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A very important benefit of the recent Vioxx scandal: Pharmaceutical companies, both big and small, appear to be much more sensitive these days to anything involving a deadly side effect related to one of their toxic drugs. The latest "victims" of this heightened awareness are Biogen Idec and Elan Corp., the makers of Tysabri, the so-called "wonder" drug touted to treat multiple sclerosis (MS).
Both companies suspended sales of Tysabri after two cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare infection of the brain and spinal cord, including a fatal one. Additionally, these side effects were felt by patients who took Tysabri in addition to Avonex, Biogen's existing MS drug, for at least two years. No evidence of PML was found in patients who took only Tysabri, however.
Biogen and Elan also stopped a clinical trial that used Tysabri to treat rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. The companies plan to re-examining brain scans from all patients in previous clinical trials to learn more about what connections may exist between Tysabri and PML.
Just more proof, taking a toxic drug that claims to "cure" a condition can sometimes kill the patient too. In fact, over the past few years, I've learned there are a number of very effective, natural treatment options for improving MS and, in many cases, eliminating it entirely.
- It is imperative to have your vitamin D blood levels checked.
- MS patients must receive adequate amounts of vitamin D, as it keeps your cell growth and activity in check. Although sunshine is your best natural source of vitamin D, with winter's cold touch still being felt, you probably won't get enough of it to make a difference. That's why I recommend consuming high-quality fish or cod liver oil.
- 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, but only with the help of an experienced practitioner.
Yahoo News February 28, 2005