Multiple sclerosis: tips for transitioning to a new treatment

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Sometimes in multiple sclerosis, you have to try several treatments to find the right one. We give you the following tips so that the transition between treatments and the evaluation of their effectiveness is agile and safe.

The most common type of multiple sclerosis is relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). In this form, the symptoms occur in the form of flare-ups, that is, they appear for a period of time and then partially or totally improve.

Make sure you understand all the changes related to the new treatment

Changing treatment can involve a whole new routine. Whether the switch is between first-line drugs, or a second- or third-line drug, there may be a dose change. It is important to make sure that the dose of the new drug is correct.

On the other hand, the mode of administration can also vary. While some are given intravenously in the hospital setting, others are taken orally or by injection at home.

Before leaving the doctor’s office, make sure you fully understand all the instructions for the new treatment and that you have the changes in writing.

Complement the new treatment with self-care

There are many studies that show that adopting healthy habits has a significant effect on the course of multiple sclerosis.

Self-care can also make the transition between treatments a bit easier. You can start:

Following a healthy and balanced diet.
Avoiding tobacco.
Taking daily walks: you can find a companion for walks, especially if you feel insecure.
Analyzing if you sleep adequately. If you don’t get enough sleep, it is more difficult to determine if fatigue is related to the side effects of the new treatment, a flare-up, or lack of sleep.
Taking care of mental and emotional well-being: yoga and tai chi are useful practices for stress while toning and coordinating. Another great tool for improving your overall mood and outlook is meditation.

Participate in monitoring: record symptoms and possible side effects

To ensure that the new treatment is working, it is important to actively participate in the follow-up and to be able to provide all the necessary information to your doctor during visits. For example, pain monitoring is often overlooked.

Keeping a daily log of symptoms can be helpful in spotting patterns. You can take note of triggers, such as stress or weather. This information will help your doctor see if the new treatment is working as it should.

Common side effects include:

Depression
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Flu-like symptoms
Hair thinning
Headache
Sickness

Summary

The most serious side effects include low white or red blood cells, increased blood pressure, and infection. However, these are less common.

Finally, consult with the neurologist or the nursing staff, how often controls or analytics should be performed. Complying with these recommendations will help to detect those adverse effects that occur asymptomatically but must also be taken into account.

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