10 disease-modifying treatment options

Icons of three types of medications: injection, infusion and oral.

Each medication is different in terms of how it is administered, its history of use, side effects and more. Explore the available options, beginning with this list.

Brand name: Betaseron®
Chemical name: interferon beta-1b
Frequency: Every other day; subcutaneous (injected just under the skin)
Year approved: 1993
For more info or financial help: 800-788-1467, betaseron.com/betaplus/affordability


Brand name: Avonex®
Chemical name: interferon beta-1a
Frequency: Once a week; intramuscular (injected directly into a muscle)
Year approved: 1996
For more info or financial help: 800-456-2255, msactivesource.com


Brand name: Copaxone®
Chemical name: glatiramer acetate
Frequency: Daily; subcutaneous
Year approved: 1996
For more info or financial help: 800-887-8100, copaxone.com/aboutsharedsolutions.aspx


Brand name: Novantrone®
Chemical name: mitoxantrone
Frequency: Every three months
Year approved: 2000
For more info or financial help: nationalMSsociety.org/novantrone


Brand name: Rebif®
Chemical name: interferon beta-1a
Frequency: Three times weekly; subcutaneous
Year approved: 2002
For more info or financial help: 877-447-3243, mslifelines.com


Brand name: Tysabri®
Chemical name: natalizumab
Frequency: Every four weeks
Year approved: 2006
For more info or financial help: 800-456-2255, msactivesource.com


Brand name: Extavia®
Chemical name: interferon beta-1b
Frequency: Every other day; subcutaneous
Year approved: 2009
For more info or financial help: 800-245-5356, patientassistancenow.com


Brand name: Gilenya®
Chemical name: fingolimod
Frequency: Once a day
Year approved:
2010
For more info or financial help: 800-245-5356, patientassistancenow.com


Brand name: Aubagio®
Chemical name: teriflunomide
Frequency: Once a day
Year approved: 2012
For more info or financial help: 855-676-6326, MSOnetoOne.com


Brand name: Tecfidera™
Chemical name: dimethyl fumarate
Frequency: Twice a day
Year approved: 2013
For more info or financial help: 800-456-2255, msactivesource.com


 

 

Visit nationalMSsociety.org/treatments for more information on specific DMTs and their safety, risks and side effects.

 

Read more about potential new therapies at clinicaltrials.gov and MS-coalition.org/emergingtherapies.