Disease-modifying drug therapy for multiple sclerosis in clinical practice

The therapeutic paradigm for multiple sclerosis (MS) has changed dramatically since interferon beta-1b, the first treatment for relapsing-remitting MS was introduced. There are now four other approved agents for MS: two interferon beta-1a’s, glatiramer acetate, and mitoxantrone. Neurologists managing patients with MS now face the challenge of recommending which of these agents to use and when to initiate or modify treatment. This chapter attempts to outline practical approaches to disease-modifying therapy of MS.