Experts Weigh In On Discontinuing Lemtrada Treatments During Pandemic

Lemtrada Stroke Lawsuit News

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Centers For Disease Control together provide thorough, up-to-the-minute information for RRMS sufferers using Lemtrada during the COVID-19 pandemic

Friday, April 10, 2020 - Here's the latest information for those suffering from relapse-remitting multiple sclerosis and are using or contemplating using Lemtrada to mitigate their RRMS symptoms. Lemtrada is considered an immunosuppressant, and the most extreme disease-modifying therapy (DMT) and should only be administered after a risk assessment questionnaire has been completed and signed by both doctor and patient and in the presence of qualified emergency medical care personnel and medical emergency equipment. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMS) gives its guidance to patients as to what to do and expect during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The first objective of the NMS guidance is to clear up the confusion that may exist in the minds of RRMS patients. Any patient currently on DMT or considering starting should consult with their physician before making a decision. The Center for Disease Control should be considered the definitive source for information regarding the status of the pandemic. Lemtrada stroke lawsuit represented by top national attorneys offering a free no obligation consultation before filing a claim and work on contingency.

Patients with RRMS and taking DMT are in the highest risk group for succumbing to the virus, however, there is no reason to stop treatments until an MS healthcare provider has been consulted. DMTs in and of themselves, including Lemtrada, carry the risk of causing sudden death, a factor that should be taken into account before starting treatments. The NMS has looked to the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) and all other members of the MS Coalition in formulating their guidance. Lemtrada is considered a high-risk cell depleting therapy and others include Mavenclad, Ocrevus, and Rituxan according to NMS. Lemtrada (alemtuzumab )"depletes certain types of immune system cells known as lymphocytes and is considered an immunosuppressant and therefore may increase your risk of infections, including COVID-19."

The NMS feels that individuals should not necessarily stop their DMT due to an added risk of death from COVID-19. The NMS explains: "Based upon what is known right now, the National MS Society does not believe stopping your DMT is necessary. Stopping your DMT may place you at greater risk for new MS activity. We do recommend that you speak with your MS provider for advice about your specific situation and weigh the risks and benefits." The NMS also advises RRMS patients not to postpone a prescribed but pending DMT treatment due to the COVID-19 crisis. Other factors must be taken into consideration such as one's age and medical history and a physician should be consulted. "You should start your DMT. Some DMTs may increase your risk of infections, including COVID-19. This must be weighed against other factors including your MS activity, your age, other medical conditions and other potential factors that could impact your DMT, " according to the NMS. The NMS also recommends that one should not necessarily switch DMT to one that carries less chance of contracting COVID-19 as switching to a less effective drug could expose RRMS patients to even greater risk.

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