Modifying the disease course
The following US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved disease modifying therapies for MS have been found through clinical trials to reduce the number of relapses, delay progression of disability, and limit new disease activity (as seen on MRI).
- Injectable medications
- [URL='https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Treating-MS/Medications/Avonex']Avonex
- Oral medications
- Infused medications
Following the treatment plan that you and your healthcare provider have established is the best possible strategy for managing your MS:
Under certain circumstances, some healthcare providers may use medications to treat MS that have FDA approval for other diseases -- also called "off-label" use. Over the past few decades,
several medications have been used off-label in MS.
Managing relapses
MS
relapses are caused by inflammation in the central nervous system that damages the myelin coating around nerve fibers. This damage slows or disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses and causes the symptoms of MS. Most relapses will gradually resolve without treatment.
For severe relapses (involving loss of vision, severe weakness or poor balance, for example), which interfere with a person’s mobility, safety or overall ability to function, your healthcare provider may recommend treatment with high dose oral or intravenous corticosteroids. Corticosteroids do not have any long-term benefit on the disease.
Medication options include:
Managing symptoms
A wide variety of medications are used to help manage the
symptoms of MS. Below are common symptoms of MS and the medications used to treat those symptoms.
Bladder Problems
Dysfunction
Infection
Bowel Dysfunction
Depression
Dizziness and Vertigo
Emotional Changes
Fatigue
Itching
Pain
Sexual Problems
Spasticity
Tremors
Walking (Gait) Difficulties
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