One of the first steps in getting treatment for multiple sclerosis is to start using a treatment such as MS Betaseron. When first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, it is important to start protecting the body against the disease progression. Multiple sclerosis Betaseron is one of the medications that can be used to help suppress the disease, making it progress much more slowly. It is the first line of defense when someone is first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and if they in the first stage of the disease – the relapsing-remitting stage. It is only FDA approved for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis. This is because the drug works to help a patient by reducing relapses. It also helps to stabilize or reduce the size of lesions in the brain, which can reduce the severity and the duration of symptoms.
How Multiple Sclerosis Betaseron Is Administered
MS Betaseron can be administered in the comfort of one’s home, unlike some other medications that must be intravenously administered. It is administered as an injection every other day. It can be administered to different parts of the body to avoid having injection site pain and swelling. The key to injecting the medication is to be sure that it is injected in the fatty layer under the skin. Medical professionals will help those who use this medication to properly give themselves an injection and how to keep the injection sites clean. Some offices or hospitals even offer injection training for individuals and families. They will also be able to give the patient a list of acceptable injection sites and how to position the needle for the different areas of the body.
Side Effects That Can Be Experienced With MS Betaseron
When using MS Betaseron, there are several different side effects that can be experienced. Some are more common than others. Some of the commonly experienced side effects include a reaction at the injection site, pain, headaches, fatigue, and flu-like symptoms. These side effects tend to abate as the duration of the treatment goes on. There are also tips a medical professional can give in order to lessen side effects from the medication.
Some of the more serious and rarer side effects include injection site necrosis, liver problems, anaphylaxis, and seizures. Most doctors will monitor the patients on the medication regularly to ensure that the blood and enzyme levels are stable. They will also check injection sites for any problems. If injection site problems are persistent, they may recommend changing the injection location more often or offer other suggestions on where to inject the medication.
