Drug Treatment

Until recently, the medications available for people with MS were limited to managing the ongoing symptoms of MS and treating a relapse. In the past few years, there have been major medical advances, now there are therapies that have been shown to alter the course of MS.

These medications reduce the occurrence of exacerbations. The following information is provided so that you can be better prepared to discuss these medications with your doctor. This is by no means a complete list of available medication.

Everyone is different, and your physician and MS clinic nurse can help you in your decisions about whether starting therapy is appropriate for you, and which medication may be best suited for you and your lifestyle.

For more information about these therapies or for information about other MS treatments, please contact your physician, or the MS Clinic at (403) 944 – 4253.

Treatment Options

• Disease Modifying Drugs
  - Avonex®
  - Betaseron®
  - Copaxone™
  - Rebif®
• Symptom Management
• Management of an Acute Attack

Management of an Acute Attack

Most neurologists favor consideration of treatment when attacks associated with significant pain or disability do not settle quickly. The only reason to treat is to hasten recovery. Within six months, there is no difference in the degree of recovery whether an individual is treated or not.

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