Multiple Sclerosis Medications

There are many multiple sclerosis medications used to treat the symptoms of MS. Most are some form of immune suppressing or altering drugs which decrease or modify the activity of the immune system. While none represent a cure for MS, they can slow the progression of the disease, lessen symptoms, delay disability and improve the quality of life for many patients.

Some medications used to treat MS include:

Avonex (interferon beta-1a)
Betaseron (interferon beta-1b)
Copaxone (glatiramer acetate)
Novantrone (mitoxantrone)
Rebif (interferon beta-1a)
Tysabri (natalizumab)

Additionally, in acute attacks of MS, steroid medications, such as prednisone or hydrocortisone, are used to suppress the immune system and limit the duration and severity of the attack. However, because of their side effects they are not typically used long-term for the chronic control of the disease.

In addition to these immune suppressing or modulating drugs, a number of multiple sclerosis treatments are aimed at simple symptomatic control. For example, medications may be prescribed for pain, muscle spasms and bladder control.