*Hello Jenna,* ** *I have Devic's NMO. Actually, they know now that it is not an MS variant, but is a disease of it's own. It's caused by a pathological antibody---the NMO IgG, and requires a totally different treatment than MS. MS requires immunomodulation, Devic's requires intense immunosuppression. Standard crab drugs do not work on the Devic's patient. * ** *The first line of defense for us, is Imuran (Azathioprine) and Prednisone. CellCept (Mycophenolate mofetil.) is also used often, as is IV SoluMedrol. Frequently, we have rescue plasmapheresis (PLEX or plasma exchange, one treatment every other day for two weeks.) though many continue to fail on these treatments. * ** *There is currently no treatment that is guaranteed to prevent a Devic's attack, though many have had good luck with Rituxan. (A monoclonal antibody, chemo drug---Rituximab.) I myself have just had a relapse despite using Rituxan and having a BCell (CD 19) count of zero percent. * ** *It's an extremely complicated disease, with both a high morbidity and mortality rate.* ** *Gracie * *Devic's Support*
