Please read this USA Today article about organizations that help people with obtaining information in regard to the new health exchanges.

Two reports of adverse events have appeared in the media recently. Each referred to an individual with MS who had been taking an MS disease-modifying therapy (DMT) and later became ill or died.

Article summary: Published studies to date continue to affirm the safety of several vaccinations for individuals with MS. These vaccines (listed in this article) do not increase the risk of developing MS or exacerbating its symptoms. The safety of the shingles vaccine is more difficult to judge for individuals with MS, since this is a live-virus vaccine. Vaccines that use a live virus could pose a risk for individuals with compromised immune systems, resulting from an illness or a medication taken for an illness. The shingles vaccine is important for individuals 60 years and older, because the risk of developing shingles, as well as a painful long-term complication of shingles, greatly increases with age. Similar to the shingles vaccine, the yellow fever vaccine also uses a weakened, live virus. In a small study, the yellow fever vaccine was shown to increase MS disease activity. Before receiving any vaccine, individuals with MS should consult their physician to make sure that the specific vaccine and its timing is appropriate for them.

Article summary: Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV), which is the same virus that causes varicella (chickenpox). The reactivation of this virus causes a painful rash with clusters of fluid-filled blisters. Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common complication of shingles, causing chronic, sometimes excruciating pain. The shingles vaccine (Zostavax®) is recommended for use in people 60 years and older to reduce the risk of shingles. The shingles vaccine is a live, attenuated vaccine, which could be an issue for members of the MS population, as medications that may modulate or suppress the immune system could pose a risk with a live vaccine. Individuals with MS who are considering a shingles vaccine should discuss the risks and benefits with their doctor.

The largest and most comprehensive meeting on multiple sclerosis (MS) care and research in North America took place May 29 through June 1 in Orlando, Florida, combining the 27th Annual Meeting of CMSC and the 18th Annual Meeting of ACTRIMS. This meeting is unique in that it brings together researchers and clinicians from across the spectrum of MS care, including physicians, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, psychologists, social workers, pharmacists, rehabilitation specialists, and advocacy professionals.

It is now known that mitoxantrone can harm your heart’s pumping action. This harm can show up while you are being treated with the medicine or many years later. To be sure it is working well, your heart needs to be tested before you are treated with mitoxantrone and every year thereafter, even after you stop using mitoxantrone. If the testing shows your heart needs some help, the sooner you get treatment, the better for your health.