2. OBJECTIVES
â˘Review the etiology and epidemiology of
the multiple sclerosis (MS)
â˘Identify the different types of MS and their
associated symptoms
â˘Understand the pharmacology of the
different MS treatments
4. BACKGROUND
â˘Most common inflammatory demyelinating
disease of the CNS
â˘Characterized by inflammation, demyelination, and
axon degeneration leading to chronic
neurodegeneration
â˘Myelin sheath is damaged
resulting in a breakdown of
communication
between the
CNS and periphery
5. EPIDEMIOLOGY
â˘More than 400,000 people in the United States
and more than 2 million people globally are
affected
â˘Mean age of onset ranges from 28 to 31 years
â˘Incidence varies geographically and genetically
â˘Smoking, Epstein-Barr Virus seropositivity, and other
immunologic conditions are other risk factors
â˘Total lifetime cost: >$4million
6. ETIOLOGY
â˘Exact cause remains unknown
â˘Widely accepted theory:
autoimmune disorder
â˘Autoimmunity is thought to be due to
molecular mimicry
â˘Some evidence indicates MS is an immune-mediated
disorder
â˘Inflammation with blood-brain-barrier disruption
â˘MS lesions and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may show
inflammatory T cells, B cells, and macrophages
7. DIAGNOSIS
â˘Clinical diagnosis based on
exclusion and history of symptoms
â˘Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
â˘Examine active areas of inflammation and scar tissue
â˘Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
â˘Identify certain antibodies and inflammatory cells
â˘McDonald Criteria
â˘Evaluate patients symptoms to determine if they are
suggestive of MS
8. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
â˘Highly variable between patients
â˘Most common initial symptom:
optic neuritis
â˘As MS progresses, common
signs and symptoms include:
â˘Extreme fatigue
â˘Heat intolerance
â˘Depression
â˘Memory impairment
â˘Muscle spasticity
â˘Chronic pain
9. TYPES OF MS
⢠Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS)
⢠Most common (affects 80-85%
patients)
⢠Symptoms flare for 1-3 months, then
condition is stable in between
attacks
⢠Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS)
⢠Initially presents like RRMS, but
there is a progressive worsening of
symptoms
⢠Primary Progressive MS (PPMS)
⢠Steady, gradual neurological
decline
⢠Symptoms are constantly flared
with no period of stability
⢠Progressive Relapsing MS (PRMS)
⢠Progressive decline in neurological
function but with some relapse
12. MANAGING ACUTE EXACERBATIONS
â˘Indications for treatment include functionally
disabling symptoms with evidence of neurologic
impairment
â˘Treatment: methylprednisolone 500-1000 mg IV
daily for 3 - 10 days with or without an oral
taper (usually prednisone)
â˘High dose is essential to ensure T-cell death and
prevent destruction of myelin sheath
â˘Plasma exchange (PE) may benefit patients who
do not respond to corticosteroid therapy
13. CORTICOSTEROIDS: MECHANISM OF
ACTION
â˘Decreases formation, release, and activity of
inflammatory mediators and ultimately inhibits
migration to the area of injury
â˘Used for anti-inflammatory activity,
immunosuppressive properties, and
antiproliferative actions
â˘Also reverse the dilation and increased vessel
permeability in areas of inflammation
14. CORTICOSTEROIDS: SIDE EFFECTS
Short Term Side Effects
â˘Abdominal discomfort
â˘Weight gain
â˘Rounded face, upper back,
and belly
â˘Hyperglycemia, hypertension
â˘Behavioral changes
â˘Increased risk for infection
Long Term Side Effects
â˘Worsening short term
side effects
â˘Osteoporosis
â˘Adrenal insufficiency
â˘Glaucoma, cataracts
â˘Cardiovascular disease
â˘Slow wound healing
Side effects are managed by using the lowest dose for the shortest
time to achieve goals, treating preexisting conditions,
and monitoring
15. CORTICOSTEROIDS: INTERACTIONS
â˘Strong CYP3A4 Inducers: may decrease serum
concentration of corticosteroids
â˘Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors: may increase serum
concentration of corticosteroids
â˘Immunosuppressants may enhance the risk for
hematologic toxicities and risk of infections
17. DISEASE-MODIFYING THERAPIES
â˘Goal is to slow the progression of the disease
and reduce frequency and severity of relapses
â˘Not curative
â˘Treatment options
â˘Self-administered injections
â˘IV infusions
â˘Oral agents
â˘All agents are indicated to treat relapsing forms
of MS
19. INTERFERONS
Mechanism of Action
â˘Unknown
â˘Immunomodulator
â˘Suppresses immune
cell function and
proliferation
Adverse Drug Reactions
â˘Flu-like symptoms
â˘Injection site and
allergic reactions
â˘Depression and
suicidal ideation
â˘Hematologic abnormalities
â˘Congestive heart failure
â˘Hepatic injury
20. INTERFERONS
â˘Monitoring & ADR Management
â˘Alleviate flu-like symptoms with analgesics and/or
antipyretics
â˘Monitor baseline and changes in CBC, LFT, mental
status
â˘Assess for signs and symptoms of cardiac disease
progression
â˘Be aware of neutralizing antibodies
â˘No major drug interactions
21. GLATIRAMER (COPAXONEÂŽ)
Mechanism of Action
â˘Unknown
â˘Suppresses immune cell
function and proliferation
â˘Interfere with antigen
presenting cells (APCs)
Adverse Drug Reactions
â˘Immediate transient post-
injection reaction
â˘Lipoatrophy and skin
necrosis at injection site
â˘Increased risk for infection
22. GLATIRAMER
â˘Monitoring & ADR Management
â˘Avoid lipoatrophy and necrosis by following proper
injection technique and rotating injection sites
â˘Does not require as rigorous monitoring as interferon
products
â˘Interactions
â˘Other immunosuppressants may enhance the
immunosuppressive effect
â˘Toxic effects of vaccines are enhanced
â˘Therapeutic effects of vaccines are diminished
24. IV INFUSIONS: MECHANISMS OF ACTION
â˘Alemtezumab (LemtradaÂŽ)
⢠Binds to CD52 antigens on immune cellsâ surfaces,
which leads to the activation of cell death processes
â˘Natalizumab (TysabriÂŽ)
⢠Binds to the ι-4 subunit of integrin molecules to
block adhesion and migration of immune cells
â˘Mitoxantrone (NovantroneÂŽ)
⢠Inserts into and divides DNA and RNA strands and
prevents repair
25. IV INFUSIONS: ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS
â˘Alemtezumab (LemtradaÂŽ)
⢠>90% of patients in clinical trials experienced
infusion reactions
⢠Increased risk of Herpes Simplex Virus infections
â˘Natalizumab (TysabriÂŽ)
⢠Box Warning: increased risk of developing
progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)
⢠Hepatotoxicity and potential acute liver failure
26. IV INFUSIONS: ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS
â˘Mitoxantrone (NovantroneÂŽ)
â˘Box Warning: myocardial toxicity and potentially-fatal
heart failure (HF)
⢠Maximum lifetime dose: 140 mg/m2 and must discontinue
if left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is <50% or
significantly reduced
â˘Temporary blue discoloration of sclera and urine
â˘Menstrual disorders
27. IV INFUSIONS:
MONITORING & ADR MANAGEMENT
â˘Monitor CBC, signs of infection, dermatologic
changes
â˘Alemtezumab (LemtradaÂŽ)
⢠Premedicate with high-dose corticosteroids
⢠Administer herpes viral prophylaxis
â˘Natalizumab (TysabriÂŽ)
⢠Monitor for symptoms of PML
⢠Monitor for signs of liver injury
â˘Mitoxantrone (NovantroneÂŽ)
⢠Evaluate for cardiac-related signs/symptoms
28. IV INFUSIONS: INTERACTIONS
â˘Other immunosuppressants may enhance the
immunosuppressive effect
â˘Toxic effects of vaccines are enhanced
â˘Therapeutic effects of vaccines are diminished
30. ORAL AGENTS: MECHANISMS OF ACTION
â˘Dimethyl Fumarate (TecfideraÂŽ)
â˘Activates the nuclear factor-like 2 (Nrf2) pathway
and increases interleukin-10, which have anti-
inflammatory and cytoprotective properties
â˘Fingolimod (GilenyaÂŽ)
â˘Sequesters lymphocytes within lymph nodes by
modulating the sphingosine 1-receptor
â˘Teriflunomide (AubagioÂŽ)
â˘Inhibits de novo pyrimidine synthesis by inhibiting
dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, thus having a
ctoytostatic effect on lymphocytes
31. ORAL AGENTS: ADVERSE DRUG
REACTIONS
â˘Dimethyl Fumarate (TecfideraÂŽ)
⢠Flushing
⢠GI events
⢠Increased risk of developing progressive multifocal
leukoencephalopathy (PML)
â˘Fingolimod (GilenyaÂŽ)
⢠Contraindicated in patients with cardiac abnormalities
⢠Bradycardia
⢠Hepatic dysfunction
â˘Teriflunomide (AubagioÂŽ)
⢠Contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment and in
pregnant women
⢠Box Warning: hepatic failure
32. ORAL AGENTS: MONITORING &
ADR MANAGEMENT
â˘Monitor CBC and signs of infection
â˘Dimethyl Fumarate (TecfideraÂŽ)
⢠Take with aspirin (up to 325 mg PO) and food 30 minutes prior
to administration to decrease flushing and GI effects
⢠Withhold therapy if symptoms of PML appear
â˘Fingolimod (GilenyaÂŽ)
⢠First dose must be given in a healthcare setting due to the risk of
bradycardia
⢠Monitor cardiac function
⢠Monitor liver function and enzymes
â˘Teriflunomide (AubagioÂŽ)
⢠Monitor liver function and enzymes
33. SUMMARY
â˘MS is an inflammatory disease that causes axonal
demyelination leading to chronic neurodegeneration
â˘Treatment of MS involves managing acute
exacerbations and slowing disease progression with
Disease-Modifying Therapy
â˘For most patients, the first-line treatment will be the
self-administered injectable interferons or glatiramer
â˘IV infusions and oral agents are options for patients
who cannot tolerate or whose condition does not
respond well to the self-administered medications
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