Medication for Multiple Sclerosis

Interferons, medication that alters the immune system have been used to manage multiple sclerosis. They come in different types such as alpha, beta and gamma. They protect the immune system against intruders and beta interferons have been found to be effective for managing multiple sclerosis. The following are medications available:

•    Interferon beta-1b (Betaseron® and Extavia®)-for relapsing forms of MS
•    Interferon beta-1a (Rebif®) -for relapsing forms of MS
•    Interferon beta-1a (Avonex®)- for relapsing forms of MS
•    Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone)-for reducing the frequency of relapses in RR-MS
•    Natalizumab (Tysabri®)-for relapsing forms of MS
•    Mitoxantrone (Novantrone®)-for SP-MS, PR-MS and worsening RR-MS
•    Fingolimod (Gilenya®)- first oral medication to treat MS