At present, there are no pharmacological agents to completely halt the progression of the disease. The available drugs try to stop the progression, mitigate the effects of the developing disease and enable the patient to function efficiently and independently. The disease follows a multi-stage course with periods of relapses, remissions, chronic complaints accompanying the patient and most often leading to permanent disability. Taking prompt and appropriate treatment is therefore very important.
Treatment of relapses
It has been shown that there are a number of factors (stress, too high a temperature, viral and bacterial infections, medication, etc.) that can cause a flare-up. These factors should therefore be avoided. Mild episodes are treated pharmacologically, whereas severe episodes require treatment with steroids. These have also been shown to reduce the risk of a further flare. The use of glucocorticosteroids (orally, injections) has a short-term but beneficial effect. ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) is very often used to stimulate cortisone secretion by the adrenal glands.
When treated with these agents, the patient's condition must be monitored at all times. With short-term use, side effects are either absent or very easy to manage. With long-term use, numerous side effects may occur. In this case, the attending physician will decide whether to continue the therapy or to discontinue it.
Symptomatic treatment (treatment of chronic complaints).
Patients affected by S very often complain during a visit to the doctor about various complaints accompanying them every day. On this basis, pharmacological measures are taken to help the patient, but rehabilitation, psychotherapy and surgery are also undertaken.
The problems most frequently reported by patients are tremor, ataxia, fatigue, depression, spasticity, urinary tract disorders, pain and sexual dysfunction.
The doctor will apply the appropriate treatment based on the patient's history.
Immunomodulatory treatment (slowing down the course of the disease)
At this stage of treatment, trying to 'prevent' the progression of the disease plays a key role. The treatment undertaken is designed to slow the progression of disability and is an intervention in the natural course of S.
Interferon beta (IFN-β1)
Interferon beta is among the drugs that inhibit the developing inflammatory response that accompanies patients with S.
There are three beta interferons available to patients, whose names are as follows:
Interferon Beta-1b
Interferon Beta-la
Interferon Beta la
These drugs have been shown to reduce the number of flares, the number of inflammatory foci, inhibit disease activity and improve the patient's general condition. These drugs are used in patients with a form of the disease that is either in remission or secondary progression in the active stage. This must be confirmed by a minimum of two episodes within 2-3 years of being diagnosed with S. Importantly, these drugs reduce patients' disability. Beta interferon should be started as soon as possible for best results.
The individual predisposition of the patient to take the treatment also plays a very important role here. Interferons are generally well tolerated by patients. At the start of treatment, mild side effects may occur (headaches, chills, fever, bone and joint pain), which disappear within a few hours of administration.
The information about medicines in the article is for informational purposes and should be considered as additional knowledge about the remedy. Any issues related to the use of medication and dosage should be consulted with your doctor. The editors are not responsible for the effects of the practical application of the information provided in the article.
