The term alternative therapy, in general, is used to describe any medical treatment or intervention that has not been scientifically documented or identified as safe or effective for a specific condition. Alternative therapy encompasses a variety of disciplines that range from diet and exercise to mental conditioning to lifestyle changes.

A biologic drug is a product that is produced from living organisms or contain components of living organisms. Biologics include recombinant proteins, tissues, genes, allergens, cells, blood components, blood, and vaccines. Biologics are used to treat numerous disease and conditions, for example:

• Anemia
• Chronic migraine
• Hepatitis B
• Hemophilia Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prophylaxis
• HPV prevention
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Inflammatory bowel disease

Side effects of biologics depend upon the specific biologic drug; however, common side effects may include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Rash
• Itching
• High blood glucose levels
• Cough
• Constipation

Drug interactions, preparations, and pregnancy and breastfeeding information should be reviewed prior to administering these drugs.

Interferons are a family of natural occurring proteins. Interferons are used to treat many diseases that involve the immune system for example, cancers, hepatitis, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, genital and perianal warts, and granulomatous disease. Side effects, drug interactions, warnings and precautions and patient safety information should be reviewed prior to taking any medication.

Avonex (interferon beta 1a injection) is an injection medication prescribed to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults. Common side effects include:

• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Stomach pain
• Injection site pain
• Sinusitis
• Nausea
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Dizziness

Drug interactions, and pregnancy and breastfeeding safety information should be reviewed prior to using this medication.

Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a degenerative disease of the covering around the nerves in the central nervous system (CNS). Researchers and doctors don't know the exact cause, but many theorize that it may be due to:

• Environmental triggers
• An autoimmune disease
• Viruses (infections)

Symptoms of MS include:

• Vision changes
• Paralysis
• Vertigo
• Heat intolerance
• Slurred speech
• Sexual dysfunction
• Urinary incontinence

There's no vaccine or cure for MS, but the progression and symptoms of the disease can be treated.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms vary from person to person, and can last for days to months without periods of remission. Symptoms of MS include problems with the:

• Bowel
• Bladder
• Eyes (vision)
• Muscles
• Speech
• Swallowing
• Brain and nervous system
• Sexual problems

Treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of symptoms. Medications may be prescribed to manage MS symptoms.

Multiple sclerosis or MS is an autoimmune disorder in which brain and spinal cord nerve cells become demyelinated. This damage results in symptoms that may include numbness, weakness, vertigo, paralysis, and involuntary muscle contractions. Different forms of MS can follow variable courses from relatively benign to life-threatening. MS is treated with disease-modifying therapies. Some MS symptoms can be treated with medications.

Explore tips on how to make your home multiple sclerosis (MS) friendly.

Multiple Sclerosis is a debilitating neurological condition. Take the MS Quiz to test your knowledge of the causes, symptoms, risks and treatments.

Learn about multiple sclerosis (MS) causes, symptoms, and treatment for this autoimmune disease that attacks the nerves of the central nervous system and damages myelin affecting the brain and spinal cord.

Learn about celebrities, such as Montel Williams and Jack Osbourne, who are living with multiple sclerosis.

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis may be single or multiple and may range from mild to severe in intensity and short to long in duration. See a picture of Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms and learn more about the health topic.