Choosing the Right Therapy for YOU
By Cherie C. Binns RN BS MSCN
February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
I receive a quarterly publication for MS Nurses entitled “Counseling Points” which may be found on the web at www.counselingpoints.com . It is written by MS nurses for MS nurses to assist them in patient communication in the clinical setting of the MS Clinic. The Winter issue for 2011 was entitled , Changing Treatment Paradigms in MS and dealt the fact that as we work with disease modifying therapies (DMTs) over time, one of the findings is that most of our first line therapies (Interferon Beta 1a and 1b(Betaseron, Evista, Rebif and Avonex) and Glaterimer Acetate (GA or Copaxone) seem to be equally effective across the Board in preventing relapses andall have a high safety record.
For CIS (Clinically Isolated Syndrome) All of the lower dose interferons seemed to work quite well and only half of those with CIS went on to develop Multiple Sclerosis within 5 years of being treated with these medications. Rebif (the highest dose Interferon) and Copaxone (GA) worked well over a 10 year span of use to prevent relapses and progression in the majority of patients who took them faithfully.
This article also stated that “As many as one quarter of people with MS discontinue therapy within the first 6 months of treatment, with studies showing that perceived lack of efficacy accounts for 30% to 52% of therapy discontinuation.”p6 (citations are in the article in the above web link).
Given the proven effectiveness of the drugs we have had available for the past 15+ years, why are patients so hesitant to stay on therapy? For some, as in the above statement, they feel like it is not helping. Is the Medical community giving patients false hope when prescribing a therapy to treat MS? These therapies are designed to slow the progression of MS by slowing the frequency of relapses thereby preventing some nerve damage over time that could ultimately cause a Person with MS (PWMS) to leave the work force or develop secondary complications that would see an overall deterioration in their health.
So the big question is, how do you choose a therapy that is right for you in your circumstances and with your lifestyle?
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