Medication for Children With MS

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is commonly thought to be an adult disease; however, it also may be diagnosed in children. It is estimated that up to 10,000 children under the age of 18 have MS and that up to an additional 15,000 exhibit at least one symptom of the disease.

Considerations

• According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, many of the treatments approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for adults appear to be safe, well-tolerated and helpful in children. However, clinical trials are still needed to determine the effectiveness of such treatments.

Size

• The FDA has approved six disease-modifying medications for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. Not all of these medications work equally well in all patients.

Effects

• There is currently no medication that can cure MS. None of these medications are approved for the treatment of primary progressive MS.

Types

• MS medications are divided into two types: immunomodulating drugs such as interferon, glatiramer acetate and natalizumab and immunosuppressant drugs such as mitoxantrone.

Delivery

• Interferon and glatiramer acetate are self-injectable. Natalizumab and mitoxantrone are delivered via IV infusion.