Besides considering the side effect profile of a drug, you also need to think about how it will fit in with your life. With so many options to choose from, it’s becoming increasingly possible to find a treatment that not only fits with your lifestyle but also your future plans, whether you’re taking off to a far-off destination, going to regular social events, or planning your own wedding.
Before your next clinic visit, do a little preparation – it’ll help you talk (and answer questions) about what’s important to you:
Once you have started on a treatment, you'll be monitored on a regular basis and will have the opportunity to discuss how it’s going with your healthcare team. It's important that you stick to the dosing schedule your doctor has outlined. This helps the treatment to be effective. If you are having trouble taking the therapy as prescribed, talk openly with your healthcare team and explain any issues you are facing – they are there to help find a treatment option that fits you best.
When I start a patient on a disease modifying therapy, we discuss the fact that the treatment can always be changed if things aren’t working out – if it’s not having the desired effects on the disease or if there are unmanageable side effects. Discussing a change in treatment really depends on the main reason for changing. If this is driven by unmanageable side effects, we will focus more on the potential side effects of other medications.
Now you know how to manage your MS, we have lots of tools and tips to help you to carry on living with it.
Find information to help you make more informed decisions about your disease management.