One of the first things to do when diagnosed is to talk with your doctor about MS treatment. Ultimately, the decision to start treatment early and stay on treatment rests with you. To be sure you and your doctor choose the right treatment for you, there are some key factors to keep in mind.
Effectiveness
The goal of any MS treatment is to prevent or postpone long-term disability. To find out the effectiveness of an MS therapy, get the answers to 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 your MRI?
Convenience
The simple fact is that if you don't take your MS treatment therapy as directed by your healthcare provider, it won't do you much good. Before making your choice, think about how much medication you'll be taking and how often you'll have to take it.
The frequency of your dosing schedule can impact the way you live. Whether it is injection therapy or infusion therapy, your MS treatment should fit well with your lifestyle. If you feel inconvenienced or otherwise affected by how often you have to take your therapy, speak to your healthcare provider.
Safety & Side Effects
With MS therapies, as with any medication, there are safety considerations. Your healthcare provider can provide you with important safety information to help you make your decision. That way you can consider the side effects along with the benefits of each MS therapy.
Your healthcare team is a key part of your MS support system. Stay committed by keeping your appointments and partnering with your doctors.
More about talking to your healthcare team
