Melville, New York, resident Ellen Scharaga holds a bachelor's degree in pharmacology from St. John's University. Since 2014, she has been an operational consultant at Alegria Specialty Pharmacy. In this role, Ellen Scharaga helps develop and provide specialty medications for managing chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS).
Multiple sclerosis, a chronic autoimmune condition, impacts the central nervous system. It leads to coordination issues, limb weakness, visual difficulties, and in severe cases, immobility or disability. Doctors diagnose MS using imaging tests, lab analysis, and clinical evaluation. Treatment usually involves therapies, medications, or disease-modifying treatments to manage symptoms and slow progression.
Patients with MS can benefit from specialty pharmacies that offer specialized medication and support services for conditions like MS. Besides providing high-cost medication, these pharmacies offer patient education, medication management, and monitoring. Given the complexity of biological medications for MS, having the necessary expertise and resources for safely storing and transporting them is crucial.
Specialty pharmacy care is also valuable for patients with MS since it allows them to optimize their treatment. Skilled specialty pharmacists have direct contact with these patients to assess and monitor them proactively and address any concerns. Research shows that patients with MS receiving specialty pharmacy care experience fewer relapses than those utilizing community pharmacies.
