Fortunately for patients suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS), there are numerous prescription drugs on the market today used to fight the disease. These drugs have been shown to be effective in quelling the symptoms of MS. The medications help to slow the progression of the debilitating disease and help to lessen the disabling effects of MS.

Disease-Modifying Drugs

Most of the drugs available to treat MS are known as disease-modifying drugs. These drugs include the prescriptions Avonex, Betaseron, and Rebif. These medications are examples of interferon drugs. Interferons are proteins in the immune system that work to control the immune system’s activity. They also have antiviral properties. These drugs are administered by injection, some simply beneath the skin, others by vein, and others into the muscle of the patient.

These medications work by suppressing the activity of the body’s immune system. This assumes the scientific theory that MS may develop as a result of an abnormal immune system response in the body that causes the body’s immune system to attack the myelin, or protective nerve coating, in the body.

These drugs work to reduce the severity of attacks MS patients experience and also to reduce their frequency. The drugs have also been shown to slow the progression of the disease and to reduce the disabling affects of the disease. Patients who are considering taking such drugs should consider each drug’s side effects and benefits with their doctor.

Other Treatments

There are other treatments available as well, such as the use of chemotherapy drugs. There are several therapies that have been developed to take more drastic action in the case of patients with severe symptoms that appear to be quickly progressing. These types of drugs can work well for patients who have failed to respond to other medications. While these drugs may have strong side effects, they may often be the only hope for patients living with severely progressing MS. The risks associated with taking these drugs may be well worth it if they are the patient’s only remaining option. Talk to your doctor to determine which category of treatment is best for your condition.