MS Meds

Question 1

is MS curable

Answer 1

no

Question 2

why do we treat MS with meds

Answer 2

modify disease process
manage symptoms
treat acute relapse

Question 3

do drugs work for all pt with MS

Answer 3

no

Question 4

what type of drugs do we use for MS

Answer 4

immunomodulators

Question 5

why would we stop immunomodulator treatments

Answer 5

lack of effect or toxicity

Question 6

if trt is stopped what happens in MS

Answer 6

pt goes back to pretreatment state

Question 7

acute relapses of MS are treated with

Answer 7

high dose IV glucocorticoids

Question 8

daily meds for MS

Answer 8

immunomodulators - interferon beta

Question 9

s/e of interferon beta

Answer 9

causes flu-like symptoms to be expected

Question 10

how should interferon be given

Answer 10

injected under skin - should have good injection technique - rotate site - look for abcess formation

Question 11

when is interferon beta given

Answer 11

start low dose taken at bedtime with tylenol

Question 12

when taking oral immunomodulators monitor for

Answer 12

bradycardia, get baseline ecg

Question 13

if pt with MS is not responding to immunomodulators what drug class is used

Answer 13

immunosuppressants

Question 14

prototype immunosuppressant

Answer 14

mitoxantrone

Question 15

how is mitoxantrone given

Answer 15

IV

Question 16

what do we want to monitor while on mitoxantrone

Answer 16

blood count, liver, pregnancy test, echo for every dose (Heart failure is permanent)