Injections for multiple sclerosis: Types, infusions, and more Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe What to know about injections for multiple sclerosisMedically reviewed by Heidi Moawad, M.D. — By Caitlin Geng on June 28, 2022Treatment options for multiple sclerosis (MS) include injections, infusions, and oral medications. While these medications cannot cure MS, they can help manage the symptoms, prevent disease flares, and improve a person’s quality of life. MS is a disease of the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord. In MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath, which is the fatty material that surrounds and protects the nerves. This process impedes communication between the brain and the rest of the body, causing various symptoms such as movement and coordination issues. This article provides an overview of MS, discusses the differences between injections and infusions, and lists the available medications for injection, infusion, and oral administration. Injections vs infusions Share on PinterestNICK VEASEY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty ImagesWhen treating MS, doctors may recommend injections or infusions of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), these medications can help to:control and limit new inflammation in the CNSslow the progression of disabilityreduce the frequency and severity of relapses The biggest difference between injections and infusions is the time it takes to administer the treatment. An injection delivers the medication immediately, while an infusion delivers the medication over several hours. For MS treatment, injections are usually more frequent and approximately weekly, whereas infusions may be monthly or less. Injections An injection involves administering medication using a needle and syringe. The treatment is suitable for relapsing and long-term MS. A person with MS may self-inject DMTs. A healthcare professional will instruct a person on injecting themselves at home. The injections will typically be subcutaneous, which means a person injects them into the fatty tissue beneath the skin. Infusions A person cannot administer infusions at home and must receive them from a trained professional in a clinical setting. To perform an infusion, a healthcare professional administers the medication through a catheter, or IV line, directly into a vein. The medical professional will use a needle to guide the catheter into the vein and then remove the needle, leaving the catheter behind. List of injections Injectable medications for MS include:interferon beta-1a (Avonex)interferon beta-1b (Betaseron)interferon beta-1b (Extavia)glatiramer acetate (Copaxone)ofatumumab (Kesimpta)peginterferon beta-1a (Plegridy)interferon beta-1a (Rebif) List of infusions Infusion medications for MS include:alemtuzumab (Lemtrada)mitoxantrone (Novantrone)ocrelizumab (Ocrevus)natalizumab (Tysabri) Other MS treatments When devising a treatment plan for MS, a person and their doctor will consider the advantages and disadvantages of different treatment options. Some aspects to consider include: effectivenesssafety and tolerabilitycost-effectivenessconvenience In some cases, oral medications may be more appropriate than injections or infusions. A 2015 review notes that people with MS may consider oral medications a more convenient form of treatment. However, more research is needed to provide data on the long-term potential adverse effects of using oral DMTs. Oral medications for MS include:teriflunomide (Aubagio)fingolimod (Gilenya)monomethyl fumarate (Bafiertam)siponimod (Mayzent)cladribine (Mavenclad)ozanimod (Zeposia)ponesimod (Ponvory)dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera)diroximel fumarate (Vumerity) MS overview MS is one of the most common diseases of the CNS, affecting more than 2.8 million people worldwide. MS is a progressive demyelinating disease, meaning it involves damage to the fatty myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. A healthy myelin sheath protects and insulates the nerves, allowing them to transmit impulses effectively. This enables a person to perform movements rapidly, smoothly, and in a coordinated manner. In MS, sites of demyelination in the brain or spinal cord can develop lesions or plaques. These abnormalities disrupt nerve impulses to and from the brain, resulting in MS symptoms. The symptoms of MS can differ between people and depend on the areas of the CNS affected. Symptoms may include:movement and coordination issuesemotional and cognitive changesfatiguevisual issuessexual dysfunction and bladder and bowel issuesnumbness, tingling, or pain Summary MS is a progressive disease that involves the demyelination of nerve fibers within the CNS. The disease can lead to a range of symptoms, including disability and fatigue. Treatments for MS can help slow the progression of disability and reduce the frequency and severity of disease flares. Treatments are available in the form of injections, infusions, and oral medications. A person who receives injections as part of their treatment plan can self-administer these medications. However, a person who receives infusions must undergo the procedure in a healthcare setting. Oral disease-modifying therapies may be a more convenient option, but further research is needed to assess the long-term effects of this delivery method. Each type of treatment has advantages and disadvantages. A person can discuss the different options with a doctor. Last medically reviewed on June 28, 2022Multiple SclerosisNeurology / NeurosciencePharmacy / PharmacistMedically reviewed by Heidi Moawad, M.D. — By Caitlin Geng on June 28, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageTysabri (natalizumab)Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, Pharm.D. Tysabri (natalizumab) is a prescription drug that’s used in certain adults with multiple sclerosis or Crohn’s disease. Learn about side effects, cost…READ MOREMultiple sclerosis: What you need to knowMedically reviewed by Nancy Hammond, MD Multiple sclerosis is a long-term disease that attacks the central nervous system. Learn more about MS here. READ MOREAvonex (interferon beta-1a)Medically reviewed by Vrinda Rio, Pharm.D. Avonex (interferon beta-1a) is a prescription drug that treats certain types of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults. Learn about side effects, dosage…READ MOREMedications for multiple sclerosis and its symptomsMedically reviewed by Alexandra Perez, PharmD, MBA, BCGP There is no cure for multiple sclerosis (MS). However, there are medications that can help slow its progress and address specific symptoms. Learn more…READ MOREWhat do we know about the different types of MS?Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN How do the symptoms differ with different types of multiple sclerosis? Learn about how MS is diagnosed and how treatments differ between these types.READ MORE