Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

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PharmDFighter 06/17/2013

Hey guys:
Sorry I have not been too active on this site for a while, just been superbusy with a lot of problems. From what I understand Methylprednisolone IV is still the drug of choice for MS relapse, but I wanted to ask you guys what your physicians have done for your guys when you have had an MS relapse? Did they give ACTH or Solumedrol? Was it IV or PO? Thanks for all your help!

mjideas 06/18/2013

Hi. 1000iu solumedrol is the classic treatment protocol for acute attacks. But it's potentially very dangerous. ACTH was the only treatment a along time ago. I have heard there has been a comeback in useage here and there. But when I asked the doctor about it I was told it was remarketed with a price increase and they did not see it as a useful choice.

Here is some useful info:

http://library.med.utah.edu/kw/ms/treat_standard.html

Have you got a good MS specialist helping you?

Melanie

jelinek121 06/19/2013

I just receive prednisone when I called my dr. to let him know I was having an exaserbation. I don't know if this helps you, but it is what I was currently given.

PharmDFighter 06/19/2013

Hey, thanks so much for your reply and the info. I'm actually not insured and currently don't even even have an MS specialist. The MS specialist, whom I was seeing, Dr. Krloczyk, abandoned his position and joined Genzyme Pharmaceuticals.
I know that IV methylprednisolone (generic name for Solu-medrol) is still the drug of choice and 1 gram for 3-5 days is administered for acute attacks. The last time I received that was back in '06. So, it has been 7 years and I doubt the side effect profile (hyperglycemia, hypertension, weight gain, osteoporosis, tachycardia, etc) would be too big of an issue for me. I know the drug itself is cheap, but the reason it costs so much money and well over a thousand is due to its administration. I wish they would sell the drug and allow myself to administer it on my own. Have you known of a case that they allowed the patient to purchase the drug and take it elsewhere for administration?

deleted_user 06/20/2013

In the beginning Solumedrol was administered to me several times. Then I saw the other MS doctor of the same practice and he immediately halted any additional Solumedrol.

I personally thought that was the best move for me especially since I thought that Solumedrol was worthless and that I obtained no benefit from it.

But then again it depends on how you define "acute".

My first MS doctor thought if you sneezed then you had an acute flare up. Afterwards, I felt I was under no obligation to prop up the finances of the corporation that makes Solumedrol.

So you have to define for yourself what truly is an acute flare up between the ups and downs of MS.

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