Nursing Assessment, Management and Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases
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defects in the infants of pregnant women . Contraception should be used while taking this medication and up to 2 years afterward. ● Siponimod (Mayzent) : Siponimod can help to reduce the rate of relapse and slow progression of MS. It is also approved for use in secondary- progressive MS. This drug is harmful to a developing fetus. Contraception is advised while taking this medication and for 10 days after the medication is discontinued. Associated side effects include viral infections, liver dysfunction, and low WBC counts. Changes in heart rate, headaches, and vision problems may also occur. ● Cladribine (Mavenclad) : Cladribine is usually prescribed as a second line treatment for patients with relapsing- remitting MS as well as for secondary- progressive MS. It is administered in two treatment courses spread over a 2-week period over a period of 2 years. This drug is contraindicated in patients who have chronic infections, cancer, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Both men and women should use contraception while taking this drug and for 6 months after the medication is stopped. Side effects include upper respiratory infections, headaches, tumors, serious infections, and reduced levels of WBCs. Symptomatic therapies Certain medications may be adminis- tered to control symptoms. Such medica- tions include drugs for bladder issues, an- tidepressants, vertigo, and fatigue (Rebar et al., 2019). Medications are not the only treatment initiative for patients with MS. It is im - portant that an interdisciplinary team approach be used in the treatment of
patients. Additional treatment initiatives may include the following: ● Physical therapy. ● Occupational therapy.
● Speech-language therapy. ● Neuropsychology therapy. Complementary medicine
Many people with MS use various alterna - tive or complementary therapies to help manage systems. Complementary thera- pies include the following (Mayo Clinic, 2020b): ● Exercise. ● Meditation. ● Yoga. ● Massage. ● Acupuncture. ● Relaxation techniques. Researc h findings suggest that main - taining adequate levels of vitamin D may have a protective effect and may lower the risk of developing MS. Some experts consider vitamin D supplementation as a modifiable risk factor for MS develop - ment (Mayo Clinic, 2021e). Daily intake of vitamin D3 of 2,000- 5,000 international units daily is recom- mended for patients with MS (Mayo Clin - ic, 2020b). However, it is important to note that very large doses of vitamin D over a long period of time may lead to toxicity. Signs and symptoms of vitamin D toxicity include nausea, vomiting, con- stipation, reduced appetite, weakness, and weight loss. Toxicity can also cause increased levels of blood calcium, which, in turn, can cause kidney stones (Mayo Clinic, 2021e). Nursing interventions As mentioned throughout this educa- tion program, nurses often take the lead in medication administration education. Patients and families both need educa- tion regarding medication administration.
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