208. Navigating Treatment Options

Dr. Hesham Abboud joined Dr. Chelsey Judge of The Connor B. Judge Foundation for an ABCs of NMOSD podcast entitled, "Navigating Treatment Options." Dr. Abboud began with an overview of treatments for NMOSD patients experiencing an acute relapse and the timing for introducing these treatments, as well as potential side effects. He talked about factors to consider during the Covid-19 pandemic and strategies for navigating costs and medical insurance. Dr. Abboud outlined each FDA-approved and off-label treatment for relapse prevention and maintenance, possible risks and side effects, potential differences in insurance coverage, and a clinical pharmacist’s role in the selection process. Finally, Dr. Abboud described considerations for a woman who's considering family planning and how to set up co-treatment with an academic or neuroimmunology center.