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Red Flags: When to Call Your Doctor About MS Medication Side Effects
Published: May 08, 2024
While oral medications for multiple sclerosis can be highly effective, they can also cause side effects. Knowing which symptoms warrant immediate attention is crucial for your safety.
Infection Warning Signs
Many MS medications can increase your risk of infections. Watch for symptoms like fever, chills, or severe fatigue that don't go away. Persistent cough, shortness of breath, or painful urination could also signal an infection. Pay special attention to any new neurological symptoms, as these could indicate a rare but serious brain infection called PML. If you experience any of these, contact your doctor promptly.
Cardiovascular Concerns
Some MS drugs, particularly S1PR modulators, can affect your heart. Call your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain, palpitations, or feel like your heart is racing or skipping beats. Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting spells could also indicate heart rhythm problems. These symptoms are especially important to report when you first start treatment or increase your dose.
Liver and Digestive Issues
Many oral MS medications can potentially impact your liver. Contact your healthcare team if you notice yellowing of your skin or eyes, dark urine, or pain in the upper right part of your abdomen. Severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea should also be reported, as these could indicate liver problems or other serious digestive issues.
Visual Changes
Some MS medications can affect your vision. If you experience any sudden changes in your eyesight, such as blurred vision, double vision, or eye pain, don't wait for your next appointment to mention it. These could be signs of inflammation in the eye or other serious conditions that need prompt attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Never stop MS medications suddenly without consulting your doctor first.
Serious side effects are generally rare, but it's crucial to be aware of them.
When in doubt, it's always better to contact your healthcare team.
Yes, some side effects may appear weeks or months after starting treatment.
Not necessarily, but your doctor needs to know to determine the cause.
Better Safe Than Sorry
While most people tolerate MS medications well, being vigilant about potential side effects is an important part of your treatment.
References
- Fragoso YD. Multiple sclerosis treatment with fingolimod: profile of non-cardiologic adverse events. Acta Neurol Belg 2017; 117:821.
- Arvin AM, et al. Varicella-zoster virus infections in patients treated with fingolimod: risk assessment and consensus recommendations for management. JAMA Neurol 2015; 72:31.
- Gilenya (fingolimod): Drug Safety Communication - FDA warns about cases of rare brain infection. http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm457183.htm
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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