Considering Treatment for MS
Discussing MS treatment with your doctor is one of the first things you should do once you've been diagnosed. There are a number of treatment options to evaluate — and key factors to consider when you and your doctor explore the right treatment for you.
Ultimately, though, you are responsible for starting — and staying — on your treatment plan as prescribed.
Effectiveness of Multiple Sclerosis Treatment
An important goal of any MS treatment is to prevent or postpone long-term disability. To find out the effectiveness of an MS therapy, ask your doctor to answer these important questions:
- How well does the therapy slow the progression of physical disability?
- Does it decrease the number of relapses?
- Can it prevent the appearance of new lesions on an MRI?
- How convenient is it?
No matter how effective an MS treatment is in studies, if you don't take it as directed, it can't perform as well as it's intended. Before making your choice, talk to your healthcare provider about how much medication you'll need to take and how often you'll need to take it.
How often you must take your medication can have an impact on the way you live. Whether you are exploring multiple sclerosis pills, injection therapy, or infusion therapy, your treatment should fit your lifestyle in order for it to be effective for you.
If you feel inconvenienced or otherwise affected by how frequently you have to take your therapy, it's important to have a candid conversation with your doctor.
Treatment for MS Safety and Side Effects
With MS therapies, just as with other medications, there are safety considerations. Ask your doctor to provide you with important safety information to help you make your decision. That way you can consider any potential side effects along with the benefits of each MS therapy.
If you experience any side effects as a result of your MS treatment, it is imperative that you talk to your doctor immediately.
Whether you've just received a prescription for therapy or you've been treating for some time, your healthcare team is a key part of your MS support system. It's important to stay committed by honoring your appointments and partnering with your doctors.
