Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis
You and your doctor will put together a plan for your multiple sclerosis treatment based on:
- Type and stage of your disease, and how well certain MS treatments or medications work for you
- General health and medical history
- Expectations for the course of the MS disease medications
Many MS drugs act on the immune system to reduce symptoms or slow the progression of multiple sclerosis. These drugs may be especially helpful in the early stages of MS to lessen damage caused by the disease.
The most common multiple sclerosis drugs are:
Avonex (interferon beta 1a)
Injected weekly
Learn more about Avonex
Avonex Support Program
Avonex ActiveSourceSM
800 456-2255
www.avonex.com
Betaseron; Extavia (interferon beta 1b)
Injected every other day
Learn more about Betaseron and Extavia
Betaseron Support Program: BetaplusTM (Formerly Ms PathwaysSM)
800 788-1467
www.Betaseron.Com/Patients/Betaplus/About_Betaplus.Jsp
Extavia Patient Support Program: 866 866 925-2333
Copaxone (glatiramer acetate )
Injected daily
Learn more about Copaxone
Copaxone Support Program
Shared Solutions®
800 887-8100
GilenyaTM (Fingolimod)
Daily capsule
Learn more about Gilenya
Gilenya Support Program
877 408-4974
www.gilenya.com
Novantrone Novantrone (mitoxantrone)
Given by IV infusion in a medical facility every three months or four times a year.
Learn more about Novantrone
Novantrone Support Program
MS LifeLines
877 447-3243
www.mslifelines.com
Rebif (interferon beta 1a)
Injected three times a week
Learn more about Rebif
Rebif Support Program
MS LifeLines
87744-REBIF
www.rebif.com
www.mslifelines.com
Tysabri® (natalizumab)
Given by IV infusion in a registered infusion facility.
Learn more about Tysabri
Biogen Idec., Inc.
800 456-2255
www.tysabri.com
There is no cure yet for multiple sclerosis. However, rehabilitation can lessen the severity and frequency of MS symptoms, improve your quality of life and help you remain independent.
If you have MS, your rehabilitation depends on your symptoms, general health and other factors. Multiple sclerosis rehabilitation may involve physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and support groups. Some examples are:
- Instruction in using assistive devices (such as canes, braces or walkers)
- Creating an exercise program to strengthen muscles and increase endurance
- Helping you with communication if you are having difficulty speaking
- Making it easier and safer to get around at home and perform daily tasks
- Help managing bowel or bladder problems
- Involving family in your MS care
Yoga for MS in Portland
Multiple Sclerosis Yoga Program
Gentle yoga for people with multiple sclerosis, healing movement and meditation for participants at all levels