Multiple sclerosis was without effective disease-modifying therapy for many years. The introduction of the injectable therapies (interferon and glatiramer acetate) some 20 years ago was considered a major advance. Recent years have heralded a revolution in treatment options with the introduction of intravenous natalizumab and, even more recently, three oral agents. We are currently in a period of determining the best use of these therapies to ensure prevention of disease progression while maintaining patient safety. Despite these new treatments, there are still many patients living with disability as a result of multiple sclerosis and significant attention must be given to symptomatic management.
Keywords: disease-modifying treatment; multiple sclerosis; progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy; relapsing-remitting; symptom management.
© 2014 The Authors; Internal Medicine Journal © 2014 Royal Australasian College of Physicians.