Drugs to Treat MS

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affects 2.5 million people around the world. MS is a degenerative disease that causes neurological and physical impairment. The immune system turns against the central nervous system---the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves---and begins attacking the myelin, which is the sheath that lines the nerves. There is no cure for MS, but some drugs can help manage the disease.

Corticosteroids

• Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, dexamethasone or methylprednisolone, can reduce inflammation and are commonly prescribed during an exacerbation, a period when someone suffers active symptoms.

Disease-modifying Agents

• Drugs like Avonex, Betaserone or Rebif are disease-modifying agents that can slow the course of progression for patients with MS. These are also known as interferon treatments.

Copaxone

• Copaxone blocks the immune system's attack on myelin. It is taken daily via injection and can cause shortness of breath.

Neuralgia

• Neuralgia is nerve pain, which is common in people with MS. Drugs such as Amitriptyline, Doxepin and Zonisamide can reduce nerve pain to manageable levels.

Tysabri

• Tysabri blocks cells of the immune system from moving from bloodstream to the brain and spinal cord. The drug is usually a last resort, because it increases the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, an often fatal brain infection.