Chronic Care

Multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment available online today

In order to treat your multiple sclerosis, consult with one of our board-certified doctors online today to get help with managing your MS. Get a treatment plan for multiple sclerosis, or refill an existing prescription today.*

Manage symptoms and enhance quality of life Telehealth support for your MS journey Medications available to slow MS progression

Book an appointment

Learn about multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the nervous system. It causes the body's immune system to mistakenly attack its own tissues.

With MS, the immune system destroys the fatty substance that coats and protects nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord (myelin sheath). This layer surrounds the nerve, protecting them and helping electrical signals travel from the brain to the rest of the body.

Over time, multiple sclerosis can cause permanent damage to nerve cells.

Although there is no cure for multiple sclerosis, treatment strategies can help improve symptom management and slow disease progression.

Multiple sclerosis causes

It is still unknown what causes multiple sclerosis. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, scientists believe that MS may be triggered by a combination of factors. To identify the cause of MS, research is ongoing in the areas of immunology, epidemiology, and genetics. Some factors that may contribute to MS include:

Genetics

MS is not directly inherited, but people who are related to someone with MS are more likely to develop the disease.

Lack of vitamin D

MS is more common in countries farther from the equator, which suggests that low vitamin D may play a role.

Smoking

People who smoke have a higher risk of developing MS than those who do not smoke, according to the National Health Service.

Being female

Women are two- to three-times more likely to develop MS.

Viral infections

Viral infections, particularly those caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, may trigger the immune system.

Multiple sclerosis symptoms

For many MS patients, vision problems—such as optic neuritis (blurriness or pain in one eye)—are the first sign of multiple sclerosis. In some cases, MS can cause prolonged double vision or blurry vision.

MS symptoms often include:

Numbness or weakness in one or more limbs
Electric-shock sensations that occur with certain neck movements
Issues with balance

MS symptoms may also include neurological symptoms, such as:

Fatigue
Muscle stiffness
Bladder and bowel control problems

How to treat MS

Although there is no cure for multiple sclerosis, there are treatment options that can help make symptoms manageable, speed up the recovery from attacks, and slow disease progression.

Depending on your symptoms, your treatment plan might include:

Disease-modifying therapists (DMTs): The FDA has approved several disease-modifying drugs for MS treatment. These drugs can help reduce relapsing MS (also called flare-ups or acute episodes). Disease-modifying therapies slow the disease progression and prevent the formation of new multiple sclerosis lesions.
Relapse management medications: If you have a serious multiple sclerosis flare-up, your doctor may recommend corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and damage to the myelin sheath.
Physical therapy: Multiple sclerosis can affect physical function. Staying physically fit and attending physical therapy can help you maintain physical function.
Mental health counseling: Living with chronic progressive multiple sclerosis can feel overwhelming, and multiple sclerosis can affect your mood and memory. Mental health counseling can help you find emotional support and manage the disease.

Lifestyle changes you can make

Lifestyle changes play an important role in MS treatment. The choices you make can help slow the disease process, reduce flare-ups, and improve MS symptoms.

Healthy lifestyle changes that can help with symptom management include:

Eating a balanced diet: Doctors recommend a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean protein. Consider limiting your intake of added sugars, unhealthy fats, and processed foods.
Exercising regularly: Multiple sclerosis can cause muscle stiffness, weakness, and difficulty walking. Aerobic exercise and strength training can help you build muscle and maintain physical function.
Finding sustainable stress management strategies: Stress can take a toll on your physical and emotional health. It is essential to find healthy strategies to cope with stress, such as exercise, therapy, and meditation.
Avoiding cigarettes and alcohol: Smoking and drinking alcohol are both linked to worsening MS symptoms.

Multiple sclerosis medication

Depending on your MS symptoms, your healthcare provider may prescribe medication to treat MS. Some common oral prescriptions for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis include:

Fingolimod (Gilenya)

Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera)

Diroximel fumarate (Vumerity)

Teriflunomide (Aubagio)

Siponimod (Mayzent)

Cladribine (Mavenclad)

Other commonly prescribed medications for multiple sclerosis include:

Corticosteroids

Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids, such as oral prednisone and intravenous methylprednisolone, to treat nerve inflammation.

Interferon beta medications

Interferon betas are among the most commonly prescribed medications to treat MS. They are injected under the skin or into muscle. As a disease-modifying medication, interferon betas can help reduce the frequency and severity of relapsing multiple sclerosis.

The side effects of interferons may include flu-like symptoms and injection-site reactions. Liver damage is a rare but possible side effect of interferon beta injections.

When to see a doctor for multiple sclerosis

Talk to your doctor if you experience one or more of the following symptoms:

Vision loss in one or both eyes
Acute paralysis in the legs or along one side of the body
Numbness and tingling in your limbs
Imbalance
Double vision

Receiving a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis is an important step, and long-term support from your medical team can help you manage the disease. For many MS patients, early treatment is essential to ensuring the best prognosis.

Multiple sclerosis treatment FAQs

What is the best treatment for multiple sclerosis?

The first-line treatment for MS includes disease-modifying treatment. The FDA approves Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus), a monoclonal antibody medication, to treat both relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and primary-progressive MS.

Healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a healthy diet and avoiding alcohol, can also help slow disease progression and reduce symptoms.

What is the best medication for multiple sclerosis?

The best medication for multiple sclerosis will depend on your specific symptoms and clinical course. Depending on your MS symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend corticosteroids, injections, or disease-modifying medications.

What immunomodulator is used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis?

Immunomodulatory drugs used in the treatment of MS include:

Interefon beta 1-b (betaferon)
Interferon beta 1-a (Avonex and Rebif)
Glatiramer acetate

Studies suggest that immune-modulating therapies (drugs that adjust the activity of the immune response to the desired level) can help alter the course of the disease for patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.

How does Copaxone work as a treatment for multiple sclerosis?

Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone) is an injectable drug that treats relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Copaxone is a synthetic version of a protein that resembles myelin, the insulating layer that protects nerve fibers. Copaxone blocks T cells, which can damage the myelin sheath.

Can you live a normal life with MS?

It is possible to live a normal life with MS. You might have to make some lifestyle changes, but with the right treatment plan, you can live a long and healthy life.

Is MS curable or treatable?

Although there is no cure for multiple sclerosis, there are multiple treatment options. MS treatment focuses on slowing the course of the disease, managing MS symptoms, and speeding up recovery from relapses.

Step 1

Book a multiple sclerosis treatment appointment.

Book a same day appointment from anywhere.

Step 2

Talk to your medical provider regarding your multiple sclerosis symptoms.

Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.

Step 3

Pick up a prescription to treat multiple sclerosis.

We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.

Related conditions to multiple sclerosis

Diabetes

Like multiple sclerosis, diabetes can contribute to nerve damage, a condition called diabetic neuropathy. This can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the feet and legs.

Diabetes can also lead to vision problems due to damaged blood vessels in the eyes. This condition is called diabetic retinopathy.

Lyme disease

Lyme disease occurs from a deer tick, and it usually happens after spending time in wooded areas. Without treatment, Lyme disease can affect your heart, joints, and central nervous system.

Lupus

Lupus, an autoimmune disease, can cause similar symptoms to MS. Lupus causes inflammation that affects your skin, joints, kidneys, brain, blood cells, heart, and lungs. Like multiple sclerosis, women are more likely to develop lupus.

30 days of free membership

Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime

Paying with insurance

Membership

$19.99

First month free

Visits

Copay

Visit price with insurance

Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!

We accept these insurance plans and many more:

humana aetna cigna logo background

Paying without insurance