Medication Options: Injectable Medications


Medication Options: Injectable Medications

Injectable medications were the first treatment options to be approved for multiple sclerosis, with Betaseron being the first in this category to be approved in 1993. Since then, numerous other treatments have entered the picture, including many other injectable, infusion and oral medications. The primary role of each of these injectable medications is to target inflammation in the central nervous system. Let’s take a closer look at each of them.

Interferons

Interferon beta-1a (Avonex, Rebif), peginterferon beta-1a (Plegridy), and interferon beta-1b (Betaseron) are all forms of injectable drugs that help reduce symptoms of relapsing remitting MS and progressive relapsing MS. It is thought that proteins in these drugs keep certain white blood cells that can damage your myelin from entering your central nervous system. In turn, this prevention would help slow the damage these cells create and would help prevent the number of future relapses you have. All of these medications have a different injection schedule. Avonex is injected one time a week. Betaseron is injected every other day. Extavia is injected every other day. Rebif is injected three times a week and Plegridy is injected every two weeks. These injections can be made on the back of your arm, or thigh, and some can be injected into the stomach and lower back as well. Injection sites should be rotated daily.
These medications come with their fair share of side effects unfortunately. The biggest side effects for interferon meds are flu like symptoms, such as fatigue, chills, fever, muscle aches and sweating. The area where are you inject may also become swollen, red and painful. Some individuals report having trouble with their mood as well. Feeling sad, anxious, irritable, having trouble concentrating and having difficulty sleeping have all been reported. (Why can’t any of the side effects be good? Why can’t one give you happiness?)

Glatiramer Acetate (Copaxone)

Copaxone is a man-made substance that is made to resemble the basic protein of natural myelin. It’s supposed to work because your body will start to attack the medication, instead of the actual myelin. It’s used to treat relapsing remitting and progressive relapsing forms of MS. For years, you would have to inject yourself every day when taking Copaxone. In 2014 the FDA approved a higher dose version where injections are needed only three times a week, yay. You can inject Copaxone into your upper arm, stomach, lower back or upper thigh and sites should be rotated daily.
One of the major side effects of Copaxone is the injection site reaction’s. These can be anything thing from pain to a serious reaction. Some of the more common reactions are pain, redness, swelling and blisters. Another common reaction is permanent loss of fat tissue and skin tissue death at the injection site. One of the biggest reactions is the immediate injection site reaction that makes you feel like you’re about to pass out and die. This reaction is characterized by chest pain, fast heart rate, flushing, shortness of breath, throat construction and just a general feeling of terror. Thankfully, these symptoms do go away (somewhat quickly).
When I was on Copaxone, I struggled with the side effects. After every injection, the injection site would become swollen, warm and painful. I also experienced significant skin and fat tissue break down and now I have indents everywhere! My ultimate reaction was when I experienced the dreaded immediate injection site reaction and thought I was going to die in my boyfriends room. I knew what was happening cognitively, but I felt like I was going to pass out and vomit all at the same time. He freaked out as well, and brought me to the ER. That was the end of Copaxone. 

Daclizumab (Zinbryta)

Zinbryta is a monoclonal antibody that affects the immune system. Monoclonal antibodies are made to target and destroy only certain cells in the body, and this may help protect healthy cells in the body from damage. Zinbryta is usually reserved for use once several other medications have failed. This is a once a month injection that is given just under the skin, like Copaxone. Zinbryta can have MAJOR side effects on the liver, and therefore constant monitoring via blood tests is necessary when taking this medication.

Having to inject your medication is not fun. On top of making you feel like you have the flu and are a swollen lump, piercing your skin on the reg can lead to severe feelings of resentment towards your disease. (At least it did for me.) Finding a medication that works for you 1. because it keeps relapses at bay, but 2. works with your life, is key.

I’M ALISSA!

I help women who have also been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis make specific and personalized diet, lifestyle & subconscious changes so that they can begin to heal their body, reduce disease symptoms, and return to a life they love.hey there,

follow along on Instagram:

What she also didn’t know?
The MS diagnosis would be the best thing to happen to her

Ok maybe not best lol, but I now can see what a gift it was.

You see, the MS diagnosis I got eventually gave me a reckoning moment with my health.

Change something, or else this is gonna go downhill fast.
This being my body, my ability to move, to live doing the things I want to do.

And man did it help.

I went from “aggressive MS” to not even thinking about MS on some days.

This process I went through? That’s exactly what I help others with now.

I currently have 2 Individual Client spots open!! (1 might be gone soon though..)

We can work on..
✨How you’re feeling mentally & emotionally about your MS diagnosis.
✨Strategies to mitigate your symptoms, that include nutrition, movement and cognitive/emotional methods
✨Anything else your body needs 

Interested in what this would look like for you?
Comment 🧡🧡 below and I’ll send you details!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #thisisms #becausems #multiplesclerosiswarrior #multiplesclerosissupport

What she also didn’t know?
The MS diagnosis would be the best thing to happen to her

Ok maybe not best lol, but I now can see what a gift it was.

You see, the MS diagnosis I got eventually gave me a reckoning moment with my health.

Change something, or else this is gonna go downhill fast.
This being my body, my ability to move, to live doing the things I want to do.

And man did it help.

I went from “aggressive MS” to not even thinking about MS on some days.

This process I went through? That’s exactly what I help others with now.

I currently have 2 Individual Client spots open!! (1 might be gone soon though..)

We can work on..
✨How you’re feeling mentally & emotionally about your MS diagnosis.
✨Strategies to mitigate your symptoms, that include nutrition, movement and cognitive/emotional methods
✨Anything else your body needs

Interested in what this would look like for you?
Comment 🧡🧡 below and I’ll send you details!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #thisisms #becausems #multiplesclerosiswarrior #multiplesclerosissupport
...

22 2
First..
Save this reel so you can come back to it and send it to a bestie so they can feel better too!!

Now.. how do you feel after taking that breath?

A little more calm, centered and focused?
Probably.

How we breathe is such a huge piece of the nervous system regulation puzzle, this well def help in your efforts.

Give it a try a few times a day, and let me know what you notice!!

If we haven’t met yet, Hi! 👋🏼👋🏼 I’m Alissa.

I’m a Holistic Practitioner & Therapist specializing in MS. 
I use all the tools I’ve comprised over my 10+ year career (and 15+ years with MS) to help my clients decrease their symptoms, improve their overall health and get back to living life on their terms, not MS’ terms.

I currently have 2 Individual Coaching spots open!! (if you live in MA I take some insurance!!)
Comment 🧡 below to learn more!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #becausems #thisisms #multiplesclerosiswarrior #healingmultiplesclerosis

First..
Save this reel so you can come back to it and send it to a bestie so they can feel better too!!

Now.. how do you feel after taking that breath?

A little more calm, centered and focused?
Probably.

How we breathe is such a huge piece of the nervous system regulation puzzle, this well def help in your efforts.

Give it a try a few times a day, and let me know what you notice!!

If we haven’t met yet, Hi! 👋🏼👋🏼 I’m Alissa.

I’m a Holistic Practitioner & Therapist specializing in MS.
I use all the tools I’ve comprised over my 10+ year career (and 15+ years with MS) to help my clients decrease their symptoms, improve their overall health and get back to living life on their terms, not MS’ terms.

I currently have 2 Individual Coaching spots open!! (if you live in MA I take some insurance!!)
Comment 🧡 below to learn more!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #becausems #thisisms #multiplesclerosiswarrior #healingmultiplesclerosis
...

7 0
5 Habits to Help MS Symptoms 

In no particular order:
• Food/ our diet
• Movement 
• Breathing 
• Tracking/Review
• Joy! Fun! Presence!

Want my free Eating for MS Guide? Comment FOOD and I’ll send it to you!

Want my 3 minute morning routine that helps your brain, body and mind?
Comment MOVE and I’ll send it to you!

Let me know if you like these lives and want to hear about more topics!

5 Habits to Help MS Symptoms

In no particular order:
• Food/ our diet
• Movement
• Breathing
• Tracking/Review
• Joy! Fun! Presence!

Want my free Eating for MS Guide? Comment FOOD and I’ll send it to you!

Want my 3 minute morning routine that helps your brain, body and mind?
Comment MOVE and I’ll send it to you!

Let me know if you like these lives and want to hear about more topics!
...

8 6
5 Underrated Supplements to help MS symptoms 

In no particular order:
• ALA- Alpha Lipoic Acid
• NAC N-Acetylcystine
• Lions Mane Mushroom
• NADH/NAD+
• Pre/Probiotics

Have you tried any of these before??
What has been your experience?

5 Underrated Supplements to help MS symptoms

In no particular order:
• ALA- Alpha Lipoic Acid
• NAC N-Acetylcystine
• Lions Mane Mushroom
• NADH/NAD+
• Pre/Probiotics

Have you tried any of these before??
What has been your experience?
...

10 0
5 things to keep in mind about nutrition and MS

1. Addition before subtraction 
2. Eat your fruits, veggies and fats
3. Think about how you’re eating vs what you’re eating
4. Hydrate!!
5. Consider elimination if needed

More questions on food for MS?
Grab your Eating for MS Guide in my bio!!

5 things to keep in mind about nutrition and MS

1. Addition before subtraction
2. Eat your fruits, veggies and fats
3. Think about how you’re eating vs what you’re eating
4. Hydrate!!
5. Consider elimination if needed

More questions on food for MS?
Grab your Eating for MS Guide in my bio!!
...

12 1
Just a guess…

Did I nail it? Almost? I bet.

I’ve seen the same patterns over and over within my clients (and tbh myself)

Growing up hyper independent..
Possibly not getting your needs met as a kid..
Feeling like you’re in control of it all girl boss style.. 
But unable to say no when asked to do anything.. 

You think you’re just being helpful, or kind, or smart..

In reality you’re keeping yourself stuck and sick.

Babe lemme tell you, there is a way out.

Embodied Resilience gives you that path out from under your unhelpful patterns (that always saying yes thing) and your over stressed life

Comment OUT below and I’ll send you details on the group.. we start next week!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #multiplesclerosiswarrior #nervoussystemhealing #thisisms #becausems #msawarenessmonth

Just a guess…

Did I nail it? Almost? I bet.

I’ve seen the same patterns over and over within my clients (and tbh myself)

Growing up hyper independent..
Possibly not getting your needs met as a kid..
Feeling like you’re in control of it all girl boss style..
But unable to say no when asked to do anything..

You think you’re just being helpful, or kind, or smart..

In reality you’re keeping yourself stuck and sick.

Babe lemme tell you, there is a way out.

Embodied Resilience gives you that path out from under your unhelpful patterns (that always saying yes thing) and your over stressed life

Comment OUT below and I’ll send you details on the group.. we start next week!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #multiplesclerosiswarrior #nervoussystemhealing #thisisms #becausems #msawarenessmonth
...

22 2
Stress & MS!!

• How our nervous system should function 
• Why it doesn’t work “right” in todays world
• How to support our nervous system & stress response

Stress & MS!!

• How our nervous system should function
• Why it doesn’t work “right” in todays world
• How to support our nervous system & stress response
...

13 0
First, comment SAFE below and I’ll send you details on my course Embodied Resilience- 
(Maybe the only live round this year) we start March 10th!!

Years and years ago, someone really confused me when they said meditating made their anxiety worse. 

My baby therapist-in-training brain thought, well crap- isn’t that supposed to help???

While yes, it is supposed to, it often doesn’t. 
(Especially if you’ve experienced trauma)

You see, before we get quiet with our thoughts in meditation, our bodies need to feel safe doing so. 

If you don’t feel safe in your body, meditation won’t “work”. 

I see this all the time in my clients:
• they’re going a mile a minute throughout the day..
• thinking 10 steps ahead of what they’re doing..
• ignoring their body all day..

then all of a sudden they sit down to try and meditate and- shocker- they “can’t”

You too? You’re not broken- promise 🧡🧡

Try this instead: 
- Stop what you’re doing and actually sit down (I’ll wait)
- Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths and focus on a loud whooooooshing exhale
- Put your hand on your chest and notice what your body is physically feeling (tight chest? Hole in your stomach? Exhaustion?)
- Gently sway/rock your shoulders back and forth
- Open your eyes and come back to your surroundings. Look around the room and name a few objects you see around you out loud. 
- How did that feel to your mind and body? 

If you’ve been trying all the things to help reduce stress + calm your body and mind but find they “don’t work” I invite you into Embodied Resilience. 

This is one of my signature programs designed to help you learn how to actually manage stress in an effective way, so stress doesn’t cause a MS symptom flare or worse- full blown relapse. 

We’re still in pre-sale, so to get the best price grab your spot now!! 

#lissms #thisisms #becausems #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing #healingmultiplesclerosis #multiplesclerosiswarrior

First, comment SAFE below and I’ll send you details on my course Embodied Resilience-
(Maybe the only live round this year) we start March 10th!!

Years and years ago, someone really confused me when they said meditating made their anxiety worse.

My baby therapist-in-training brain thought, well crap- isn’t that supposed to help???

While yes, it is supposed to, it often doesn’t.
(Especially if you’ve experienced trauma)

You see, before we get quiet with our thoughts in meditation, our bodies need to feel safe doing so.

If you don’t feel safe in your body, meditation won’t “work”.

I see this all the time in my clients:
• they’re going a mile a minute throughout the day..
• thinking 10 steps ahead of what they’re doing..
• ignoring their body all day..

then all of a sudden they sit down to try and meditate and- shocker- they “can’t”

You too? You’re not broken- promise 🧡🧡

Try this instead:
- Stop what you’re doing and actually sit down (I’ll wait)
- Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths and focus on a loud whooooooshing exhale
- Put your hand on your chest and notice what your body is physically feeling (tight chest? Hole in your stomach? Exhaustion?)
- Gently sway/rock your shoulders back and forth
- Open your eyes and come back to your surroundings. Look around the room and name a few objects you see around you out loud.
- How did that feel to your mind and body?

If you’ve been trying all the things to help reduce stress + calm your body and mind but find they “don’t work” I invite you into Embodied Resilience.

This is one of my signature programs designed to help you learn how to actually manage stress in an effective way, so stress doesn’t cause a MS symptom flare or worse- full blown relapse.

We’re still in pre-sale, so to get the best price grab your spot now!!

#lissms #thisisms #becausems #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing #healingmultiplesclerosis #multiplesclerosiswarrior
...

5 3
This is where I start all my clients when they want to start working on their:
- stress management and response
- nervous system regulation
- undoing the unhelpful behavior patterns that got us sick (people pleasing, perfectionism etc)

And the first step I’ll share in my masterclass tomorrow, Cultivating Resilience, all about stress + MS.
 I’ll tell you about the rest of the process too. 

Haven’t signed up yet? There’s still time!!
Comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #stressmanagement #healingmultiplesclerosis #thisisms #becausems

This is where I start all my clients when they want to start working on their:
- stress management and response
- nervous system regulation
- undoing the unhelpful behavior patterns that got us sick (people pleasing, perfectionism etc)

And the first step I’ll share in my masterclass tomorrow, Cultivating Resilience, all about stress + MS.
I’ll tell you about the rest of the process too.

Haven’t signed up yet? There’s still time!!
Comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #stressmanagement #healingmultiplesclerosis #thisisms #becausems
...

18 5
More ways my life has changed 
👇🏼👇🏼

- less nail biting
- my tiggers aren’t as loud and I can move through them without shutting down
- I dissociate less when experiencing really hard things 
- conflicts are shorter with the hubby
- I’m able to ask for what I need 
- more enjoyment day to day
- more dancing and fun
- more attending to my own needs 
- putting myself first
- boundaries!!

These don’t necessarily scream “they’ll help your MS symptoms too” 
But they absolutely will!!

I’m hosting a Masterclass all about stress + MS- and how we can help ourselves manage stress more effectively which in turn helps us to manage MS more effectively.

The class is happening Tuesday evening- comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to register so you don’t miss it!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #thisisms #becausems #nervoussystemhealing #healingmultiplesclerosis #multiplesclerosiswarrior #multiplesclerosisawareness

More ways my life has changed
👇🏼👇🏼

- less nail biting
- my tiggers aren’t as loud and I can move through them without shutting down
- I dissociate less when experiencing really hard things
- conflicts are shorter with the hubby
- I’m able to ask for what I need
- more enjoyment day to day
- more dancing and fun
- more attending to my own needs
- putting myself first
- boundaries!!

These don’t necessarily scream “they’ll help your MS symptoms too”
But they absolutely will!!

I’m hosting a Masterclass all about stress + MS- and how we can help ourselves manage stress more effectively which in turn helps us to manage MS more effectively.

The class is happening Tuesday evening- comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to register so you don’t miss it!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #thisisms #becausems #nervoussystemhealing #healingmultiplesclerosis #multiplesclerosiswarrior #multiplesclerosisawareness
...

19 3
Is people pleasing or perfectionism signs of stress?

You betcha.

Not only are they adding to your mental & physical load via ignoring your needs, demanding perfection from yourself, etc etc..

Having less flexibility in your emotions and actions tells me a lot about your nervous system and how dysregulated you are.

When we have less flexibility in our emotions or how we relate to ourselves, that usually means our nervous system lacks flexibility to manage our daily stressors effectively.

Meaning- you struggle to not feel like an anxious, out of control mess
Or like an exhausted pile of mush

The answer is cultivating resilience in your nervous system & body so that you are able to handle the stress without increasing MS symptoms or these unhelpful patterns.

Wanna know my blueprint I’ve used to help my clients finally come out of years of (partially self inflicted) stress? 

I’m hosting a free Masterclass next week allll about stress + MS, and how to live WITH stress, cause it ain’t goin anywhere.

Comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to register!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing #becausems #thisisms #stressmanagement #multiplesclerosiswarrior #holisticliving

Is people pleasing or perfectionism signs of stress?

You betcha.

Not only are they adding to your mental & physical load via ignoring your needs, demanding perfection from yourself, etc etc..

Having less flexibility in your emotions and actions tells me a lot about your nervous system and how dysregulated you are.

When we have less flexibility in our emotions or how we relate to ourselves, that usually means our nervous system lacks flexibility to manage our daily stressors effectively.

Meaning- you struggle to not feel like an anxious, out of control mess
Or like an exhausted pile of mush

The answer is cultivating resilience in your nervous system & body so that you are able to handle the stress without increasing MS symptoms or these unhelpful patterns.

Wanna know my blueprint I’ve used to help my clients finally come out of years of (partially self inflicted) stress?

I’m hosting a free Masterclass next week allll about stress + MS, and how to live WITH stress, cause it ain’t goin anywhere.

Comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to register!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing #becausems #thisisms #stressmanagement #multiplesclerosiswarrior #holisticliving
...

18 3

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