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Here is My Question:
I am scheduled to begin Tysabri on Monday and today is Thursday. Do I continue taking my current medication Aubagio up until my infusion appointment? Answer: You should speak with your neurologist. I put my patients through a cholestyramine elimination protocol when transitioning away from aubagio. Also, it is not recommended to be on combination therapy for MS. Not undergoing the elimination protocol would effectively be getting combined therapy since Aubagio can be detected in the body for an extended period of time after stopping (up to 2 years). A. Scott Nielsen MD MMSc Neurologist and MS Specialist at Kaiser Permanente Here is My Question:
I am taking Tecfedira and want to know how I can raise my WBC, as this medicine is making it low. Answer: This is a known effect to Tecfidera exposure. The fact that WBC are below the normal level is not surprising. What’s more important is the degree of the drop. The only way to reverse significant/severe leukopenia is to discontinue the medicine (this should only be done with the knowledge of your treating physician). In your case, it isn’t clear that coming off is even advised. That should be determined by discussion with your neurologist. A. Scott Nielsen MD MMSc Neurologist and MS Specialist at Kaiser Permanente Here is My Question:
I am a male who has lived with MS for many years. Although I have strength in my hands, I do have sensory loss in my fingers. In the past year or so I have noticed that my finger tips are more sensitive to heat & cold. For example, if I heat something up in a microwave oven and then try to carry the dish to the table it feels extremely hot to my touch. I always need to use a glove or have my wife carry the dish. The same with cold items. It seems the cold or heat are enhanced much more than I have ever noticed in the past. Do you think this is common as I grow older with MS or could it be something simple such as thinning skin? Thank you. Answer: The extreme discomfort to tactile stimuli that normally wouldn’t be so noxious is called allodynia. This can happen due to MS or other possible cause related to nervous system injury. Your neurologist can help determine the most likely cause but also suggest potential symptomatic treatment. A. Scott Nielsen MD MMSc Neurologist and MS Specialist at Kaiser Permanente Here is My Question:
Can I take Tecfidera if I am prone to kidney infections? Answer: Yes you can, but you will need proper monitoring (as you would with any of the DMTs to treat MS). Tecfidera can lower white blood cell count and increase your risk for infections. Bladder dysfunction (and increase risk for UTIs) is not uncommon in MS but should be evaluated and managed to reduce the likelihood for infection. A. Scott Nielsen MD MMSc Neurologist and MS Specialist at Kaiser Permanente Here is My Question:
Can I switch back to Tecfidera from Ocrevus? Answer: Theoretically, yes. A. Scott Nielsen MD MMSc Neurologist and MS Specialist at Kaiser Permanente Here is My Question:
Can I donate plasma in San Antonio with multiple sclerosis? Answer: My understanding is that MS patients are still allowed to donate blood products to the red cross and other organizations unless your MD recommends against this for other reasons Revere (Rip) Kinkel MD Professor of Clinical Neurosciences Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program Clinical Neurosciences Director University of California San Diego |
PLEASE NOTE: This information/opinions on this site should be used as an information source only. This information does not create any patient-HCP relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.
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