Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive, and unpredictable autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system, causing communication problems between the brain and other parts of the body.

It affects more than 2.3 million people worldwide, most of them between the ages of 20 and 40.

MS symptoms can vary greatly and can include fatigue, numbness or tingling in the limbs, muscle weakness, balance and coordination problems, vision problems, bladder and bowel dysfunction, cognitive dysfunction, and depression.

While there is no cure for MS, there are several drugs that can modify the course of the disease, slow its progression, and relieve its symptoms. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has identified 14 drugs that are approved by the U.S.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of MS.

1. Avonex (Interferon beta-1a)

Avonex is a once-weekly injection of Interferon beta-1a that is used to reduce the frequency and severity of MS attacks, slow the accumulation of physical disability, and decrease the number of brain lesions visible on MRI scans.

It has been approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS.

2. Betaseron (Interferon beta-1b)

Betaseron is a thrice-weekly injection of Interferon beta-1b that is used to reduce the frequency and severity of MS attacks, delay the progression of physical disability, and decrease the number of brain lesions visible on MRI scans.

It has been approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS.

3. Copaxone (Glatiramer acetate)

Copaxone is a daily injection of Glatiramer acetate that is used to reduce the frequency and severity of MS attacks, delay the progression of physical disability, and decrease the number of brain lesions visible on MRI scans.

It has been approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS and for a first clinical episode suggestive of MS.

4. Extavia (Interferon beta-1b)

Extavia is a thrice-weekly injection of Interferon beta-1b that is used to reduce the frequency and severity of MS attacks, delay the progression of physical disability, and decrease the number of brain lesions visible on MRI scans.

It has been approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS.

5. Gilenya (Fingolimod)

Gilenya is a daily pill of Fingolimod that is used to reduce the frequency and severity of MS attacks, delay the progression of physical disability, and decrease the number of brain lesions visible on MRI scans.

It has been approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS and for a first clinical episode suggestive of MS.

6. Lemtrada (Alemtuzumab)

Lemtrada is an infusion of Alemtuzumab that is used to reduce the frequency and severity of MS attacks, delay the progression of physical disability, and decrease the number of brain lesions visible on MRI scans.

It has been approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS and for patients who have had an inadequate response to two or more MS therapies.

7. Mavenclad (Cladribine)

Mavenclad is a pill of Cladribine that is used to reduce the frequency and severity of MS attacks, delay the progression of physical disability, and decrease the number of brain lesions visible on MRI scans.

It has been approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS and for patients with active secondary progressive MS.

8. Mayzent (Siponimod)

Mayzent is a daily pill of Siponimod that is used to reduce the frequency and severity of MS attacks, delay the progression of physical disability, and decrease the number of brain lesions visible on MRI scans.

It has been approved for the treatment of secondary progressive MS with active disease and for relapsing-remitting MS.

9. Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab)

Ocrevus is an infusion of Ocrelizumab that is used to reduce the frequency and severity of MS attacks, delay the progression of physical disability, and decrease the number of brain lesions visible on MRI scans.

It has been approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS and for primary progressive MS.

10. Plegridy (Interferon beta-1a)

Plegridy is a once-every-two-weeks injection of Interferon beta-1a that is used to reduce the frequency and severity of MS attacks, slow the accumulation of physical disability, and decrease the number of brain lesions visible on MRI scans.

It has been approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS.

11. Rebif (Interferon beta-1a)

Rebif is a thrice-weekly injection of Interferon beta-1a that is used to reduce the frequency and severity of MS attacks, slow the accumulation of physical disability, and decrease the number of brain lesions visible on MRI scans.

It has been approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS and for a first clinical episode suggestive of MS.

12. Tecfidera (Dimethyl fumarate)

Tecfidera is a twice-daily pill of Dimethyl fumarate that is used to reduce the frequency and severity of MS attacks, delay the progression of physical disability, and decrease the number of brain lesions visible on MRI scans.

It has been approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS.

13. Tysabri (Natalizumab)

Tysabri is an infusion of Natalizumab that is used to reduce the frequency and severity of MS attacks, delay the progression of physical disability, and decrease the number of brain lesions visible on MRI scans.

It has been approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS and for patients with active secondary progressive MS.

14. Vumerity (Dimethyl fumarate)

Vumerity is a twice-daily pill of Dimethyl fumarate that is used to reduce the frequency and severity of MS attacks, delay the progression of physical disability, and decrease the number of brain lesions visible on MRI scans.

It has been approved for the treatment of relapsing forms of MS.

While these drugs can help many people with MS, they are not without side effects. The most common side effects of interferon-based drugs are flu-like symptoms, injection site reactions, and liver problems.

The most common side effects of Glatiramer acetate, Fingolimod, and Cladribine are injection site reactions, flushing, and gastrointestinal problems. The most serious side effects of Alemtuzumab and Natalizumab are infections and autoimmune disorders.

If you have MS, it is important to work closely with your healthcare provider to find the best treatment for you based on your individual circumstances, medical history, and preferences.

You may need to try several drugs before finding the one that works best for you.

Additionally, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress reduction, and adequate sleep.

These lifestyle factors can help improve your overall health and well-being and may even help reduce MS symptoms and slow MS progression.

Conclusion

MS is a challenging and complex condition that requires a multifaceted approach to treatment. While there is no cure for MS, there are many drugs that can modify the course of the disease, slow its progression, and relieve its symptoms.

With the guidance of a healthcare provider and the support of a strong network of family and friends, people with MS can manage their condition and lead full and meaningful lives.