Clearwater, Orlando, Sarasota, and Tampa, Sage Infusion offers the best infusion and administration facilities in the Sunshine State. At Sage Infusion, we’ve reimagined patient care. From a quick start, to upfront pricing and financial assistance, to compassionate care by our clinical experts in a serene environment, you will experience infusion therapy like never before. Sage Infusion accepts most insurance providers and will complete your prior authorization process so you can focus on getting better.
352-565-5553
sageinfusion.com/swwellness
910 Old Camp Road, Suite 196, The Villages, FL 32162
