MS disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are medications that disrupt these misguided attacks.
DMTs are available in three different formsinjections, oral therapies, andIV infusions.
Most are approved to treat relapsing forms of MS in adults.
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This article will compare the numerous DMT options available, including their unique side effect profiles.
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DMT vs.
Symptom Management
DMTs are drugs to improve the long-term outlook of the condition.
They reduce the number and severity ofMS relapsesand slow down the natural progression of the disease.
DMTs are not used to treat individual relapses or daily MS symptoms.
Moderate to severe MS relapses are typically treated with a high-dose, anti-inflammatorycorticosteroidlikeSolu-Medrol (methylprednisolone)or prednisone.
Beta Interferon Drugs
Interferons are proteins that your body makes naturally to help regulate your immune system.
Beta interferon drugs are used to treat relapsing forms of MS.
This can make you more vulnerable to infection.
Copaxone/Glatopa is injected subcutaneously daily or every three days (a higher dose is used).
Many reactions have happened within 1 hour of using Copaxone/Glatopa.
Some signs and symptoms may be the same as those of an immediate post-injection reaction.
Gilenya and Tascenso ODTare approved to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults.
How It’s Taken
Gilenyais taken once a day by mouth, with or without food.
GilenyaandTascenso ODTcan slow your heartbeat, especially when you first start it.
As a result, you will have anelectrocardiogram (ECG)before you take your first dose.
A healthcare professional will also monitor you for at least six hours after your first dose.
How They’re Taken
MayzentandZeposiaare pills taken once a day by mouth with or without food.
MayzentandZeposiamay slow your heart rate when you start taking it.
As with Gilenya, an ECG is required before your first dose.
The most common side effects ofMayzentare headache,high blood pressure, and abnormal liver tests.
Tecfiderais taken twice daily by mouth with or without food.
Like Tecfidera,Vumerityis approved to treat relapsing forms of MS in adults.
Vumerityis taken twice daily by mouth.
If taken with food, you will need to avoid high-fat, high-calorie meals or snacks.
Bafiertamis taken twice daily by mouth with or without food.
Aubagiois taken once a day with or without food.
Mavencladis taken by mouth in two yearly treatment courses.
The most common side effects ofMavencladare upper respiratory infections, headache, and low white blood cell counts.
Intravenous infusion ofLemtradais done over two or more treatment courses.
Lemtradacarries numerous potential side effects.
Novantroneis approved to treat secondary progressive MS,progressive-relapsing MS, and worsening relapsing-remitting MS in adults.
Novantroneis infused every three months.
TyrukoandTysabriare infused once every four weeks.
The most common side effects ofTyrukoandTysabriare:
TyrukoandTysabriinclude aboxed warningdue to the increased risk of developing PML.
Ocrevusis infused once every six months.
The most common side effects ofOcrevusfor those with relapsing MS are upper respiratory tract infections and infusion reactions.
The most common side effects ofBriumviare upper and lower respiratory tract infections, infusion reactions, and herpes infections.
These medications come in different forms that may be taken orally, injected, or infused.
That said, navigating the ins and outs of all the DMT options is overwhelming for most.
Besides easing stress, the information provided offers a good starting point for discussion when meeting with your neurologist.
DMTs slow disease progression.
That said, the course of MS varies from person to person.
There is no way to definitively predict how fast someone’s MS will progress.
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