Connect with others who understand.

Sign up Log in
Resources
About MyMSTeam
Powered By
See answer

8 Facts About MS Infusion Treatments: Risks and Benefits

Medically reviewed by Joseph V. Campellone, M.D.
Written by Amy Isler, RN and Kelly Crumrin
Updated on September 12, 2024

  • Five disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) given by intravenous infusion are approved to treat multiple sclerosis (MS).
  • Infusion treatments are considered highly effective at slowing MS progression and reducing flares, but they also come with risks.
  • MS infusion medications are given on schedules ranging from once a year to once every four weeks.

Treatment for MS has improved over the past decade, and there are now several medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to slow disease progression, reduce the rate of exacerbations (relapses), and prevent new lesions. Depending on the MS medication prescribed, you may be taking them orally, as injections under the skin, or intravenously as infusions.

Infusion treatments are medications delivered directly into your bloodstream through an intravenous line, inserted in your hand or your arm. Some are given as monthly infusions for MS, while others are administered only a few times a year.

Read on to discover eight facts, along with risks and benefits, about MS infusion medications.

1. Infusion Treatments Can Manage MS Long Term

MS infusion treatments are considered long-term DMTs and are used to manage relapsing forms of MS, including relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), clinically isolated syndrome, and active secondary-progressive MS (SPMS). In some cases, they’re used for treating primary progressive MS (PPMS).

Researchers have found that early treatment of MS can help slow and stabilize disease progression and reduce relapses.

2. MS Infusion Medications Are Highly Effective

For people with active MS, DMT infusion therapy is considered highly effective in slowing disease progression and preventing flare-ups and symptoms. DMTs interfere with immune cell attacks on the myelin — the fatty coating that protects the nervous system.

Disease-modifying therapies given by IV infusion are considered to be the most effective treatments for MS.

MS infusion therapy can relieve symptoms for longer periods than some other medications, and it can reduce the severity and length of relapse episodes. DMT infusion therapy can also slow the development of brain lesions found on an MRI scan.

3. Infusion Medications Have Risks

Although infusion therapies for treating MS are promising, they aren’t right for everyone. Infusion medication can put some people at a higher risk for infection, a compromised immune system, or severe infusion reactions.

Risks associated with infusion medications for MS may include:

  • Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a serious brain condition
  • Immunosuppression, which increases the risk of various infections and illness
  • Herpes virus infection
  • Infusion reactions
  • Hepatitis B virus reactivation
  • Potential harm to an unborn baby
  • Heart disease
  • Leukemia

Read about tips for preventing MS infusion side effects.

4. There Are Five Infusion Drugs Available for Treating MS

There are currently five infusion therapy drugs approved by the FDA for treating MS as disease-modifying agents. Each medication comes with benefits and side effects, and each is given on a different schedule.

Get details about schedules for MS infusions.

Alemtuzumab

Alemtuzumab, sold as Lemtrada, is approved to treat relapsing forms of MS. Alemtuzumab is given over five days, followed by another three-day round a year later.

Side effects of alemtuzumab can include:

  • Allergic reaction
  • Increased risk of infection
  • Other autoimmune diseases

Because of its risks, alemtuzumab is available only through a restricted distribution program. The program helps ensure the safety and monitoring of people taking the drug.

Natalizumab

Natalizumab, sold under the brand name Tysabri, is given every four or six weeks for relapsing forms of MS. It was taken off the market for a while because it was associated with a serious risk of developing PML. Natalizumab was reapproved after researchers identified exposure to the John Cunningham (JC) virus as a key risk factor for developing PML. Doctors now screen for the JC virus before prescribing the medication and perform yearly MRI and blood tests to monitor for this condition.

Side effects of natalizumab can include:

  • Allergic reaction
  • PML
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Respiratory infection

Ocrelizumab

Ocrelizumab, branded as Ocrevus, is usually given every six months. It was the first medication approved to treat PPMS as well as relapsing forms of MS.

Side effects of ocrelizumab can include:

  • Allergic reactions
  • Increased infections
  • PML
  • Potential increases in risk for some types of cancer

Ublituximab

Ublituximab, sold under the brand name Briumvi, is the most recent FDA-approved infusion drug for treating relapsing forms of MS. Ublituximab is infused once every 24 weeks.

Common side effects of ublituximab can include:

  • Infusion reactions
  • Upper respiratory tract infections
  • Other infections

Mitoxantrone

Mitoxantrone was the first long-term drug to treat RRMS and SPMS. Now, however, it’s prescribed less often for treating MS because it can increase the risk of developing cardiac (heart) disease and leukemia. It is given once every three months.

Side effects of mitoxantrone can include:

  • Heart disease
  • Secondary leukemia
  • Allergic reaction

5. You’ll Undergo Testing Before Infusion Treatment

Before an infusion is administered, you’ll likely undergo a series of lab tests to ensure the medication is safe for you. Depending on the medication prescribed, these baseline tests may include:

  • Screening for vaccinations against varicella zoster (shingles) and hepatitis A, B, and C
  • COVID-19 test
  • Measure of JC virus titer (amount of the virus in your blood) to check your risk for developing PML
  • Tests for tuberculosis
  • Blood pressure test
  • Complete blood cell count to check white blood cell levels
  • Liver function test
  • Urinalysis (kidney function test)
  • Heart function test

Before you begin receiving an infused DMT, you’ll likely undergo testing to make sure it’s safe for you.

6. MS Infusions Are Given at an Infusion Center

Many people being treated for MS with infusion medications go to infusion centers to receive their medication. An infusion center can be located in a hospital, clinic, doctor’s office, or pharmacy.

How Long Do MS Infusions Take?

Infusion treatments can take several hours, so the licensed staff will typically try to make you as comfortable as possible by providing blankets, pillows, beverages, and other amenities, such as Wi-Fi. The infusion can be paused if you need to use the restroom.

How To Prepare for an Infusion

To prepare for your treatment at an infusion center, consider bringing items that can help you pass the time comfortably. You may want to:

  • Wear comfortable clothes.
  • Clear your schedule.
  • Pack a book.
  • Have a friend or loved one join you for company.
  • Bring food or snacks.
  • Take a tablet or other electronic device to watch videos, listen to a podcast or music, or play games.

Dress comfortably for your MS infusion and bring snacks and a book or tablet to stay entertained.

The goal of infusion therapy is to make you feel better, slow disease progression, and reduce symptoms and flare-ups. However, you may leave the center feeling tired and weak. Make sure to take time to rest in a relaxing environment after your treatment to let your body recover.

Read about ways to find an infusion center near you.

7. Some People Experience a ‘Crap Gap’ Between Infusions

Some people taking infused DMTs for MS experience what’s known as the “crap gap” between intravenous infusions of MS medications. This may be the time before your next infusion when the drug is wearing off, or it can be right after your most recent trip to the infusion center before the drug begins to work. During this time, MS symptoms may feel worse, and you may feel generally “off.”

8. You May Be Eligible for Help With MS Infusion Costs

Manufacturers of infused MS medications often offer copay assistance that can make DMTs more affordable. Some also offer help covering the costs associated with receiving the infusion. It’s worth checking to find out whether you’re eligible for these programs — you might save some money.

Read more about financial help with MS infusions.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyMSTeam, the social network for people with MS and their loved ones, more than 215,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with MS.

Have you received infusion therapy to treat your MS? Share your experience in the comments below or on your Activities page. Your story may help others learn more about what to expect from visiting an infusion center.

Updated on September 12, 2024

A MyMSTeam Member

My last neurologist lied and told me there's no side effects with MS infusion drugs.
She also said, "You don't have to have MS to get cancer."

September 18
All updates must be accompanied by text or a picture.

We'd love to hear from you! Please share your name and email to post and read comments.

You'll also get the latest articles directly to your inbox.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
All updates must be accompanied by text or a picture.

Subscribe now to ask your question, get answers, and stay up to date on the latest articles.

Get updates directly to your inbox.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Anybody Stop Tysabri.

November 8, 2023 by A MyMSTeam Member

I'm Getting Tysabri Infusions And Haven't Had Any Issues As Of Yet.

November 15, 2023 by A MyMSTeam Member 1 answer

Are There Any Other Medications On The Horizon That You Can Take Once A Year ?

December 20, 2023 by A MyMSTeam Member 8 answers
Joseph V. Campellone, M.D. is board-certified in neurology, neuromuscular disease, and electrodiagnostic medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Learn more about him here.
Amy Isler, RN is a registered nurse with over six years of experience as a credentialed school nurse. Learn more about her here.
Kelly Crumrin is a senior editor at MyHealthTeam and leads the creation of content that educates and empowers people with chronic illnesses. Learn more about her here.

Related Articles

Talking about how multiple sclerosis (MS) can affect sexual function and desire can be difficult....

Can MS Cause Hypersexuality?

Talking about how multiple sclerosis (MS) can affect sexual function and desire can be difficult....
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are at a higher risk of weight gain.Managing a healthy weight...

Can MS Cause Weight Change? 4 Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Weight

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are at a higher risk of weight gain.Managing a healthy weight...
Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) can be effective treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS). These ...

DMTs for MS: 3 Signs It Might Be Time To Switch and What To Know

Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) can be effective treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS). These ...
Certain disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) for multiple sclerosis (MS) have been classified as...

What Are the Most Effective Treatments for MS? Know Your DMTs

Certain disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) for multiple sclerosis (MS) have been classified as...
Diphenhydramine — sold under many brand names including Benadryl — is a type of antihistamine tha...

Why Is Benadryl Given With Some MS Treatments?

Diphenhydramine — sold under many brand names including Benadryl — is a type of antihistamine tha...
Relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable disease, and most people living with it sw...

How To Switch MS Treatments

Relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable disease, and most people living with it sw...

Recent Articles

Multiple sclerosis is not hereditary, but it does occur within families. Click to learn more!

Is MS Inherited From Your Mother or Father? 5 Factors That Matter (VIDEO)

Multiple sclerosis is not hereditary, but it does occur within families. Click to learn more!
Although scientists don’t fully understand what causes multiple sclerosis (MS), they believe that...

Genetic Factors in MS: HLA-DRB1 and More (VIDEO)

Although scientists don’t fully understand what causes multiple sclerosis (MS), they believe that...
Scientists have proposed different ideas about why autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis...

Multiple Sclerosis in Men vs. Women: 5 Symptom Differences and More

Scientists have proposed different ideas about why autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis...
Multiple sclerosis (MS) does not affect everyone at equal rates. Some people are more likely than...

Who Gets MS? Prevalence, Epidemiology, and More

Multiple sclerosis (MS) does not affect everyone at equal rates. Some people are more likely than...
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, immune-mediated disorder that affects around 1 million peop...

How Many People Live With MS? (VIDEO)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, immune-mediated disorder that affects around 1 million peop...
Five disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ...

Schedules for MS Infusions: Monthly, Twice a Year, and Other Frequencies

Five disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ...

Thank you for subscribing!

Become a member to get even more: