The IFNB Multiple Sclerosis Study Group. Trapp B, Peterson J, Ransohoff R, Rudick R, Mork S, Bo L, Axonal Transection in the Lesions of Multiple Sclerosis, NE Jour Med, Vol. 338, No. 5, Jan. 19, 1998. The drug has continued to be available due to pharmacy stock supplies. Individuals may be finding it more difficult to obtain the brand name product as supplies diminish.
Generic forms are available under the name amantadine.
Amantadine is a synthetic antiviral medication used to prevent or treat certain influenza infections. If some of these infections could be prevented, it is possible that some new plaques of MS could also be prevented. Some have reported that this drug can reduce the frequency of exacerbations. Further study is required to confirm this hypothesis. It has been used commonly for people with Parkinson s disease usually without any significant side effects.