Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease that impacts the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). MS impacts the brain and spinal cord because the myelin sheath, which protects nerve fibers, is attacked by the immune system. Nerve fibers over time deteriorate or they become severely damages to the point where it is not reversible. The cause of this disease is not yet known but is classified as an autoimmune disease. It is said that a mix between genetics and environmental factors could be responsible cause of multiple sclerosis. While MS can become known at any age it primarily affects people between 15 years old to 60 years old. If a family member such as a parent of sibling was diagnosed with MS, you are twice as likely to develop this
…show more content…
This medication is an immunosuppressant drug and administered subcutaneously. Betaseron in its generic form is called interferon beta-1b and is injected to skin subcutaneously once every 48 hours. Betaseron is a powder mixture mixed with a liquid before use. The unmixed mixture should be stored at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Once the solution has been mixed it must be refrigerated and used within three hours, if not used within three hours it must be discarded. The initial dose of the medication is 0.0625mg every other day and increased in 25% increments every two weeks, over a 6-week period then you continue with a maintenance dose of 0.25mg every other day. Side effects include headache, week, insomnia, stomach pain, muscle pain or stiffness, abnormal liver function test, skin rash, flu symptoms, or skin reaction in the injection site. A normal diet can be continued with Betaseron unless advised otherwise. Another brand name of interferon beta-1b is Extavia. Contraindications include history in people with hypersensitivity to natural and recombinant interferon beta, any other component of the formulation, and albumin (Human). The mechanism of action is …show more content…
Avonex is another immunosuppressant, and its mechanism of action is unknown. Avonex is administered intramuscularly and the recommended dose is 30 micrograms once per week. The first week of taking Avonex the dosage is 7.5 micrograms, 15 micrograms on week two, 22.5 micrograms on week three, and then 30 micrograms on week four. Administration should be on the same day each week. The generic form of Avonex is interferon beta-1a. The powder form of Avonex should be mixed with a liquid into a medicine vial and gentle swirled around not shaken. Prefilled syringes or a single use vial is available as well for one use only. Avonex should be stored in a refrigerator, but the prefilled syringes may be taken out of the refrigerator and store at room temperature prior to injection. However, Avonex may be kept at room temperature for short periods of time if it is protected from light. The powder can be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days, and the prefilled syringes can be stored at room temperature for only 7 days. After the powder is mixed it should be stored in the refrigerator and used within 6 hours. Side effects include black tarry stools, chest pain, chills, cough, diarrhea, fever, flu-like symptoms, headache, joint pain, muscle aches, nausea, pain, difficult or painful urination, shortness of breath, ulcers in mouth, swollen glands, unusual bleeding or bruising, and tiredness or weakness. Contraindications for
This medication is an immunosuppressant drug and administered subcutaneously. Betaseron in its generic form is called interferon beta-1b and is injected to skin subcutaneously once every 48 hours. Betaseron is a powder mixture mixed with a liquid before use. The unmixed mixture should be stored at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Once the solution has been mixed it must be refrigerated and used within three hours, if not used within three hours it must be discarded. The initial dose of the medication is 0.0625mg every other day and increased in 25% increments every two weeks, over a 6-week period then you continue with a maintenance dose of 0.25mg every other day. Side effects include headache, week, insomnia, stomach pain, muscle pain or stiffness, abnormal liver function test, skin rash, flu symptoms, or skin reaction in the injection site. A normal diet can be continued with Betaseron unless advised otherwise. Another brand name of interferon beta-1b is Extavia. Contraindications include history in people with hypersensitivity to natural and recombinant interferon beta, any other component of the formulation, and albumin (Human). The mechanism of action is …show more content…
Avonex is another immunosuppressant, and its mechanism of action is unknown. Avonex is administered intramuscularly and the recommended dose is 30 micrograms once per week. The first week of taking Avonex the dosage is 7.5 micrograms, 15 micrograms on week two, 22.5 micrograms on week three, and then 30 micrograms on week four. Administration should be on the same day each week. The generic form of Avonex is interferon beta-1a. The powder form of Avonex should be mixed with a liquid into a medicine vial and gentle swirled around not shaken. Prefilled syringes or a single use vial is available as well for one use only. Avonex should be stored in a refrigerator, but the prefilled syringes may be taken out of the refrigerator and store at room temperature prior to injection. However, Avonex may be kept at room temperature for short periods of time if it is protected from light. The powder can be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days, and the prefilled syringes can be stored at room temperature for only 7 days. After the powder is mixed it should be stored in the refrigerator and used within 6 hours. Side effects include black tarry stools, chest pain, chills, cough, diarrhea, fever, flu-like symptoms, headache, joint pain, muscle aches, nausea, pain, difficult or painful urination, shortness of breath, ulcers in mouth, swollen glands, unusual bleeding or bruising, and tiredness or weakness. Contraindications for