Diagnosis: Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis: Drug Therapy
A number of drugs have been shown to slow the progression of MS in some people. These are called the disease modifying drugs. They include:
- Avonex (interferon beta-1a)
- Betaseron (interferon beta-1b)
- Copaxone (glatiramer acetate)
- Novantrone (mitoxantrone)
- Rebif (interferon beta-1a)
- Tysabri (natalizumab)
How Do These Drugs Work?
All of these drugs work by suppressing, or altering, the activity of the body's immune system. Thus, these therapies are based on the theory that MS is, at least in part, a result of an abnormal response of the body's immune system that causes it to attack the myelin surrounding nerves.
Do the Drugs Cure MS?
These medications do not cure MS, but they do reduce the frequency and severity of attacks and the development of new brain lesions. In addition, they slow down the progression of MS, reducing future disability.
These drugs can improve the quality of life for many people with MS. Therefore, most doctors suggest that treatment with one of these drugs be started in most people as soon as a diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS has been made.
Is Drug Therapy Right for Me?
The decision concerning whether or when to begin treatment with one of these medications is best made by you and your doctor. Factors that should be considered include potential side effects, benefits, frequency, method of medication delivery, and your personal concerns, priorities and lifestyle.
The most important goal is to find a treatment you can use comfortably and consistently. Each pharmaceutical company offers customer support and may also provide some financial assistance for qualifying individuals without prescription drug coverage.
Here's what you need to know about the most commonly used MS drugs.
| Avonex (interferon beta-1a) | |
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Use: Treatment of relapsing forms of MS, and to treat after an
initial episode of inflammation. |
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How administered: Intramuscular (into the muscle) injection |
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Frequency of use: Weekly |
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Common side effects: Mild flu-like symptoms |
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| Support Program: MS Active Source 1-800-456-2255 | |
| Betaseron (interferon beta-1b) | |
| Use: Treatment of relapsing forms of MS | |
| How administered: Subcutaneous (under the skin) injection | |
| Frequency of use: Every other day | |
| Common side effects: Mild flu-like symptoms | |
| Support Program: MS Pathways 1-800-788-1467 | |
| Copaxone (glatiramer acetate) | |
| Use: Treatment of relapsing-remitting MS | |
| How administered: Subcutaneous (under the skin) injection | |
| Frequency of use: Daily | |
| Common side effects: Possible reaction at the injection site | |
| Support Program: Shared Solutions 1-800-887-8100 | |
| Novantrone (mitoxantrone) | |
| Use: Treatment of rapidly worsening relapsing-remitting MS and for progressive-relapsing or secondary-progressive forms of MS | |
| How administered: Intravenous (by vein) | |
| Frequency of use: Once every 3 months or four times a year. Maximum dose 8-12 doses | |
| Common side effects:Nausea, hair thinning, decreased white blood cell count | |
| Support Program: MS LifeLines 1-877-447-3243 | |
| Rebif (interferon beta-1a) | |
| Use: Treatment of relapsing forms of MS | |
| How administered: Subcutaneous (under the skin) injection | |
| Frequency of use: Three times per week | |
| Common side effects: Mild flu-like symptoms | |
| Support Program: MS LifeLines 1-877-447-3243 | |
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Neurosceince Center.
WebMD Medical Reference
Important Safety Information
AVONEX (interferon beta-1a) is approved by the FDA to treat relapsing forms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) to decrease the number of flare-ups and slow the occurrence of some of the physical disability that is common in people with MS. AVONEX is approved for use in people who have experienced a first attack and have lesions consistent with MS on their MRI.
AVONEX can cause serious side effects, so before you start taking AVONEX, you should talk with your doctor about the possible benefits of AVONEX and its possible side effects to decide if AVONEX is right for you.
Sometimes interferons, including AVONEX, make people feel sad. If you are taking AVONEX and feel unusually sad, you should tell a family member or friend right away and call your doctor as soon as possible.
Some people have had severe allergic reactions, a drop in their red or white blood cell levels, a drop in the cells that help form blood clots, heart problems, changes in their thyroid function, or seizures.
Your liver may be affected by taking AVONEX and a few patients have developed severe liver injury.Your healthcare provider may ask you to have regular blood tests to make sure that your liver is working properly. If your skin or the whites of your eyes become yellow or if you are bruising easily, you should call your doctor immediately.
AVONEX has not been studied in pregnant women. If you become pregnant while taking AVONEX, you should stop taking AVONEX immediately, tell your doctor, and consider enrolling in the AVONEX Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-800-456-2255.
Most people who take AVONEX have flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, sweating, muscle aches, and tiredness) early during the course of therapy. For many people, these symptoms lessen or go away over time. Talk to your doctor if these symptoms continue longer than the first few months of therapy, or if they are difficult to manage.
For more information, please see the patient Medication Guide and full Prescribing Information. This information is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider.
