MS in the Media - 13 April 2018

Possible new side effects of Lemtrada have been identified.  Although the side effects have only affected a small numnber of people, each is potentially serious.  There have been eight cases of acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) (inflammation of the gall bladder), two of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) (an inflammatory blood disorder) and one of cardiac ischemia (poor blood flow to heart muscles).

Source: MedPage Today

MS Trust link: Lemtrada (alemtuzumab)

Results from a study of Tysabri (natalizumab) found that whilst the overall outcome showed the drug was no better than placebo as a treatment for secondary progressive MS, it did slow progression of upper-limb disability. These previously announced results have just been published in a medical journal

Source: Neurology Advisor

MS Trust link: Drug in development for secondary progressive MS

James Coke, who has MS and uses a wheelchair, was unable to get out of his first floor flat when the lift in the building was broken. Claiming a breach of his human rights, he refused to pay rent whilst the lift was out of order and successfully sought compensation. He encourages others in a similar situation to do the same.

Source: Guardian

MS Trust link: Personal stories of life with MS

A Canadian study found that the beta interferon drugs and glatiramer acetate weren't associated with a higher risk of infections. More recent disease modifying drugs (DMDs) did raise the risk of an infection. The most common infections experienced were upper respiratory tract, urinary tract (UTI), skin-related, bronchitis, and pneumonia.

Source: MS News Today

MS Trust link: MS Decisions - a guide to the disease modifying drugs for relapsing remitting MS