MS The Disease
Medical Treatments for Multiple Sclerosis
MS is a lifelong disease. Although no cure exists as yet, there are treatments that have been shown to reduce relapses - and some slow the progression of disability. Thus, these treatments are often called disease-modifying treatments or DMTs. Treatments in this category include interferon beta and glatiramer acetate.
Another group of compounds, called corticosteroids, have also been used to control some of the symptoms of relapse in people with MS.
Further information on such treatments can be found elsewhere in this website. No conclusions regarding comparative safety or efficacy between products can be drawn from the information that appears on MSActiveSource.
Information on particular medicines can be found on a number of websites, such as those from theMS Society and the MS Trust, which provide useful, credible details about MS treatments. You can obtain useful prescribing information at www.emea.eu.int, and the British Association of Neurologists have drawn up clinical guidelines for some MS treatments.
When choosing a medical therapy for MS, all options should be discussed with the doctor. It is important to think about how well the drug works, possible side-effects, how often injections are needed and possible disruptions to daily routines.
MS treatments aim to reduce symptoms and delay the progression of disability. It is important for both persons with MS and those around them to remain committed to treatment regimens and managing their lifestyle. That way, they’ll give themselves the best chance of a good quality of life.