Glatiramer Acetate Multiple Sclerosis Treatment

Glatiramer acetate is a myelin like protein. Its means or the method it has to fight MS haven't been totally figured, but it seems to act as an obstruction to the body's attack over the myelin coat.

It is an injectable medicine applied beneath the skin every day. The pills containing the same substances have proved no efficiency.

The purpose of its use is to fight the relapsing – remitted form of multiple sclerosis in adults.

Efficiency

People with relapsing – remitted MS that use glatiramer acetates have experienced and are still experiencing a decrease of number of relapses and tissue damage on the brain and spinal cord. These results were monitored by MRI.

Another advantage of this medicine is the absence of the symptoms similar to those of flu present in the interferon beta treatment but it doesn't have the last one's power and efficiency.

This medicine didn't show any improvement in primary – progressive MS nor was it tested for secondary – progressive form.

The side effects

The side effects are present soon after the injection. Some of these effects are:

• - Flushing
• - Anxiety
• - Tightness in the throat
• - Pain, redness and inflammation of the shot site
• - Pain in the chest, increased heart rate, shortness of breath.

Fortunately, they are not severe and don't last for a long time. However, during treatment some episodes may take place.

Other side effects of glatiramer acetate are:

• - Nausea
• - Weakness
• - Pain of the articulations
• - Muscular tension or spasm
• - Skin rash
• - Sexual disabilities.

General information

In case of intolerance to the side effects of interferon beta or if that treatment brought no improvement to your condition, glatiramer acetate represents the best solution.

Most of the people have a good tolerance to this medicine also because the so annoying flu like symptoms generated by interferon beta's side effects are absent in this case. But the positive effect of this treatment appears very late, about six months instead of one as in the case of interferon beta.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society forbids the use of glatiramer acetate unless a clear diagnosis of relapsing – remitted MS is present. The diagnosis should be immediately followed by the start of a treatment using either glatiramer acetate or one of the interferon's class.

Disadvantages of glatiramer acetate may include besides its side effects:

• - The treatment may or may not work depending on the person's particular situations.
• - There is no information about the long term risks. For people with easy forms, the possible risks may overcome the positive effects.
• - It has very high costs – 10 000 $ per year.

The treatment mustn't be interrupted without the approval of your therapist.