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What drugs treat primary progressive MS?
The medication ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) is approved to treat PPMS. It is a first-medication, meaning you don’t have to try other therapies before you can take it. Ocrevus can lower the number of cells in your blood that cause your immune system to go into overdrive and attack the myelin around your nerves.
Can medication stop the progression of MS?
Medication can help to manage attacks, reduce symptoms, and slow the progression of multiple sclerosis.
How long can you live with primary progressive MS?
A study published in 2017 reported that the average life expectancy for people with PPMS was 71.4 years . In contrast, the average life expectancy for people with relapsing-remitting MS was 77.8 years.
Does Ocrevus help primary progressive MS?
Ocrevus is the first drug which has been shown to reduce disability in clinical trials of progressive MS and is the first drug to be approved for NHS treatment of primary progressive MS.
Can PPMS be mild?
Each type might be mild, moderate, or severe. MS affects people differently. With PPMS, neurologic functions get steadily worse in the beginning. There are no symptom flare-ups (also called relapses or attacks).
What is the difference between primary and secondary progressive MS?
Many people who are initially diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS find that, over time, their MS changes. They have fewer or no relapses but their disability increases. As this follows an initial (primary) relapsing remitting phase, this is known as secondary progressive MS.
Is primary progressive MS hereditary?
Our findings suggest a hereditary component to the disease process of PPMS. It would be worthwhile to identify patients with familial PPMS for future research on disease modifying genes in MS.
How can I help someone with progressive MS?
Meet with a financial counselor or social worker that has experience helping people with MS. They may help you learn about insurance programs, medicine assistance programs, or other financial support programs for which you might be eligible. Let your doctor know that you’re concerned about the costs of treatment.