Multiple Sclerosis Disease Modifying Medicaitons (Medications that help prevent future attacks)

There are now over 20 medications that can reduce the progression of multiple sclerosis. Each one of these medications has a different side effect profile and different data to support its use. Unfortunately there is very little data that compares each 1 to help patients decide which is best.

Unfortunately each insurance plan may only cover part of these and it is often best to start off by figuring out what your insurance will cover before deciding what you think would be best for you. These medications are all very expensive. I strongly recommend going to a site like the National MS Society to get more information. It often takes 1-2 visits of talking about each one to help patients decide. If your disease progresses despite using the medication properly, you may want to try a different medication to see if it works better.

The different brand names as well as agents change on a regular basis.

Oral Medications:

• SP1 inhibitors: Ozanimod (Zeposia), Ponesimod (Ponvory), Siponimod (Mayzent), Fingolimod (Gilenya, Tascenso)

• Fumarates: Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera), Diroximel fumarate (Vumerity), Monomethyl fumarate (Bafiertam)

• Teriflunomide (Aubagio)

• Cladribine (Mavenclad)

At Home Injections:

• CD 20 Agents: Ofatumumab (Kesimpta)

• Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone, Glatopa)

• Interferons: Interferon beta-1a (Avonex, Rebif ), Interferon beta-1b (Betaseron), Peginterferon beta-1a (Plegridy)

Infusions:

• CD 20 agents: Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus), Ublituximab (Briumvi)

• Natalizumab (Tysabri, Tyruko)

• Alemtuzumab (Lemtrada)

• Still on market but almost never used: Mitoxantrone (Novantrone)