Multiple Sclerosis Medications: A Comprehensive Patient Guide

Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs)

Injectable Medications

• Beta interferons (Avonex®, Betaseron®, Rebif®)

  • Reduce inflammation and frequency of relapses
  • Self-administered via injection
  • Common side effects: Flu-like symptoms

• Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone®)

  • Helps prevent immune system attacks
  • Daily or three-times-weekly injection
  • Side effects: Injection site reactions

Oral Medications

• Fingolimod (Gilenya®)

  • First oral DMT approved for MS
  • Once-daily pill
  • Requires heart monitoring at first dose

• Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera®)

  • Twice-daily pill
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Common side effects: Flushing, GI symptoms

Infusion Treatments

• Natalizumab (Tysabri®)

  • Monthly infusion
  • Highly effective for relapsing MS
  • Requires JCV virus monitoring

• Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus®)

  • Every 6 months after initial doses
  • Effective for both relapsing and primary progressive MS

Symptom Management Medications

Spasticity

• Baclofen
• Tizanidine
• Dantrolene

Fatigue

• Amantadine
• Modafinil

Pain Management

• Gabapentin
• Pregabalin

Important Considerations

1. Regular monitoring required
2. Report side effects promptly
3. Never stop medications without consultation
4. Keep vaccination records updated
5. Maintain regular neurologist visits