News that there is progress in developing oral drugs for multiple sclerosis, a neurological disease that strips the ability of the nerves to send impulses from the brain, is raising hope so millions of patients with the disease.<\/p>\n
The biggest plus of medications like Cladribine (Merck) and Fingolimod (Novartis) is that they are taken by mouth. Right now, the only medications that could slow ![\"iStock_prescriptionpad\"](\"http:\/\/images1.blisstree.com\/files\/2010\/01\/iStock_prescriptionpad-211x300.jpg\")
down the progress of MS are taken by injection. Cladribine would only be taken for a few days each year, while fingolimod is taken every day. However, researchers are cautioning people about the serious side effects that may come with the drugs.<\/p>\n
It turns out that both medications lower the immune system’s defenses, making patients much more vulnerable to infection. According to news reports, two people in one study died of herpes infections, which likely were allowed to spread because of the body’s inability to keep them in check. Other patients saw latent (dormant) herpes infection come back while on the medications.<\/p>\n
These medications are under study still and there is no long-term data available yet. However, researchers and doctors will continue to monitor the drugs’ effectiveness and safety as more patients take them.<\/p>\n
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Image: iStock.com<\/p>\n
Post from: Blisstree<\/a><\/p>\n