Multiple sclerosis
The most common forms of multiple sclerosis
Relapsing-remitting MS:
A relapsing-remitting form of MS, characterized by episodes of clearly defined relapses (attacks) interspersed with episodes of complete or partial remission.
Secondary progressive MS:
It is an evolution of the cyclic form, a progressive worsening of the disease characterized by few flare-ups and minor remissions or plateaus.
Primary Progressive MS:
A form of the disease without well-defined relapses, but rather characterized by a slow accumulation of disability over time. Usually does not involve remission.
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Living with MS
Exercise is safe for people living before MS, and has been shown to have many benefits. These include improving fatigue and the function of many systems in the body.
Physical Activity Practice: Practical Guide
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Stretching
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General guidelines - for the practice of physical activity in MS
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There are no specific dietary recommendations for people living with MS. Experts advise following the recommendations for the general population, which are low-fat, high-fibre diet.
The link between stress and MS attacks is not conclusive. However, many situations can increase stress, especially for people living with a chronic illness such as MS. It is therefore important to find strategies to minimize your stress level.
Vitamin D has positive effects on the immune system. There is a possible link between the risk of MS and a lack of vitamin D. However, before changing your vitamin D intake, it is important to consult your doctor or a nutritionist.
An association between the burden of relapsing-remitting MS and quitting smoking has been established in some recent studies, but not for primary progressive MS.
Medication treatments
Medications prescribed for the management of MS can act at different levels of the disease. Some medications may be prescribed to try to control the course of the disease, others may be prescribed to treat a relapse of the disease, and finally, some medications are used to treat the symptoms caused by the disease directly.
These medications help reduce the frequency and severity of relapses, reduce the number of new MRI scans of the brain and spinal cord and slow the accumulation of disability.
Multiple Sclerosis - Specialty Drug List
Medications administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly
Oral medications
Intravenous medications
Prise en charge des poussées
Les poussées (crises) sont normalement pris en charge par l’administration intraveineuse de corticostéroïdes.
Prise en charge des symptômes ressentis
Ils permettent de diminuer les symptômes que les patients ressentent et qui sont causés par la maladie, comme par exemple la fatigue, les troubles de la mobilité, la spasticité et la douleur.
Les poussées sont prises en charge par l’administration de médicaments (stéroïdes) qui permettent d’en diminuer la durée et la gravité. Aussi appelées attaques ou crises, les poussées sont attribuables à la présence d’inflammation dans une région précise du système nerveux central. Les stéroïdes résorbent l’inflammation, ce qui atténue les symptômes et accélère le rétablissement du patient. Lorsqu’ils sont administrés sur une courte période, les stéroïdes sont considérés comme relativement inoffensifs par la plupart des médecins. Au nombre de leurs effets secondaires, mentionnons des troubles du sommeil, des troubles gastriques et de l’irritabilité. En administration prolongée, ces médicaments peuvent avoir des effets négatifs sur certaines parties de l’organisme, tels le foie et les reins, et entraîner une réduction de la densité osseuse, entre autres choses. C'est pourquoi il vaut mieux éviter de les employer fréquemment ou à long terme.
Les médicaments employés pour traiter les symptômes associés à la SP permettent d’atténuer la fatigue, les troubles de la mobilité, la spasticité et la douleur, par exemple.
This document provides practical information for those who use these medications. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For more complete information, consult the manufacturer's literature. You will find all the details on the uncommon side effects and contraindications of this product.
1. The information in these fact sheets is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice and counsel of your pharmacist or other health care professional. Always consult a health care professional before taking or discontinuing any medication or making any other decision. Spec-Pharma and pharmacist-owners Gabriel Torani and Habib Haddad do not assume any responsibility or liability whatsoever for the availability of the drug information sheets.
2. The medications and pharmaceutical services presented in this section are offered by the owner-pharmacists Gabriel Torani and Habib Haddad.