Types of MS treatment
Learn about the common types of MS therapies
Advances are being made that help us better understand multiple sclerosis (MS) and address it. Although there is no cure for MS, there are disease modifying therapies (DMTs) available. The common goals of DMTs include:
- Slowing the development of brain lesions, which can be detected with an MRI*
- Reducing relapses
- Delaying the progression of physical disability
*The link between brain lesions and the progression of relapsing MS has not been confirmed.
The best option for you depends on many factors, including your treatment goals and preferences, which you should discuss with your healthcare team. You may be given different types of treatment to consider or choose from. It’s important to discuss them, with the help of your healthcare team, so you can understand the benefits and risks of each option and make the best treatment choice for you.
There are 3 main types of MS treatment:
Pills, also known as oral medications, can come in tablet or capsule form.
Additional Considerations
- Can be an alternate option if you’re not comfortable with needles
- Can be self-administered
- Can be taken with or without food
- May require a more frequent dosing schedule
- May have to take more than 1 pill a day
- May experience certain side effects while on treatment
Infusion treatments are administered intravenously (IV), usually through a needle in the arm. They may be given less frequently than self-administered therapies and are typically administered by a healthcare professional in a hospital, infusion center, or doctor’s office.
Additional Considerations
- Usually require a less frequent dosing schedule
- It is administered by a healthcare professional
- May have the chance to meet others living with MS while receiving your infusion
- May need to factor in additional travel time to an infusion center or doctor’s office
- May take 60 minutes or longer, depending on your prescribed treatment
- May experience certain side effects while on treatment
Injectable therapies are another way to treat MS. Your doctor can show you, or your care partner, how to use a needle or autoinjector to inject the medication under your skin or into your muscle tissue.
There are 2 common types of injections: intravenous and subcutaneous. Intravenous injections are sent directly into your vein using a needle or a tube. Subcutaneous injections are usually self-administered under the skin.
Additional Considerations
- May have a less-frequent dosing schedule
- Can be self-administered and taken in a place comfortable with you
- Will need to feel comfortable with injections
- May experience certain side effects while on treatment
Be sure to discuss your symptoms and treatment options with your doctor. Together, you can weigh the benefits and risks of each option and decide which treatment may be best to help with your MS.
Word key
- Infusion (in-FYOO-zhun)
- Injection (in-JEK-shun)
- Subcutaneous (sub-kyoo-TAY-nee-us)
- Intravenous (in-tra-VEEN-us)
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