Medications for Multiple Sclerosis
The goals of multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment are to reduce relapses, slow the disease, ease symptoms, and protect your quality of life. Treatment falls into two broad groups: medicines that change the course of MS, and medicines and therapies that manage symptoms. Your MS care team can help you find the right plan for you.
Disease Modifying Therapies
Disease modifying therapies, or DMTs, are medicines that change the course of MS. They lower the number of relapses, slow disability, and reduce new spots on your MRI. They do not cure MS or treat day-to-day symptoms. More than 20 DMTs are approved, given as pills, shots, or infusions. Most people with MS should start one as early as possible, because early treatment lowers long-term disability.
Getting Your Medications at the VA
You may hear that the VA only covers medicines on its formulary. The VA National Formulary is a list of medicines approved by VA doctors and pharmacists across the country. It is built to cover a full range of treatments while keeping care safe and affordable. If you need a medicine that is not on the list, called a non-formulary medicine, your provider can request it by filling out a short form, which is reviewed to make sure the medicine fits your situation and an FDA-approved use. This can take a few days. If a request is turned down, you and your provider can appeal, and your local VA pharmacy can explain how.
Treating MS Symptoms
MS can cause many symptoms, such as bladder and bowel problems, depression, dizziness, trouble walking, sexual problems, pain, and fatigue. Many can be managed with medicines, therapies, and lifestyle steps. Physical therapy can help with walking and stiffness, occupational therapy can help with tremor, and a cooling vest can help with heat sensitivity. A healthy diet and safe exercise help too. If the first treatment does not work or causes side effects, there are others to try, and it often helps to tackle the most bothersome symptom first.
When to Talk to Your Provider
Talk with your MS care team about which treatments fit your needs, both for the disease itself and for any symptoms that bother you. They can build a plan with you and adjust it over time.
