Since there is no cure for multiple sclerosis (MS), staying on prescription therapy is the most important way to manage your MS. MS is caused by inflammation and damage in the central nervous system, which can happen without causing symptoms. MS treatments may limit this damage. So, even if you can't see or feel a difference, your MS therapy may be working to slow the progress of your MS.
Treating your MS is a long-term commitment. If possible, you should try to avoid any gaps in your therapy, because your MS may worsen during this time.
Feeling Better with MS Treatment
Remember, there is no cure for MS. So, even if you feel better at times, you still have multiple sclerosis. Most people with MS may feel better at times and worse at others. In fact, although multiple sclerosis treatments modify the course of MS, you may not be able to feel them working at all.
As long as you continue on a prescription MS treatment, you may be helping to slow the progress of your MS. If you feel that you are having too many relapses, or experiencing too many symptoms or side effects, talk to your healthcare provider about changing your treatment. There may be another option that can help you.
Symptoms vs Side Effects
Over time, if some of the side effects of your MS treatment make you feel worse than your MS symptoms, it may be time to talk to your healthcare provider. There are several MS therapies that you may be able to tolerate better.
Switching MS Treatments
It's important to know that some MS treatments may work better for you than others. You may not have to settle for a treatment that isn't as effective as you'd like. If your symptoms are more frequent or severe than they used to be, it may be time to consider a different treatment.
Going from one MS treatment to another should be a careful process. Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider to ensure a smooth transition.
Some MS treatments may take weeks or months to begin working in your system. When switching MS treatments, be sure to give your new treatment time to take effect before reevaluating. Speak to your healthcare provider for more information.
Insurance
Health insurance policies and their coverage can change over time. If your policy stops covering your medication, you may want to talk to your healthcare provider about a different MS treatment that is covered. If you find that you can no longer afford your MS treatment, there may be assistance available. For more information about programs that can help pay for your MS treatment, call an MS Support Specialist at 1.800.456.2255.
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