The infusion method, sometimes called a “drip”, is a means of delivering medication into a person’s bloodstream directly through a catheter that is inserted into a vein. Various medicines are administered through infusions like pain medication, antibiotics, chemotherapy, and blood plasma. A large number of medicines used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis are also given through infusion.
To prepare for an infusion, patients are advised to get plenty of rest and stay well hydrated in the days before the infusion. Sometimes it is recommended to check with the healthcare provider if there are any restrictions on the day of the infusion as sometimes abstinence from caffeine and smoking a few hours before the appointment would be advised.
Most experienced patients know that there are different forms of multiple sclerosis and different types of medication and therapies used to treat multiple sclerosis. The three main therapies that help treat multiple sclerosis are as follows:
1. Therapies that treat flare-ups
A number of therapies are given by infusion to patients with multiple sclerosis. For a patient who is experiencing a flare-up, several infusions of corticosteroids are given over a few days. This infusion helps to reduce the inflammation caused by multiple sclerosis and shortens the duration of a flare-up. Corticosteroids are a type of steroid. They are not that type of steroid that is used to enhance athletic performance or muscle building. They can be consumed orally too.
2. Therapies that prevent a flare-up from reoccurring
Certain preventive therapies for multiple sclerosis are also taken by infusion. Such preventive therapies are also referred to as “Disease-Modifying Therapy” (DMT). Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue. In multiple sclerosis, the nerve tissue particularly myelin a fatty substance covering and protecting the nerve is attacked. DMT’s modify and suppress the process in the immune system to prevent this attack from happening. More than a dozen different DMT’s have been approved in treating multiple sclerosis. Some are given by infusion with doses that depend on the medicine being used. Usually, one infusion takes several hours. DMT’s can also be taken as oral medicine or administered with injections sometimes.
3. Therapies to manage difficult symptoms
For people who suffer from symptoms of multiple sclerosis, some therapies would be prescribed to help address issues like pain, depression, bladder control problems, and sexual difficulties. Such treatments for multiple sclerosis are usually taken in the form of oral medication or through injections.
It is very important to know that multiple sclerosis affects everyone differently. Every therapy is not suitable or appropriate for every patient. The therapy used would depend on a number of factors and the decision should be made with the help of a healthcare provider. It is important to remember that none of these therapies would cure multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis is a lifelong condition that requires the patient to work with their doctor continuously and also to strictly adhere to the treatment plans advised by them.
