Consistently following your multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment plan, along with a holistic approach to your health, can make a significant impact on your quality of life. MS is a chronic neurological condition that requires consistent care. Taking medication regularly as prescribed can help delay disease progression and decrease the risk of relapse.
What Happens When You Skip or Stop Your MS Medication?
Relapses, which are episodic flare-ups of symptoms, can be common with certain kinds of MS. To reduce the frequency and severity of MS relapses, disease-modifying therapies are essential. Medications help manage symptoms like fatigue, muscle weakness, and cognitive issues. Skipping doses or stopping treatment can lead to a return or worsening of symptoms.
In addition, missed medication doses leave your body vulnerable to inflammation and nerve damage. Studies show that inconsistent medication adherence leads to worsening disability over time.
Why Do People Stop Taking Their Medication?
People with MS may stop taking their medication for a variety of reasons, even though medication adherence is important because the disease can progress silently without treatment. Some people experience unwanted side effects. Others may feel the medication is not effective. Still, others feel better and believe they no longer need treatment.
While side effects can be difficult, your healthcare providers can help you with strategies for managing them. Even if you are feeling better or believe your treatment is not working, don’t discontinue a medication without discussing it with your healthcare provider.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by a busy schedule and forget to take your medications, use reminders or a pill organizer to stay on track. Try alarms, apps, or medication journals to track doses and keep on schedule.
Financial barriers and insurance issues should not prevent you from staying on your medication. Assistance programs are available. Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacy for assistance with financial resources that can help you stay on your therapy.
A Holistic Approach to Managing MS
A holistic approach to managing MS focuses on the whole person, addressing your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, along with conventional medical treatments.
Here are some tips so you can adopt a care approach for your MS that centers around yourself:
- Medication Adherence: Even when you feel good, MS can still be active. Consistent treatment helps prevent silent disease progression.
- Stress Management: Stress can worsen MS symptoms. Practices like mindfulness, deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help manage stress.
- A Balanced Diet: A nutrient-rich diet supports overall health and energy.
- An Active Lifestyle: Gentle exercise, such as stretching, walking, or swimming, helps maintain mobility and reduce fatigue.
- Sleep Prioritization: Quality rest is crucial for managing fatigue and supporting overall well-being.
- A Strong Support System: Emotional and mental health matter. Lean on family, friends, or MS support groups for strength.
- Take Charge of Your Health: Be proactive with your MS care. Discuss concerns or side effects with your healthcare provider and make treatment changes together.
The Role of a Specialty Pharmacy in Your MS Treatment
Managing MS is a journey that requires the right care and support. Your healthcare team may include a specialty pharmacy, like California Specialty Pharmacy (CSP), which provides dedicated clinical and patient services that ease the burden of managing MS.
Specialty pharmacies fill prescription medications that aren’t available at retail pharmacies and are more complex than the prescription pills or creams you pick up at your neighborhood store. CSP provides medications and therapies tailored for MS patients and uses tools and technologies to make sure you take your medications on schedule.
CSP’s team of patient care coordinators, pharmacists, and nurses reach out if you experience challenges with your medication adherence, offering you follow-up calls and prescription reminders. The CSP team also helps you manage side effects from treatment. They are available 24/7 to answer questions and address any concerns.
CSP knows that managing MS is more than medication, which is why we offer a holistic approach to care and support you as a whole person.
Resources
For more information on MS, visit:
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society: nationalmssociety.org
- Multiple Sclerosis Association of America: mymsaa.org
- Multiple Sclerosis Foundation: msfocus.org
To learn more about CSP’s services, visit https://csprx.com/services/.
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