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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

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Diagnosed With Multiple Sclerosis. Numbness Resolved With Avonex. Any Medication Other Than Gilenya Without Side Effect ?

Hi .I was diagnosed with Ms about a year and a half ago,it started with numbness from my waist down to my feet. I started avonex and the numbness almost completely resovled and I felt generally well,but new plaques showed up on an mri scan last november. My doctors have advised me to commence gilenya ,but on reading the possible side effects I am nervous of doing same. What would your advice be. Thanks
Wed, 22 Jan 2014
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Neurologist,  's  Response
Hi,

Thank you for posting your query.

I have noted your complaints and case details.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterised by relapses of symptoms and new lesions on the MRI over time. So, it is important to be on a disease modifying drug, which could prevent these.

In your case, avonex (interferon injections) have prevented the relapse of symptoms, however, new lesions have formed on the MRI. Over a period of time, these new lesions would also increase the amount of disability.

Therefore, starting gilenya (fingolimod tablets) is important in your case to prevent the MS disease progression.

I hope my answer helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries or if you require any additional information.

Wishing you good health,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology)
Senior Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in

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Diagnosed With Multiple Sclerosis. Numbness Resolved With Avonex. Any Medication Other Than Gilenya Without Side Effect ?

Hi, Thank you for posting your query. I have noted your complaints and case details. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterised by relapses of symptoms and new lesions on the MRI over time. So, it is important to be on a disease modifying drug, which could prevent these. In your case, avonex (interferon injections) have prevented the relapse of symptoms, however, new lesions have formed on the MRI. Over a period of time, these new lesions would also increase the amount of disability. Therefore, starting gilenya (fingolimod tablets) is important in your case to prevent the MS disease progression. I hope my answer helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries or if you require any additional information. Wishing you good health, Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) Senior Consultant Neurologist Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, India Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar My BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in