MS and Medications

    
      Re: MS and Medications
    


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Posted by CCF Neuro MD on April 08, 1997 at 08:49:55:

In Reply to: MS and Medications posted by Janet on April 08, 1997 at 08:47:53:

: This Message was posted by: Janet -  4/2/97 3:08:46 PM
  Message:
  I am a 47 year old female with MS for 19 years the last 10 being secondary chronic progressive. I have been taking Immuran
  by mouth plus solu-medrol 1 gram IV for 4 days every three months for the past 10 years. The last year the steroids were
  changed to Decadron 10 mg. IM for 4 days every three months. My doctor has switched me to methotrexate instead of the
  immuran 6 months ago because I was not responding as well to the Immuran. What is your feeling on immunosuppresent
  therapy for CPMS? I went off the Immuran and steroids for a year 3 years ago and took Betaseron. My condition
  deteriorated on Betaseron and has stabilized at that point since resuming the Immuran and steroids.
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Immunosuppressant medications such as Imuran, Cytoxan, and methotrexate are sometimes employed in th etreatment of
primary progressive and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. Intermittent use of high dose IV (or IM) corticosteroid
medications such as Solumedrol or Decadron has also been proven to be an effective treatment for disease in this setting. Their
use in your case sounds entirely appropriate. If methotrexate gives you a good response, I would suggest sticking with it, as it
is the least noxious of the immunosuppressant medications from both a side effect and degree of immune supprression
standpoint. Although it sounds like you are receiving excellent care, if you are interested in obtaining a second opinion for your
treatment, I would strongly recommend the Cleveland Clinic's Mellen Center, the largest center in the world devoted exclusively to the diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis. Their appointment number is 216-444-8600. Any of the physicians there would be able to provide you with a comprehensive evaluation and present to you all available treatment options for your particular case with their pros and cons, as well as discuss any ongoing trials that may be going on that you might be a candidate for, if you are interested in such.