Medications…How do I know what to pick?

With the recent approval of Tecfidera, individuals with relapsing forms of MS now have 10 different disease modifying therapy (DMT) options to discuss with their physicians. Having choices and options for treatment is a good thing; however, having choices brings challenges as well.

Now there are not just a few factors to consider when working with your physician to determine the most appropriate treatment choice. Instead of a few options you will be asked to consider a number of different factors in relation to each medication (creating the potential for major headaches).

Some of the most obvious choices are in relation to mode of administration (injection, IV infusion, or oral), while other considerations include efficacy, safety profiles, and risks associated with each medication. Combining all these factors and more can seem like a daunting task.

As a result, MSAA designed S.E.A.R.C.H.™ as a tool to help you navigate the complex process of selecting an MS DMT medication. The framework allows you to organize information about these medications and gets you thinking about which questions and concerns are most important for you when selecting a medication. Having a clear picture of questions to ask can also help facilitate and improve discussions with your treating physician around medication options.

So, if you are considering a new or different medication, let MSAA help you S.E.A.R.C.H.  for the right therapy for you! You can find the S.E.A.R.C.H. information on MSAA’s website, www.mymsaa.org, or call (800) 532-7667 and ask to speak to a Client Consultant.

 

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About MSAA

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is a national nonprofit organization and leading resource for the entire MS community, improving lives today through vital services and support. MSAA provides free programs and services, such as: a Helpline with trained specialists; award-winning publications, including, The Motivator; MSAA’s nationally recognized website, featuring educational videos, webinars, and research updates; a mobile phone app, My MS Manager™; safety and mobility equipment products; cooling accessories for heat-sensitive individuals; MRI funding; My MSAA Community, a peer-to-peer online support forum; MS Conversations blog; a clinical trial search tool; podcasts; and more. For additional information, please visit www.mymsaa.org or call (800) 532-7667.

Comments

  • Markjones1027 says:

    http://www.drugs.com/news/ingredient-new-ms-linked-serious-brain-44267.html
    In the April 25, 2013 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM),1 two separate case studies are reported involving patients in Europe diagnosed with psoriasis who developed PML while taking different forms of dimethyl fumarate.  The patient cases are described in Letters to the Editor with a response provided by Biogen Idec, maker of Fumaderm® (fumaric acid esters) tablets and Tecfidera™ (dimethyl fumarate) delayed release capsules.
    PML is a serious brain infection caused by the reactivation of the JC Virus in patients who are immunosuppressed due to drug treatment or disease.  Signs of PML include neurological symptoms which can be mistaken as MS symptoms.  Risk factors for PML include presence of JC virus antibodies in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid and immunosuppression (often by use of certain medications).
    In the April 25, 2013 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM),1 two separate case studies are reported involving patients in Europe diagnosed with psoriasis who developed PML while taking different forms of dimethyl fumarate.  The patient cases are described in Letters to the Editor with a response provided by Biogen Idec, maker of Fumaderm® (fumaric acid esters) tablets and Tecfidera™ (dimethyl fumarate) delayed release capsules.
    PML is a serious brain infection caused by the reactivation of the JC Virus in patients who are immunosuppressed due to drug treatment or disease.  Signs of PML include neurological symptoms which can be mistaken as MS symptoms.  Risk factors for PML include presence of JC virus antibodies in the blood or

  • Catoda says:

    Thank you for your posts. I’ve been diagnosed with MS since 2000 and talk about advancements in DMDs! Providing all with a sense of hope, opportunities to halt MS, while we wait for that cure…the pipeline is jammed.

    This is no easy task trying to chose a DMD today. You’re already overwhelmed with your new diagnosis and now I need to decide with all of these options? Just as MS acts different with each us, so do the DMDs. I believe it’s important to feel comfortable with your neurologist, preferably a MS specializing neurologist, to discuss which DMD might be a good fit for you. Do your research, study the efficacy and safety data, if available, form your decision and make a list of questions to discuss with your neurologist. It’s important to remember that if your initial medication doesn’t work, you have many others to try! I did. The blessings of advancement!

    As trying as this time can be, I valued the importance of a positive attitude as I strived to be the very best I could be. My family was watching. I never would expect any more from them then I do for myself. “What’s she going to do with what’s dealt her way, be it good, bad or indifferent? My true motivations as I embraced the next chapter of my life. Looking back with no regrets!

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