A number of disease modifying treatments have been shown to benefit patients with the relapsing forms of MS – Avonex, Betaseron, Copaxone, Rebif, Tysabri, and Novantrone. These treatments help decrease the number of MS attacks and the severity of those attacks, as well as reduce the number of brain lesions and brain atrophy. Although all of these medications have side effects, they are manageable by most patients.
Only recently have there been treatments that hold promise for reducing the progress of MS disease progression. Since 1993, the Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of six medications that have been shown to modify the course of the disease:
• Avonex® (interferon beta-1a)
• Betaseron® (interferon beta-1b)
• Copaxone® (glatiramer acetate)
• Rebif® (interferon beta-1a)
• Novantrone® (mitoxantrone)
• Tysabri® (natalizumab)
Do the drugs cure MS?
These medications do not cure MS, but they have shown a reduction in the frequency and severity of attacks, reduction in the development of new brain lesions development and a slowing of disease progression with reduction in future disability level.
Clinical trials have shown that 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 as soon as a diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS has been made.
How do I decide whether to take one of these drugs?
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.
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