Yet Another Reason Why MS Drugs Harm Your Health

Multiple sclerosis (MS), an auto-immune disorder that causes blurred vision, weakness and memory loss, affects more than 1 million people worldwide. And just like other MS "wonder drugs," Biogen Idec's Avonex has been linked to critical, potentially fatal, side-effects. Together with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Biogen has issued a warning that Avonex could cause severe liver damage to MS patients.

A statement posted on the FDA's web-site further stated that the drug has, in some cases, been found to cause liver damage in the presence of other drugs linked with hepatic (liver) injury.

But this isn't the first time Biogen has experienced product pitfalls: Two cases of an unusual, but deadly, infection of the central nervous system occurred in patients taking Avonex in juxtaposition with Tysabri - already pulled from the market - for over two years. To say the least, Biogen's stock continues to crash and burn.

Beta-Interferon Drugs Responsible for Liver Problems
Avonex is an injectable medicine known as a beta-interferon drug, which blocks the immune system's white cells from attacking the protective coating that surrounds nerve fibers. Other beta-interferon drugs rivaling Avonex include:

Pfizer's Rebif
Schering's Betaseron

In defense, a Biogen spokeswoman explained that liver trouble has been found to be a side effect among all drugs in the beta-interferon class, and that the warnings pertaining to Avonex are not a product-specific case. Both Rebif's and Betaseron's labels contain warnings pertaining to potential liver problems. Avonex's label is schedule to reflect revisions soon.
ABC News March 16, 2005

DR JOSEPH MERCOLA'S COMMENT: Yet another crystal clear example of how detrimental drugs can be to your health. Drug solutions are rarely ever the best bet for disease but that is especially true for MS. Additionally with MS, most drugs are quite expensive and typically cost well over $1,000 per month.

And as noted in the above article, Avonex, like other MS drugs, is an interferon. Interferon drugs have the power to damage brain functions and are among the conventional medications that may harm or even kill their users. If you are not familiar with the danger of interferon drugs please read Dr. Russell Blaylock's excellent article titled, The Harmful Brain Effects of Interferons.

I have rarely found interferons to be effective in treating MS and have never prescribed it. Even though it has the appeal of a "natural" therapy, it really isn't because it is forcing the body to some unnatural level of interferon, which is unlikely to be anything but randomly associated with the optimal level.

Additionally, your body has a dynamic intricate feedback loop that constantly modulates and adjusts important biochemistry like interferon. Once you remove the feedback loop out of the circuit you are simply asking for trouble. Generally a prescription for interferon is a prescription for potential disaster. Depression is a common side effect of interferons and is the last thing someone with MS needs.

Treat MS With Safe Alternatives Instead
I used to cringe when a new MS patient would come to my office, as the tools I had 10 years ago were not sufficient to significantly alter the course of the disease. However, since then I have learned that there are a number of very effective natural treatment options for improving MS and, in many cases, eliminating it entirely. With these new tools I welcome MS patients in the practice, as I am confident that the vast majority can be improved:

It is imperative to have your vitamin D blood levels checked. I would check the level every month or two until the level was between 45 and 55. Believe me, it is worth the hassle, time and expense to get this one right as vitamin D clearly is vital in the treatment of MS.

MS patients must receive adequate amounts of vitamin D, as it keeps your cell growth and activity in check. Although sunshine is still your best natural source of vitamin D you can consume a high-quality cod liver oil.

Fish oil and cod liver oil are also loaded with beneficial omega-3 fats like DHA and EPA. These are also critical in the treatment of MS. You may not need any supplemental vitamin D in the form of cod liver oil, but virtually every single MS patient needs a high-quality fish oil once their vitamin D levels have stabilized with sun exposure.

In my experience with MS patients, there is nearly always a precipitating traumatic emotional event that causes the immune system to crash. Issues related to this event need to be addressed by using an effective energy psychology tool like the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), but only with the help of an experienced practitioner.

Removal of heavy metal toxins like mercury.

Like most diseases, the earlier in the course of the illness you start treatment, the higher the likelihood of success will be. Thus, start utilizing the resources above and experience the benefits for yourself!
Healthy News You Can Use, 2nd April 2005
issue #625 www.mercola.com

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