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Are Oral Medications the Future of MS Treatment?
Published: Apr 20, 2024
Oral medications are changing the game for multiple sclerosis treatment. These new pills offer convenience and effectiveness for many MS patients.
The Rise of Oral MS Drugs
Over the past decade, several oral medications have been approved to treat multiple sclerosis. These include fumarates like dimethyl fumarate, S1PR modulators like fingolimod, and other drugs like teriflunomide and cladribine. Oral drugs can be more convenient than injectable treatments, potentially improving adherence. However, they still carry risks and side effects that need to be carefully monitored.
How Do They Work?
Oral MS medications work through different mechanisms to reduce inflammation and protect the nervous system. Fumarates may activate antioxidant pathways. S1PR modulators trap immune cells in lymph nodes. Teriflunomide disrupts rapidly dividing cells. While the exact mechanisms aren't fully understood, these drugs can reduce MS relapses and slow disability progression in many patients.
Weighing the Options
Choosing an MS treatment is a complex decision that should be individualized for each patient. Factors to consider include disease activity, other health conditions, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Oral drugs may be preferred by patients who want to avoid injections. However, some of the newer infusion therapies may be more potent for very active disease. Discuss the pros and cons of all options with your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many oral drugs show similar or better efficacy compared to injectable therapies.
Common side effects include flushing, GI issues, and increased infection risk.
Most are taken daily, but some have different dosing schedules.
Many patients can switch, but discuss the transition carefully with your doctor.
Long-term safety data is still being gathered, but so far results are promising.
A New Era of Treatment
Oral medications have expanded options for MS patients, offering new hope for controlling this challenging disease.
References
- Derfuss T, et al. Advances in oral immunomodulating therapies in relapsing multiple sclerosis. Lancet Neurol 2020; 19:336.
- McGinley MP, Cohen JA. Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulators in multiple sclerosis and other conditions. Lancet 2021; 398:1184.
- La Mantia L, et al. Fingolimod for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016; 4:CD009371.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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