Like many other medications for other diseases and disorders, there are side effects of MS treatments. Unfortunately, side effects from these medications can be more complicated, since these medications often need to be delivered either through an intravenous drip or through home injection. This is why people need to be aware of the side effects that can occur while using these medications so that they can alert their doctor or other medical professional if they begin to experience any problems. Side effects of MS medication can range from being mild to serious, so they should always be monitored and discussed with a professional to ensure they can be treated and do not worsen.
Some side effects of MS medication can include flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, unusual sweating, muscle aches and pains, and extreme fatigue. These tend to be common with injections or intravenous treatments. These symptoms are typically mild and will usually go away on their own as the body gets used to the treatment over time. Another common side effect is swelling and irritation at the injection site. This can be helped by changing the injection site on a regular basis and by keeping the injection clean. If the injections are being given at home, education on how to give an injection properly is very important to avoid infection at the site.
Long Term Effects of MS Medications
Some treatments for multiple sclerosis have not been approved for long-term use because of side effects. This is because some medications have been shown to increase the risk of heart damage over time. These medications will have a set limit of doses that a person can take in their lifetime. This amount of medication is usually taken over the course of two or three years. After this amount has been taken, the person can then talk to their doctors about other options. They can usually switch to a different medication to continue their treatment plan. There are several other long term medications that can be taken to help reduce symptoms and slow the progression of multiple sclerosis.
Another side effect of long-term medications can be fertility problems. Most doctors recommend that women avoid them if they are pregnant or want to become pregnant. They also recommend that men discuss family planning before starting their long term treatment in order to get an idea of how their fertility could be affected by the medications.
