Improvements in Mental and Physical Health with Oral Therapy for MS Patients

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. It can lead to a variety of physical and mental symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, depression and anxiety.

Although there is currently no cure for MS, there are treatments available that can help to manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

Oral therapy is a relatively new form of treatment for MS that involves taking medication orally rather than through injections or infusions.

Oral medications work by suppressing the immune system to reduce inflammation and prevent damage to the myelin sheath that surrounds nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. There are currently several oral medications available for MS treatment, including:.

Fingolimod
Dimethyl fumarate
Teriflunomide
Cladribine
Siponimod

Benefits of Oral Therapy for MS

Oral therapy for MS has several benefits over traditional injectable medications, including:.

Convenience: Oral medications can be taken at home, so there is no need to visit a healthcare provider for injections or infusions.
Lower risk of infection: Injectable medications can increase the risk of infections and other complications, whereas oral medications do not.
Improved adherence: Patients may be more likely to stick to their treatment regimen if they do not have to deal with injections or infusions.
Reduced infusion-related side effects: Traditional MS medications are administered through infusions that can cause flu-like symptoms and other side effects. Oral medications do not have these side effects.

Improvements in Physical Health

MS can have a significant impact on a person’s physical health. Oral therapy has been shown to improve physical symptoms and reduce the frequency and severity of MS relapses.

Studies have found that patients taking oral medications had fewer relapses and slower disease progression compared to those taking injectable medications.

One study of over 1,200 patients found that those taking oral medications had a 38% lower risk of disability progression compared to those taking injectable medications.

Oral medications have also been shown to reduce the number and severity of MS lesions in the brain and spinal cord.

Improvements in Mental Health

MS can also have a significant impact on a person’s mental health. Depression and anxiety are common among MS patients and can be difficult to manage. Oral therapy has been shown to improve mental health symptoms in MS patients.

A study of over 400 MS patients found that those taking oral medications had lower rates of depression and anxiety compared to those taking injectable medications.

The study also found that patients taking oral medications had better cognitive function and quality of life compared to those taking injectable medications.

Potential Side Effects

While oral therapy for MS has several benefits, it is not without potential side effects. Common side effects of oral medications include:.

Nausea
Diarrhea
Headache
Fatigue
Increased risk of infection
Elevated liver enzymes

Patients should talk to their healthcare provider about potential side effects and whether oral therapy is the right choice for their individual treatment needs.

Conclusion

Oral therapy for MS is a convenient and effective treatment option that can improve both the physical and mental health of MS patients.

While there are potential side effects, most patients tolerate oral medications well and appreciate the convenience and improved adherence compared to injectable medications. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine if oral therapy is the right choice for your individual treatment needs.