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Managing the Disease Course

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By Editorial Team

2 min read

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: June 2025 | Last updated: June 2025

Although multiple sclerosis (MS) does not have a cure, there are many drugs you can take to help treat the disease. These drugs, called disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), help prevent permanent damage to your central nervous system (CNS). This damage can occur early in the disease, even when you feel well and do not have symptoms. That is why treatment with DMTs should begin as soon as possible after diagnosis.1

What are DMTs?

DMTs have been shown to reduce the number and severity of attacks or relapses that people with MS have. By preventing new lesions, DMTs can slow the damage to the brain and spinal cord caused by MS. They can thus slow down the progression of disability.1

Several DMTs are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating MS.1

Injected treatments

  • Avonex® (interferon beta-1a)
  • Betaseron® (interferon beta-1b)
  • Briumvi™ (ublituximab)
  • Copaxone® (glatiramer acetate)
  • Extavia® (interferon beta-1b)
  • Glatopa® (glatiramer acetate)
  • Kesimpta® (ofatumumab)
  • Ocrevus Zunovo™ (ocrelizumab and hyaluronidase)
  • Plegridy® (pegylated interferon beta-1a)
  • Rebif® (interferon beta-1a)

Oral treatments

  • Aubagio® (terlflunomide)
  • Bafiertam™ (monomethyl fumarate)
  • Gilenya® (finglolimod)
  • Mavenclad® (cladribine)
  • Mayzent® (siponimod)
  • Ponvory™ (ponesimod)
  • Tecfidera® (dimethyl fumarate)
  • Vumerity® (diroximel fumarate)
  • Zeposia® (ozanimod)

Intravenous (IV) treatments

  • Briumvi® (ublituximab)
  • Lemtrada® (alemtuzumab)
  • Novantrone® (mitoxantrone)
  • Ocreveus® (ocrelizumab)
  • Tysabri® (natalizumab)
First-line and second-line drugsSome DMTs are first-line drugs. This means that they are the first drugs tried when someone is diagnosed with MS. Other drugs are reserved for people who have not responded to the first-line drugs. These treatments are second-line drugs.2Will DMTs improve my daily symptoms?DMTs do not improve symptoms that someone already has from MS lesions. DMTs just prevent new lesions and the development of new symptoms. However, many symptoms of MS can be managed using other types of drugs and lifestyle changes. You might find that a combination of treatments works best. Many people with MS manage their disease activity using DMTs and their symptoms with other treatments and a healthy lifestyle.1,2Which MS treatments are best?There is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing MS. A wide range of therapies and treatment options are available. Your choice of treatments will depend on many factors. These include:1How active your MS disease isThe route of administrationYour symptomsYour overall healthAny other medical conditions you may haveSome DMTs to manage MS disease activity are chosen based on the following factors:1Effectiveness at preventing relapsesPotential side effects and other risksYour medical history and other health conditionsCosts and insurance coverageThe desire to become pregnant, as some drugs are not safe during pregnancyAbility or willingness to learn how to self-inject, as some drugs are given by injectionWhen choosing a treatment for MS, work closely with your doctor to find the best plan. This may involve trying different therapies to see what works best. Keep your goals in mind as you and your doctor decide on a treatment plan.1Managing your MS disease course can be a challenge. But with the help of your doctor, you can find a treatment plan that works for you. Many drugs may help reduce the number of relapses or lesions you develop. Work closely with your doctor to ensure you are getting the most out of your treatments.1

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Treatment results and side effects can vary from person to person. This treatment information is not meant to replace professional medical advice. Talk to your doctor about what to expect before starting and while taking any treatment.