Lymphocytic colitis in the setting of teriflunomide use for relapsing multiple sclerosis.

Teriflunomide is an oral monotherapy used to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis. Although teriflunomide may be associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, these events are mild and self-limiting. We present a 39-year-old female who developed severe diarrhea and lost 20 pounds within 3 weeks of starting teriflunomide.

Best Practices in Alemtuzumab Administration: Practical Recommendations for Infusion in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis.

With the growing complexity of multiple sclerosis (MS) care, nursing professionals have increasing responsibility in managing clinical disease and treatment. Nursing professionals and other health care providers play important roles in educating patients about disease-modifying therapy options, the course of therapy, and managing potential adverse effects. A panel of nursing and MS experts was convened and used a modified Delphi method to reach consensus on best-practice recommendations for alemtuzumab infusion in MS patients.

MS patients report excellent compliance with oral prednisone for acute relapses.

Background: Multiple Sclerosis is characterized by relapses separated by periods of relative quiescence. High dose intravenous corticosteroid pulses for three to five days is the current standard for the treatment of acute relapses, but recent evidence supports the use of equivalent doses of oral therapy as an alternative. The highest single dose preparation of oral prednisone is a 50mg tablet, requiring patients to take 25 tablets a day.

The evolving role of the multiple sclerosis nurse: an international perspective.

A greater understanding of the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and the need for treatments with increased efficacy, safety, and tolerability have led to the ongoing development of new treatments. The evolution of treatments for MS is expected to have a dramatic impact on the entire health-care team, especially MS nurses, who build strong collaborative partnerships with their patients. MS nurses help patients better understand their disease and treatment options, facilitate the initiation and management of treatment, and encourage adherence.

Long-term treatment optimization in individuals with multiple sclerosis using disease-modifying therapies: a nursing approach.

The introduction of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for multiple sclerosis (MS) over the last 7 years has had a significant effect on the management of those living with this disease. Initially, the focus of improving treatment outcomes was on ensuring adherence to therapy by managing drug-related adverse events. However, treatment adherence is only one facet of ensuring optimal health outcomes for patients using DMTs.