New drug may help patients with multiple sclerosis
In order to save money and ease the burden of rising healthcare costs, many American patients buy cheap Canadian drugs from Canadian internet pharmacies, drugs that are comparable to medications in the U.S.
In order to save money and ease the burden of rising healthcare costs, many American patients buy cheap Canadian drugs from a Canadian internet pharmacy, drugs that are comparable to medications in the U.S. Ongoing medical research can add new drugs to that list of available treatments, including a study testing a medication for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS).
MS is a disease in which the body's immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks the myelin cells that line neurons, which may lead to fatigue and loss of coordination and cognitive functions. The disease may be treated by injectable pharmaceuticals, and there is only one medication that can be taken orally.
A new trial, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, tested a drug called teriflunomide on patients with MS. Study participants were divided into three groups: one receiving placebos, one taking 7 milligrams (mg) of the drug, and the last taking 14 mg. Combined, there was a reduction of relapses of about 31 percent for the two groups that received teriflunomide. Relapses were incidents where symptoms that disappeared had returned, or symptoms became worse.
Teriflunomide, which can be taken orally, also lengthened the span of time it takes to have a relapse. It works by keeping the reproduction of immune systems cells in check, the scientists said.
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