Secondary Progressive MS: Symptoms and Treatment
The FDA has approved one disease-modifying drug called mitoxantrone (Novantrone) to treat SPMS. But it still mainly works to treat relapses.
Mitoxantrone has serious side effects, including heart problems and leukemia. So there’s a limit to how much people can use it in their lifetimes. It’s usually for people with disease that gets worse quickly when other treatments don't work.
Another drug called methotrexate, often used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, may improve symptoms in people with SPMS.
There are drugs that can ease a lot of the symptoms you might have with SPMS. For example, there are medications to relive pain, bladder problems, fatigue, and dizziness.
Lifestyle changes can also make a difference. Doctors recommend sticking to a healthy diet and trying to keep your weight under control.
Exercise is also good for SPMS and other types of the disease. Try activities that get your heart pumping a bit, like brisk walking or swimming, and those that help you stretch and strengthen your muscles and improve your range of motion. They’ll give you more energy and boost your mood. It's also a good way to control your weight.
In this article
Treatment continued...
The FDA has approved one disease-modifying drug called mitoxantrone (Novantrone) to treat SPMS. But it still mainly works to treat relapses.
Mitoxantrone has serious side effects, including heart problems and leukemia. So there’s a limit to how much people can use it in their lifetimes. It’s usually for people with disease that gets worse quickly when other treatments don't work.
Another drug called methotrexate, often used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, may improve symptoms in people with SPMS.
Managing Your Symptoms
There are drugs that can ease a lot of the symptoms you might have with SPMS. For example, there are medications to relive pain, bladder problems, fatigue, and dizziness.
Lifestyle changes can also make a difference. Doctors recommend sticking to a healthy diet and trying to keep your weight under control.
Exercise is also good for SPMS and other types of the disease. Try activities that get your heart pumping a bit, like brisk walking or swimming, and those that help you stretch and strengthen your muscles and improve your range of motion. They’ll give you more energy and boost your mood. It's also a good way to control your weight.
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