Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the myelin sheath, or the protective barrier surrounding nerves. MS can cause side effects such as numbness or weakness in limbs, issues with motor function, and fatigue. While MS has no known cure, with treatment, patients can experience significant relief from existing symptoms.
Infusion Therapy for MS
Infusion therapy is a treatment where medication is administered directly into the bloodstream intravenously (IV). Most infusion treatments for MS are disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) meaning they suppress the immune system in order to prevent further damage to the myelin sheath. With infusion therapy, some patients may experience a slowed progression of the disease.
It’s important to talk with your doctor to understand your condition and determine if infusion therapy is the best course of treatment. Not all DMTs work the same either, that’s why a physician’s expertise is necessary to determine the infusion medication that is best suited for the patient.
Infusion Medication for MS
There are various infusion drugs that ContinuumRx uses to treat MS, each with its own benefits. Today, we’re highlighting three MS infusion drugs.
• Tysabri (Natalizumab)
Tysabri is an immunosuppressive drug that can subdue the immune system from attacking the nerves, thus improving MS side effects. It is given intravenously once every twenty-eight days and has been shown to reduce the formation of new active brain lesions and reduce the number of relapses in MS patients.
• Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab)
Ocrevus is used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults. The conditions include but are not limited to the clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease. When starting Ocrevus, patients will have two initial sessions, each taking place two weeks apart. Following this, they will be given a dose every six months unless otherwise indicated by their physician.
• Lemtrada (Alemtuzumab)
Lemtrada is another infusion medication that works by targeting cells thought to be damaging the myelin sheath. With consistent treatment, Lemtrada removes these cells and improves relapsing MS symptoms over time. Patients beginning Lemtrada will have 8 days of infusion spread over 2 rounds of treatment in approximately twelve months’ time. Treatment following your last infusion will vary by case.
Home Infusion Therapy
While infusion therapy can help slow the progression of MS and even grant some patients remission, the time and cost for travel to and from the hospital can impact patients beyond their bottom line. Home infusion with ContinuumRx allows patients to take back their freedom by delivering their treatment from home. This means patients can receive MS infusions with minimal disruptions to their everyday life and schedules.
If you’re interested in starting home infusion and bringing more flexibility into your life despite your treatment, then contact us for more information on our onboarding process!