Finding the Right DMT to Manage Your MS

The right medication makes all the difference in treating MS

When you have a chronic condition like multiple sclerosis (MS), your care team will work with you the best way to manage it. Two Geisinger pharmacists weigh in on how to find the right type of medication to treat multiple sclerosis.

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects your brain and/or spinal cord. It causes your body’s immune system to attack and damage myelin, a layer of protective tissue that covers nerve fibers. That damage may disrupt nerve transmission, leading to a variety of symptoms, including:

Numbness and tingling
Muscle spasms
Blurry vision
Brain fog
Difficulty with balance and coordination
Weakness
Fatigue
Dizziness

MS is treated with a special category of medication known as DMTs.

What are DMTs?

“DMT stands for ‘disease modifying therapy’ and refers to medications used for management of multiple sclerosis,” says Mallory Ellis, PharmD, ambulatory clinical pharmacist at Geisinger.

DMTs come in a few different forms, including:

Pills
Infusions
Injectables

Each type works differently to treat MS symptoms and manage your overall health.

How do DMTs treat MS?

“DMTs alter the activity of the immune system with the goal to limit attacks and irreversible damage to the nerves,” says Amanda Sharry-Rogers, PharmD, ambulatory clinical pharmacist at Geisinger.

They’re considered the most effective way to slow progression, and they also help reduce relapses.

How to find the right DMT

You and your neurologist will work together to choose a DMT. They’ll consider your individual situation and health needs.

When choosing a DMT, Ms. Sharry-Rogers says considerations include:

Severity and type of MS
Cost
Type of medicine (e.g., injectable, pill)
Potential side effects
Risks and benefits

Because MS looks different for everyone, so do the medication options. What works well for someone else might not work for you — so choosing the right one could take time.

Once you start on a DMT, you’ll work with your neurology and pharmacy teams. “They’ll be there to offer in-depth education about the medication,” Ms. Ellis says. Besides helping with education, your pharmacy team will:

Coordinate with other departments about insurance and financial help
Help to close care gaps (such as recommending vaccines)
Order refills
Order and review DMT safety labs

“The MS care team may refer you to the National MS Society for additional information and resources, when appropriate,” Ms. Sharry-Rogers says.

Keeping symptoms in check

While on a DMT, you’ll meet with your neurologist and pharmacy team regularly to monitor your progress. You’ll talk about overall symptoms and how you’re feeling. And, if necessary, you and your care team may opt to change your medicine.

“There are various reasons for changing DMTs,” Ms. Ellis says. These include:

New or worsening symptoms
Side effects
Insurance coverage/cost
Desire for a different type of administration

If you’re not happy with your current medication, you have different options available to discuss with your care team. “Finding the right care for your MS can feel overwhelming, but the team at Geisinger is here to support you every step of the way.”