A number of newer drugs have been shown to modify the course of multiple sclerosis. These medications work by altering or suppressing the activity of your immune system. A group of drugs called "beta interferons" mimic a protein that occurs naturally in your body. They appear to block certain white blood cells from attacking the myelin covering of the nerves. They also seem to stop other white blood cells, called T cells, from releasing cytokines -- which are chemicals that encourage inflammation and attract other immune cells to the area.

 

These medications include:

 

While they don't cure the disease, beta interferons have been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of MS attacks by about 25 percent or more, depending on the dose. These drugs may also reduce the amount of scar tissue that develops in the brain by 70 percent to 80 percent. With less damage occurring in the central nervous system, the progression of multiple sclerosis symptoms is slowed, possibly reducing the level of disability you may face in the future.

 

Other MS treatment medications include Copaxone^®, a small protein that resembles a protein found in myelin. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) also has approved Copaxone for the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS. Copaxone has few side effects, and studies indicate that the agent can reduce the relapse rate by almost one-third.

 

An immunosuppressant MS treatment, Novantrone^® (mitoxantrone), is approved by the FDA for the treatment of advanced or chronic MS.