() is a medication that is used to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). While is not a cure for MS, it is thought to help with MS by preventing the immune system cells—called lymphocytes—from attacking the nerves of the brain and the spinal cord. helps to decrease the worsening effects and may even prevent or delay disability.
is to be taken orally, usually once a day. It can be taken with or without food as directed by your doctor.
Common Side Effects of :
- coughing
- headaches
- back pain
- diarrhea
Speak to your doctor if any of these side effects worsen.
Additionally, taking may increase your blood pressure, as well as one’s risk of skin cancer and lymphoma. You should talk to your doctor immediately if you notice any new irregular skin growths, moles, or swollen lymph nodes.
may weaken your immune system, which could increase your risk of infection for the time that you are on the medication and up to two months after your last dose. You also have an increased risk of contracting a serious infection, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and herpes. You should speak to your doctor immediately if you develop any signs of an infection, including a persistent cough and/or a sore throat, cold and/or flu symptoms, fever with chills, difficulty breathing, blisters, or sores.
If you already have an infection of any kind, you should not start .
Serious side effects of include:
- shortness of breath
- chest pain
- severe dizziness or fainting
- slow, irregular, pounding, or fast heartbeat
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- eye pain or sensitivity to light
- vision changes, such as blurred vision, blind spots or shadows at the center of your vision, changes in color
- seizure
- a sudden or severe headache
may increase the risk of a rare brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy-PML or may lead to serious liver problems.
Talk to your doctor to find out whether is right for you.
Featured image: photographyMK via DepositPhotos