Which MS disease-modifying therapies have the lowest infection risk for someone who gets infections easily?
If you're prone to infections, older injectable therapies like interferon beta and glatiramer acetate tend to have lower infection risks compared to high-efficacy DMTs. Research shows these injectable medications have Show Full Answer
Which MS disease-modifying therapies have the lowest infection risk for someone who gets infections easily?
If you're prone to infections, older injectable therapies like interferon beta and glatiramer acetate tend to have lower infection risks compared to high-efficacy DMTs. Research shows these injectable medications have roughly half the rate of serious infections compared to some newer treatments.
High-efficacy DMTs that carry higher infection risks include:
* Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus)
* Ofatumumab (Kesimpta)
* Alemtuzumab (Lemtrada)
* Fingolimod (Gilenya)
* Natalizumab (Tysabri)
* Cladribine (Mavenclad)
These medications work by suppressing parts of your immune system, which can make you more vulnerable to respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and skin infections.
That said, the choice of DMT involves balancing infection risk against how well the medication controls your MS. Your neurologist can help you weigh the benefits of slowing disease progression against potential side effects based on your individual situation and infection history.
It's important to discuss your concerns about infections openly with your healthcare team so they can recommend the safest option that still effectively manages your MS.
March 19
Join
Your Privacy Choices
