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Contents
  • Types of DMTs
  • Choosing the Right DMT
  • Monitoring Treatment Effectiveness

Disease-Modifying Therapies for MS: What Are Your Options?

Disease-Modifying Therapies for MS: What Are Your Options?

Treating MS Head-On

Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are the cornerstone of multiple sclerosis treatment. But with so many options available, how do you know which one is right for you?
Contents
  • Types of DMTs
  • Choosing the Right DMT
  • Monitoring Treatment Effectiveness

Types of DMTs

DMTs for MS fall into three main categories: injectable drugs, oral medications, and infusion therapies. Injectable drugs, like interferons and glatiramer acetate, were the first DMTs developed. Oral medications include drugs like dimethyl fumarate and fingolimod. Infusion therapies, such as natalizumab and ocrelizumab, are administered intravenously at a healthcare facility.

Choosing the Right DMT

Selecting a DMT is a personalized process that depends on various factors. These include the severity of your MS, other health conditions you may have, your lifestyle preferences, and potential side effects. Some DMTs are more effective but carry higher risks, while others may be safer but less potent. Your neurologist will work with you to find the best balance for your situation.
An overview of disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis, including injectable drugs, oral medications, and infusion therapies, aimed at managing and treating the disease.

Monitoring Treatment Effectiveness

Once you start a DMT, regular monitoring is crucial. This typically involves clinical check-ups, MRI scans, and sometimes blood tests. Your doctor will look for signs of disease activity, such as new relapses or MRI lesions. If your current DMT isn't effectively controlling your MS, your doctor may recommend switching to a different therapy.

FAQs

How quickly do DMTs work?

It can take 3-6 months to see full effects.

Can I stop taking my DMT if I feel better?

No, DMTs are typically long-term treatments.

Are DMTs a cure for MS?

No, but they can significantly slow disease progression.

The Future of MS Treatment

As research continues, new and more effective DMTs are being developed, offering hope for even better MS management in the future.
Curious about which DMT might be best for you? Discuss your options with Doctronic, your AI doctor, for personalized insights.
Additional References
  1. Rae-Grant A, et al. Practice guideline recommendations summary: Disease-modifying therapies for adults with multiple sclerosis. Neurology 2018; 90:777.
  2. Montalban X, et al. ECTRIMS/EAN Guideline on the pharmacological treatment of people with multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 2018; 24:96.
  3. Gross RH, Corboy JR. Monitoring, Switching, and Stopping Multiple Sclerosis Disease-Modifying Therapies. Continuum (Minneap Minn) 2019; 25:715.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.