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Neurology Group Lists Procedures That May Be Unneeded
Posted 8 Mar 2013 by Drugs.com
FRIDAY, March 8 – Five tests, procedures and treatments that neurologists and their patients should question are outlined in a list released by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) as part of the Choosing Wisely campaign. "With one in six people affected by a brain disease, such as headache, multiple sclerosis and stroke, our goal is to have patients discuss our Choosing Wisely recommendations regarding medical procedures, therapies, and tests with their neurologists," AAN president Dr. Bruce Sigsbee said in an academy news release. The American Board of Internal Medicine Foundation-led Choosing Wisely campaign involves about 35 medical specialty groups and is intended to encourage patients and doctors to discuss appropriate care while avoiding unnecessary tests and treatments. The AAN is one of 17 medical societies that recently released advice lists. Here are the AAN's five ... Read more
Related support groups: Suboxone, Methadone, Headache, Oxycodone, OxyContin, Hydrocodone, Vicodin, Migraine, Morphine, Norco, Fentanyl, Lortab, Opana, Subutex, Codeine, Multiple Sclerosis, Dilaudid, Ischemic Stroke, Opana ER, Roxicodone
Drug Widely Used to Treat MS May Not Slow Progression
Posted 17 Jul 2012 by Drugs.com
TUESDAY, July 17 – Interferon beta, a widely used treatment for multiple sclerosis, does not stave off the time to disability, new research finds. However, prior studies have found that interferon beta does reduce MS flare ups, so patients should continue taking it, researchers said. The new study is published in the July 18 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. In multiple sclerosis, the body's immune system attacks myelin, or the substance that insulates nerve fibers of the central nervous system. The damage disrupts nerve signals traveling to and from the brain, which can lead to numbness, movement difficulties, blurred vision, fatigue and eventually, problems with thinking and memory. About 85 percent of those with multiple sclerosis start with a relapsing-remitting course, in which attacks are followed by partial or total recovery, according to the National ... Read more
Related support groups: Multiple Sclerosis, Avonex, Rebif, Betaseron, Interferon Beta-1A, Avonex Prefilled Syringe, Extavia, Interferon Beta-1B
Early Use of MS Drug May Cut Likelihood of Progression
Posted 19 Apr 2012 by Drugs.com
THURSDAY, April 19 – A new three-year study finds that a multiple sclerosis drug is more likely to prevent patients from progressing to a definite form of MS if it's given early in patients who appear to be ill. The drug, a form of interferon called "interferon beta-1a," is not available in the United States. It is, however, available in countries in the European Union, Canada and elsewhere. "While we've known it's beneficial to start MS drugs as soon as possible, this is the first trial to show a benefit of early injections of interferon beta-1a treatment at three years," Dr. Mark Freedman, of the University of Ottawa in Ontario, Canada, said in a news release from the American Academy of Neurology. The study tracked 517 people who had brain lesions and symptoms – such as tingling, numbness or balance problems – that suggested they might have multiple sclerosis. One-third of the ... Read more
Related support groups: Multiple Sclerosis, Avonex, Rebif, Interferon Beta-1A, Avonex Prefilled Syringe
Autoinjector Version of MS Drug Approved
Posted 28 Feb 2012 by Drugs.com
TUESDAY, Feb. 28 – A pen-delivery version of the multiple sclerosis drug Avonex has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, drug manufacturer Biogen Idec said Tuesday. The self-administering Avonex autoinjector pen is designed to lessen pain and anxiety associated with MS, the Associated Press reported. The drug was first approved in 1996. On Tuesday, the FDA also approved new dosing guidelines to help cut down on flu-like symptoms, a common adverse reaction to the drug, the AP said. Biogen Idec is based in Weston, Mass. More information Medline Plus has more about multiple sclerosis. Read more
Related support groups: Multiple Sclerosis, Avonex, Rebif, Interferon Beta-1A, Avonex Prefilled Syringe
FDA Medwatch Alert: Avonex (interferon beta-1a)
Posted 16 Mar 2005 by Drugs.com
FDA and Biogen notified healthcare professionals of revisions to the WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS/Drug Interactions and ADVERSE REACTIONS/Post-Marketing Experience sections and Medication Guide. Severe hepatic injury, including cases of hepatic failure, has been reported in patients taking Avonex. Asymptomatic elevation of hepatic transaminases has also been reported, and in some patients has recurred upon rechallenge. In some cases, these events have occurred in the presence of other drugs that have been associated with hepatic injury. The potential risk of Avonex used in combination with known hepatotoxic drugs or other products (e.g. alcohol) should be considered prior to Avonex administration, or when adding new agents to the regimen of patients already on Avonex.[March 2005 - Letter - Biogen][February 2005 - Revised Label - Biogen] Read more
Related support groups: Avonex, Avonex Prefilled Syringe