Other issues

Issue 3: The need to have regular monitoring and additional tests on some DMDs

Blood tests will be performed before you start treatment with any of the beta interferons, to check for other conditions you may already have. Blood tests will also be performed throughout the time you are receiving treatment if you choose Avonex®, Rebif® and Betaferon®, to check that you are tolerating it well.

Your blood will be checked each month for the first three months, then every 3 months for the first year, and assuming that everything is going well you may only need to be checked every 6 months. If you are on Copaxone ®, you will need to be seen by the MS nurse every 3-4 months for the first year to see how you are getting on with treatment, and 2-3 times per year after that (depending on local policy) although you may not need a blood test.

Issue 4: Pregnancy and conception

DMDs don't affect fertility, but it is not safe to take them during pregnancy. So if you are thinking of starting a family imminently, it may be worth thinking about waiting to start treatment until you have had a baby. While you are on the DMDs, it is important to use reliable contraception. You can discuss this with your neurologist.