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Choosing Medication

Find out how taking Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs) can play an important role in living well with MS. Explore how medications compliment Overcoming MS’s recommendations, and the things to consider before taking DMTs to help make an informed decision. Anyone affected by MS may find this information useful.

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Key points

  • Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs) reduce the risk of relapse and can slow disease progression.
  • Talk to your MS team, specialist nurse or neurologist about DMTs and their possible benefits, risks and side effects. Once informed, carefully weigh everything up.
  • Take your time to make your decision and do what feels right for you.

This page explains:

  • Why taking DMTs may be helpful for people with MS. 
  • What Overcoming MS recommends. 
  • Things to consider before taking DMTs to help make an informed decision.

Taking DMTs

A group of medicines called Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs) are used to manage MS. They are also sometimes known as Disease-Modifying Drugs (DMDs). Taking DMTs can play an important role in living well with MS. They can slow progression and reduce the risk of relapse. This can support overall health and wellbeing.  

A range of DMTs are available, each with different benefits and side effects. A neurologist will consider your case and may talk to you about possibly using a DMT. Choosing whether to take a DMT is a personal decision and can depend on: 

  • Symptoms.
  • Progression.
  • Risk of relapse.
  • Type of MS.
  • Where DMTs will be given, how they’re given and the frequency they’re given.
  • Whether side effects of the DMT can be tolerated.
  • How a DMT might fit into your lifestyle. For example, how it might affect travel or planning a family.

Using DMTs for MS

In people with MS, studies have shown that DMTs have a beneficial effect. They: 

  • Can reduce the risk of relapse.
  • Can slow disease progression.
  • Can protect brain health.
  • Work best when used as soon as possible after diagnosis.

DMTs cannot improve existing symptoms. This is because they cannot repair nerve damage caused by MS. Instead, they aim to reduce the risk of further nerve damage and additional symptoms.  

There are lots of different types of DMTs and more are being developed all the time. The table below shows DMTs which are licensed for use in MS. They are approved by the US’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). 

Generic drug name   

Brand name   

How the treatment is given   

Licensed for people with:

Alemtuzumab  

Lemtrada  

Infusion  

Relapsing MS   

Cladribine   

Mavenclad  

Oral  

Relapsing MS 

Secondary Progressive MS   

Dimethyl fumarate   

Tecfidera  

Oral  

Relapsing MS  

Diroximel fumarate   

Vumerity  

Oral  

Relapsing MS  

Fingolimod   

Gilenya

Tascenso ODT  

Oral  

Relapsing MS  

Glatiramer acetate   

Brabio 

Copaxone  

Glatopa  

Injection  

Relapsing MS  

Interferon beta-1a  

Avonex

Rebif  

Injection  

Relapsing MS   

Interferon beta-1b  

Betaferon  

Betaseron  

Extavia  

Injection  

Relapsing MS  

Monomethyl 

fumurate  

Bafiertam   

Oral  

Relapsing MS  

Natalizumab  

Tyruko 

Tysabri   

Infusion, injection  

Relapsing MS  

Ocrelizumab  

Ocrevus  

Infusion  

Relapsing MS  

Primary Progressive MS  

Ofatumumab  

Kesimpta  

Injection  

Relapsing MS  

Ozanimod  

Zeposia  

Oral  

Relapsing MS  

Peginteferon beta-1a  

Plegridy  

Injection  

Relapsing MS  

Ponesimod  

Ponvory  

Oral  

Relapsing MS  

Siponimod  

Mayzent  

Oral  

Relapsing MS  

Secondary Progressive MS  

Teriflunomide  

Aubagio   

Oral  

Relapsing MS  

Ublituximab  

Briumvi   

Infusion   

Relapsing MS  

What it means for people living with MS: Together, this evidence suggests that taking DMTs can benefit progression, relapse and brain health. It may help people with MS remain independent and engaged in daily life over time.

White male in his 40s with dark hair and beard wearing a blue suit jacket and white shirt.

What the experts say

Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs) play a key part in managing MS. They are very effective at preventing relapses, and some also protect against disability worsening over time. They aim to protect your body from further damage caused by MS but will often do less to help with daily symptoms. They are particularly effective when taken at an early stage in the disease. However, they won’t be the right choice for everyone. Lifestyle changes combined with medications work well as they can make you feel better now while also protecting your future health.

 

Dr. Jonathan White MBChB MRCOG

 

What people living with MS say

For me, living with MS has meant navigating different chapters. Returning to a DMT after a relapse was a decision I didn’t take lightly. Combining treatment with the Overcoming MS lifestyle gives me genuine reassurance and agency. I know I’m making proactive, empowered choices to look after my future.

 

Rabiah Coon

 

What Overcoming MS recommends

To make an informed decision about taking DMTs: 

  • Talk to your MS team, specialist nurse or neurologist about the benefits, risks and side effects. They can help you decide whether to take a DMT, review them and help you manage your MS. You can do this during a regular MS review:
    • Discuss the DMTs you currently take and if they are working. Talk about your symptoms, progression and risk of relapse and which DMTs may benefit you. 
    • Review DMTs with your MS team and tailor them to your MS. Reviews can cover starting, stopping or changing DMTs. Also consider whether they could be making symptoms worse or if you have any side effects and whether you can tolerate these.  
    • Other medications you take need to be considered to make sure they do not interact.  
    • Regular reviews are important to make sure you continue to have the best possible outcomes and quality of life. They also often involve regular MRI scans, blood tests and other investigations to assess your MS. 
    • In the UK, NICE guidelines state every person with MS is entitled to a comprehensive review every year.  
  • Consider using a medication decision making tool either before, during or after talking to your MS team. The MS Society, Barts-MS and ErasMS and the MS Trust provide free tools to use.  
  • Medication and lifestyle changes can complement one another, so both options can be considered together.  Other recommendations from Overcoming MS which you may want to consider are managing stress, keeping active, eating well, supporting family health, making lasting changes and optimising vitamin D.  
  • Take your time to make your decision and do what feels right for you.  

Things to consider

  • All DMTs have possible benefits, risks and side effects. These will vary for each individual.  
  • When considering DMTs, you can:
    • Speak to your MS team to find out the pros and cons of different DMTs.
    • Use Overcoming MS resources for education and support in understanding the different DMTs.
    • Speak to the Overcoming MS community for support.
  • Once you feel fully informed about the DMTs being offered, carefully weigh up the risks, side effects and benefits.
  • Be mindful that: 
    • DMTs which reduce relapse rates and disability progression most effectively are more likely to have significant risks and serious side effects.
    • Very active or aggressive MS may need a high efficacy DMT to manage it. You must weigh up the potential risks with future benefits.
  • Lifestyle choices can play an important role in living well with MS. If you choose to take a DMT as well, combined, they can give you the best opportunity to support your long-term health and wellbeing. 
  • Access to DMTs for MS can vary. It depends on the country you live in and its healthcare system. Each country has its own rules about which DMTs are available and who can be given them.    
  • Consider how the DMT will work for your lifestyle. If you work full-time, have caring responsibilities or travel frequently, you may prefer a treatment that requires fewer appointments or less frequent dosing.  
  • Consider the impact of DMTs on fertility and pregnancy. Talk to your MS team about their effects on the following stages: pre-conception, antenatal and post-partum. 
  • Find out how DMTs are given. You may need to visit a hospital or take pills or self-inject at home.  

Tools and resources

You may find these Overcoming MS webpages and resources helpful:

 

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FAQs

What are Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs) for MS?

Disease-Modifying Therapies, usually shortened to DMTs, are medicines that can help manage multiple sclerosis. They can reduce the number and severity of relapses, reduce new MS activity seen on MRI scans and, for some people, slow disease progression over time. They are also sometimes called Disease-Modifying Drugs or DMDs. 

Do DMTs cure MS?

No. There is currently no cure for MS. DMTs aim to reduce the risk of relapse, slow disease progression, reduce future MS activity and protect long-term neurological health. They cannot repair nerve damage that has already happened and may not improve existing day-to-day symptoms. 

Do DMTs help with MS symptoms?

DMTs are not primarily used to relieve symptoms such as fatigue, pain, stiffness or bladder problems. Their purpose is to reduce risk of relapse, disease progression and future nerve damage. Other medications, rehabilitation and lifestyle approaches may be recommended to help manage day-to-day symptoms instead. 

Can I take a DMT while following the Overcoming MS recommendations?

Yes. DMTs and healthy lifestyle changes can have complementary roles. A DMT aims to reduce MS disease progression and protect future health. Lifestyle choices such as eating well, keeping active, managing stress, avoiding smoking and maintaining healthy vitamin D levels can support wider health and wellbeing. Lifestyle changes should not be treated as a replacement for medical advice. However, combining medication with lifestyle changes can give you the best chance of living well with MS.  

Who can take a DMT?

It is more common for DMTs to be offered to people with active relapsing forms of MS. Some treatments may also be available for people with active secondary progressive MS or early primary progressive MS. Eligibility depends on factors such as your type of MS, relapses, MRI results, previous treatment and the prescribing criteria where you live.

When should I start treatment for MS?

If your MS is active, your neurologist or MS team may recommend starting treatment soon after diagnosis. Earlier treatment may help prevent inflammatory damage before it causes further problems, but the right timing and treatment will depend on your individual circumstances. Ask your MS team to explain the potential benefits and risks of starting now, delaying treatment or not taking a DMT. 

How do I choose the right DMT for me?

There is no single DMT that is right for everyone. Your decision may be influenced by how active your MS is, how effectively each treatment controls MS activity, possible risks and side effects, how the treatment is taken and monitored, whether you have any other health conditions and any other medication you are already taking.  

Your MS team can help you compare the possible options. A DMT decision aid can also help you choose. 

Can I change or stop my MS DMT?

You may need to talk to your MS team about changing treatment if your MS remains active, you experience difficult side effects, your circumstances change or a different treatment becomes more suitable. Do not stop a DMT without speaking to your MS team first. Stopping some treatments suddenly can lead to renewed or increased MS activity. 

Can DMTs affect pregnancy, fertility or breast-feeding?

Some DMTs can have an impact on fertility, pregnancy or breast-feeding. This can apply to both women and men taking certain treatments. Speak to your MS team before trying to conceive and before stopping medication, so you can agree a plan that balances pregnancy considerations with the risk of MS activity. 

Are all DMTs available to everyone with MS?

No. Availability and eligibility vary according to the type and activity of MS, previous treatments, local prescribing rules and the healthcare system in your country. In England, treatment decisions are informed by individual NICE guidance and the NHS England DMT treatment algorithm. Other UK nations and countries may use different criteria. 

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References

Explore the references used to create this page:

    1. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Multiple sclerosis in adults: management. NICE guideline [NG220]. Published 22 June 2022; last updated 26 August 2026. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng220 (Accessed 3rd November 2026)
    2. Montalban X, Gold R, Thompson AJ, Otero-Romero S, et al. ECTRIMS/EAN Guideline on the pharmacological treatment of people with multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler. 2018 Feb;24(2):96-120.  
    3. MS Trust (2026) Disease modifying therapies (DMTs) for MS. Available at: https://mstrust.org.uk/information-support/ms-drugs-treatments/disease-modifying-therapies-dmts (Accessed: 29 September 2026).
    4. MS Society (2026) Disease modifying therapies. Available at: https://www.mssociety.org.uk/living-with-ms/treatments-and-therapies/disease-modifying-therapies
    5. Hirt J, Dembowska K, Woelfle T, Axfors C, Granziera C, Kuhle J, Kappos L, Hemkens LG, Janiaud P. Clinical trial evidence of quality-of-life effects of disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis: a systematic analysis. J Neurol. 2024 Jun;271(6):3131-3141. 
    6. NHS England (2023) Treatment Algorithm for Relapsing and Active Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Disease-Modifying Therapies. NHS England, June 2023. Available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/treatment-algorithm-for-multiple-sclerosis-disease-modifying-therapies/ (Accessed: 29 September 2026) 
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Last review: November 2026      Next review: November 2029 

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