MS News that Caught My Eye Last Week: Solution for Lemtrada Complications, CBD Infusions, Vaccines and MS, Music and Exercise
Autoimmune Complications Associated with Lemtrada Solved Using Anti-CD20 Therapies, Case Studies Suggest
One of the concerns about the disease-modifying therapy (DMT) Lemtrada (alemtuzumab) is that it may raise the patient’s risk of developing a secondary autoimmune disease within seven years post-treatment. This small study suggests that the abnormal proliferation of B-cells in some patients caused by Lemtrada treatment might be resolved with the DMTs Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) or rituximab.
Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients treated with Lemtrada (alemtuzumab) may develop additional (secondary) autoimmune reactions.
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Anti-CD20 therapies, including rituximab or Ocrevus (ocrelizumab), are a potential treatment for Lemtrada-associated autoimmune complications in patients who fail to respond to other conventional immunotherapies, according to a case report about two women in Australia.
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Under-the-skin CBD Infusion With Valeritas’ h-Patch Device Prolongs Therapy Effects, Study Finds
This news isn’t specific to multiple sclerosis, because currently in the U.S., the only illnesses for which cannabidiol (CBD) oil is an approved treatment are two rare forms of epilepsy in children. However, this study is worth noting because many people with MS are either using or thinking about using CBD oil to treat their symptoms. The researchers believe that CBD treatment can be more effective and affordable if it’s infused rather than taken by mouth.
Valeritas Holdings‘ proprietary h-Patch device can be used to administer cannabidiol by an under-the-skin (subcutaneous) infusion, prolonging the time the medication remains in circulation in the body and maximizing its therapeutic effects, a preclinical study has found.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabis-derived, purified liquid formulation that has strong anti-seizure, and anxiolytic, or anxiety-reducing properties.
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Vaccines Pose No Risk of Developing MS, Large Population Study in Germany Reports
This is important information for people who are reluctant to receive vaccinations. This study looked at people who received the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine and vaccines for chickenpox, HPV, hepatitis, flu, and several other illnesses. It found no evidence that the vaccines increased the risk of developing MS, but instead, the results “consistently suggest that vaccination is associated with a lower likelihood of being diagnosed with MS within the next 5 years.”
Vaccines are not a risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS), a large data analysis spanning more than 12,250 MS patients in Germany shows.
Fewer vaccinations were given to people who — five years later — would be diagnosed with MS, compared to those who would be diagnosed with other autoimmune disorders or not develop any such disease, it found. Whether vaccines could be protective against MS onset is yet to be determined.
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Music While Walking Makes MS Patients More Motivated and Less Mentally Drained, Study Suggests
I often listen to music while I’m exercising. Don’t you? This study reports that people with MS walk faster and longer if they have music in their ears. I know that I do. And I don’t think that this result would be any different for someone who doesn’t have MS.
People listening to music during an extended walk tend to sync their steps to its beat — and for those with multiple sclerosis (MS), such synchronization helps to overcome mental fatigue and improve motivation, a study found.
“Continuous 12 min walking to music, metronomes and in silence: Auditory-motor coupling and its effects on perceived fatigue, motivation and gait in persons with multiple sclerosis” was published in the journal Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders.
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Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.
About the Author
Eman Yashar
I was diagnosed with MS last year and have been trying to manage my anxiety ever since. The diagnosis turned my world upside down. I was young and healthy. MS doesn't even run in my family. dealing with the existential crisis and knowing tomorrow is no longer promised to me, I had to find a way to make MS part of my life and identity. I started therapy and became active in community groups of people that are living with autoimmune diseases. My doctors wanted me to start taking all kinds of meds to deal with the social anxiety but I knew there was a better way besides I didn't want to get hooked on any benzodiazepines. I had to think long term knowing theirs no cure for MS. all the forums and chat rooms of people living with MS lead me to search for a CBD that would work better than xanex. About 8 months ago.I started researching and testing different brands and mixtures of CBDa. I wanted something that had full spectrum because of the inclusion of plant terpenes, but CBD isolate is a lower cost per milligram. However isolates aren't as potent which means i ended up needing more to feel the same effect. After 6 months of trial and error, I found what worked for me. This 10x pure gold has been saving my life. it's made me social again. i feel comfortable in my own skin. I no longer walk past strangers and think they are talking about me. I can be in a tight crowd of fans and watch a great show with my wife. I was even able to speak in front of hundreds of people for the first time at my great grandmothers funeral.
Ed Tobias
Hello Eman,
Thanks for all of this information. For security reasons, our website policy prohibits including links in comments that are posted. So, I've removed the one that you included in your post. Feel free to reply to this with the name of the website you used but without a link.
Ed