There are currently six disease-modifying medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in relapsing forms of MS (including secondary-progressive MS for those people who are still experiencing relapses).
- None of them is a cure for MS.
- None will prevent recurring symptoms, such as fatigue or numbness, which typically come and go in an hour or a day.
- All of them have proven records of partial to substantial success.
- Unfortunately, none of the currently available disease-modifying drugs are approved for treating primary progressive MS the - type of MS that shows steady progression at onset.
Decisions about taking a disease-modifying drug are best made by carefully considering and weighing factors including, individual lifestyles, known side effects, and the potential risks and benefits of the different therapies.
A full discussion with a knowledgeable physician is the best guide for your decision. Each person’s body or disease can respond to these medications in different ways.
Rebif®, Copaxone®, Betaseron®, and Avonex® are self-injectable drugs for long-term use; they modulate the immune system (meaning, they adjust or modify how the immune system functions). Tysabri®, which is also an immune-modulating drug, is delivered by IV infusion (into the vein) at a registered infusion facility. Novantrone® is a powerful immune system suppressor, delivered by IV infusion in a medical setting.