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)
	Use: Treatment of relapsing forms of MS, and to treat after an initial episode of inflammation.
	How administered: Intramuscular (into the muscle) injection
	Frequency of use: Weekly
	Common side effects: Mild flu-like symptoms
	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.

Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD on November 01, 2006

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Important Safety Information | Prescribing Information

ENABLEX is a prescription medicine used in adults to treat the following symptoms due to a condition called overactive bladder:

· having a strong need to go to the bathroom right away (also called "urgency")
· leaks or wetting accidents (also called "urinary incontinence")
· having to go to the bathroom too often (also called "urinary frequency")

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

You should not take once-daily ENABLEX if you have certain types of stomach problems, glaucoma, or have trouble emptying your bladder. Side effects of ENBLEX include blurred vision, and more commonly dry mouth, constipation, indigestion, and abdominal pain. Use caution when doing certain activities until you know how ENBALEX affects you.