Multiple Sclerosis Awareness: Managing Your Disease
Multiple Sclerosis Awareness: Managing Your Disease
March is recognized as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about MS, a chronic and often disabling disease that affects the central nervous system. MS Awareness Month aims to educate the public, support those living with MS, and promote research for better treatments and a cure.
Understanding Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis is an unpredictable disease that can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, difficulty walking, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, and vision problems. The cause of MS is still unknown, and there is no definitive cure. However, there are several treatments available that can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
The Importance of MS Awareness Month
MS Awareness Month is an opportunity for individuals, organizations, and communities to come together to support those affected by MS. Activities during this month include educational events, fundraising walks, social media campaigns, and community outreach programs. These efforts help to spread awareness, reduce stigma, and provide resources for those living with MS.
Highlighting MS Treatments: Briumvi, Tysabri, Ocrevus, and Ocrevus Zunovo
Briumvi (ublituximab-xiiy)
Briumvi is a monoclonal antibody used to treat relapsing forms of MS, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease. It works by targeting and destroying B cells, a type of immune cell that plays a role in the immune system’s attack on the nervous system. Briumvi is administered as an intravenous infusion every six months after an initial series of doses.
Tysabri (natalizumab)
Tysabri is another monoclonal antibody used to treat relapsing forms of MS. It works by blocking the migration of lymphocytes (a type of immune cell) from the lymph nodes into the brain and spinal cord, reducing inflammation and damage. Tysabri is given as a monthly intravenous infusion. However, it carries a risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare but serious brain infection that is carefully monitored for by your ordering provider. PML can only occur if you’ve been infected with the JC virus and the overall risk for developing PML is less than 1%.
Ocrevus (ocrelizumab)
Ocrevus is a monoclonal antibody that targets CD20-positive B cells, which are involved in the immune response that damages the nervous system in MS. It is used to treat both relapsing-remitting MS and primary progressive MS. Ocrevus is administered as an intravenous infusion every six months. It has been shown to reduce the rate of relapses and slow the progression of disability in MS patients.
Ocrevus Zunovo
Ocrevus Zunovo is a combination therapy that includes Ocrevus and another medication, Zunovo, which is designed to enhance the effectiveness of Ocrevus. This combination therapy is still under investigation and has shown promising results in clinical trials. It aims to provide a more comprehensive treatment option for MS patients by targeting multiple aspects of the disease.
Getting Involved in MS Awareness Month
There are many ways to get involved in MS Awareness Month. You can participate in local events, donate to MS research organizations, share information on social media, and volunteer to help those affected by MS. By raising awareness and supporting research, we can work towards a future without MS.
Conclusion
Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month is a vital time to shine a light on this complex and challenging disease. By educating ourselves and others, supporting those affected, and promoting research, we can make a difference in the lives of millions of people living with MS. Let’s come together this March to raise awareness and stand up to MS.
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