Disease modifying drugs (DMDs) are a group of treatments for people with multiple sclerosis. Most DMDs are for people with relapsing remitting MS, but some can be prescribed for people with early progressive MS.

There is a wide range of drugs approved for use by the NHS in the UK. Each drug offers a different combination of benefits and risks. This guide explains what the DMDs are, will help you explore your options and discuss starting or switching between one of the drugs with your MS team. This guide is not intended as a substitute for clinical advice.

It contains information on these key topics:

What is MS?
What are disease modifying drugs?
Making your choice
Starting, switching and stopping
Conception, pregnancy and breastfeeding
Disease modifying drugs
- Beta interferons – Avonex, Betaferon, Extavia, Plegridy, Rebif
- Copaxone and Brabio – glatiramer acetate
- Aubagio – teriflunomide
- Tecfidera – dimethyl fumarate
- Vumerity – diroximel fumarate
- Gilenya – fingolimod
- Ponvory – ponesimod
- Zeposia – ozanimod
- Mavenclad – cladribine
- Kesimpta – ofatumumab
- Ocrevus – ocrelizumab
- Tysabri – natalizumab
- Lemtrada – alemtuzumab
Further sources of information and support
Questions for your MS team