| Subject: Re: Novantrone, 2 years |
Author:
nancy young
|
[
Next Thread |
Previous Thread |
Next Message |
Previous Message
]
Date Posted: 06:38:22 03/23/05 Wed
In reply to:
Reesa Marchetti
's message, "Novantrone, 2 years" on 07:00:36 02/14/04 Sat
Hi Reesa (nice name!)
I'm just about to start Novantrone - have you been stable since this message?
How are your veins? Previous Steroid IVs have caused problems, so this is something I am glad to be aware of.
Thanks agan, best,
Nancy
>Hi,
>
>My experience with Novantrone is probably different,
>as with most MS symptoms, but here goes.
>
>I have been on Novantrone for 2 years, but I've been
>approved to continue because in the second year, the
>dose was cut in half. This was done after the
>administering doctor consulted with my neurologist.
>With the doses cut in half, my lifetime "allowance" is
>doubled. I also take a Copaxone shot daily.
>
>At first, I actually felt an improvement after each
>Novantrone treatment. I was walking better and had
>more energy. But it was only temporary. By the third
>treatment, I felt no better and realized I was
>experiencing a very slow progression of my original
>symptoms (mainly a foot dragging).
>
>But I continued with Novantrone because it did have
>one clear benefit: the length of time between attacks
>increased. Prior to Novantrone, when I was on Copaxone
>alone, I had an attack within two years. Since
>starting Novantrone, I have been attack-free for three
>years.
>
>This is the longest I have been attack free since I
>was first diagnosed with MS, about 7 years ago.
>
>One clear drawback to the Novantrone is that whichever
>vein I receive the infusion in becomes irritated to
>the point of what my primary doctor calls vasculitis.
>It itches like crazy for about two months after the
>treatment. One vein (treated over three months ago)
>has darkened and become hard to the touch. I'm still
>waiting for it to return to normal.
>
>When I researched the side effects, I found that this
>is a rare, but known effect. The treating physician
>diluted the Novantrone solution the last time I
>received it (two weeks ago), but the vein is itching.
>Hopefully, it will not become hard like the other one.
>
>I would like to know more about counteracting this
>side effect. Are there any other medications that can
>be added to the solution to protect the vein? I know
>they include a mild steroid to prevent nausea. Could
>this be changed or increased?
[
Next Thread |
Previous Thread |
Next Message |
Previous Message
]
| |
Feedback: 