Ever get that quiet, nagging sense that something in your body just isn’t right? For me, it started with extra trips to the bathroom — nothing dramatic, just enough to make me pause. Before long, I realized I was dealing with yet another bladder infection. Living with a rare autoimmune…
Therapies specifically approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) are superior to rituximab and other off-label medications at preventing relapses and serious side effects, according to a real-world study in the U.S. The study also showed that among FDA-approved therapies, the…
Discussion
Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with Ultomiris (ravulizumab-cwvz). Not everyone will have the same response to treatment. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy. When Alexion Pharmaceuticals first approached me about being featured for Rare Disease Day on Feb. 28, I initially declined the offer.
NMOSD is a progressive autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks nerve cells, affecting the nervous system. Learn more about the disease here.
Scientists do not know the exact underlying cause of NMOSD. Self-reactive antibodies that target AQP4 are known to play a major role. Learn more about what causes the disease here.
When the disease affects the optic nerve (optic neuritis), it can result in pain inside the eye and possibly blurry vision or vision loss. Learn more about the symptoms of the disease here.
Get regular updates to your inbox.
