• Five disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) are given as an intravenous (IV) infusion.
• Each DMT is injected on a separate frequency schedule, ranging from monthly to annually.

People with multiple sclerosis considering an infused disease-modifying therapy often wonder how frequently they’ll need to visit an infusion center, doctor’s office, or hospital for treatment. The time commitment, combined with the potential stress of scheduling and managing regular appointments, makes understanding the schedule for MS infusions important.

“How often do you get infusions?” one member asked. Another replied, “Two infusions a year for me — October and April are my infusion months.”

Five of the FDA-approved DMTs are administered by IV infusion, typically at an infusion center. Infused DMTs are given much less frequently than oral medications, which are taken once or more per day, and subcutaneous (under the skin) injections, which are given once or more each week. However, the exact infusion schedule depends on the specific DMT.

Read on to learn more about DMTs, including how MS infusions help manage MS and what to expect from MS infusion schedules.

How Do Disease-Modifying Therapies Work?

DMTs disrupt immune cell attacks on the myelin sheath — the fatty coating that protects nerve fibers in the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. Without myelin, these nerve fibers can’t send electrical signals as effectively from one part of the brain to another. An area of the brain or spinal cord where myelin is damaged, lost, or scarred is called a plaque (also known as a lesion). DMTs help reduce the formation of new plaques by blocking or modifying immune system activity that targets myelin. Types of DMTs that are typically infused are biologics, which are medications derived from living cells.

Infusion treatments with DMTs can remain effective for longer periods than some other medications, slowing progression and reducing the length and severity of MS relapses.

Infused DMTs remain effective for longer than some other medications, slowing progression and reducing the length and severity of MS relapses.

MS infusion treatments can help you manage relapsing forms of MS, including relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), and active secondary-progressive MS (SPMS). In some cases, they’re used for reducing disease activity in people with primary progressive MS (PPMS).

The following five infused medications have been approved by the FDA for treating MS:

• Alemtuzumab (Lemtrada)
• Natalizumab (Tysabri)
• Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus)
• Ublituximab-xiiy (Briumvi)
• Mitoxantrone (Novantrone)

Additionally, a biosimilar to natalizumab is available, called natalizumab-sztn (Tyruko). Biosimilars are nearly identical copies of the original biologic drugs in terms of effectiveness, safety, and quality. Other biosimilars are in development.

The specific DMT that your neurologist recommends will depend on your MS symptoms, treatment goals and preferences, possible side effects, and other health conditions you have. You’ll discuss all treatment options with your neurology team, but the final decision is up to you.

What Do MS Infusion Schedules Look Like?

How often you’ll need to go to the infusion center for treatment depends on the DMT you’re taking. The following chart shows the infusion schedules for the five infused DMTs approved to treat MS as noted in their prescribing information. Your health care provider may adjust your schedule based on factors such as your response to treatment and overall health.

The frequency of DMT infusions for MS ranges from monthly to once a year, depending on which medication you take.

If you take medications for other health conditions, your MS infusion schedule may be adjusted to work around those. In addition, your neurologist may ask you to perform a pretreatment routine, such as drinking more water and taking oral medications and supplements at specific intervals around your infusion. Always tell your health care provider about anything else you’re taking, including vitamins or herbal supplements, to prevent any interactions with your DMT or other MS medication.

When you get your infusion, the staff members at the clinic will monitor you for infusion reactions and other common side effects.

Read more about managing side effects of MS infusions.

What MyMSTeam Members Say About Their Infusion Schedules

MyMSTeam members often talk about their infusion schedules as well as the optimism they feel when they’re scheduled for a DMT infusion. “I get so excited when my infusions come around,” one member wrote. “They give me hope and really help me.”

“I’ve been hoping for an MS cure for 35 years now,” a member said. “All I can say is I’m thankful to be receiving infusions every six months at the infusion center.”

Another member replied, “Me too — I have infusions every four weeks.”

Some members have shared positive experiences with the infusions, themselves, as well as the infusion schedule. “My first infusion was smooth and painless,” one member said. “I really like the idea of going twice a year. I have another infusion next week, and then my next one is in six months.”

It’s important to share your infusion treatment goals with your neurology care team so they can help you find an infusion center close to your home that’s convenient for you.

Read about financial assistance to help with MS infusion costs.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyMSTeam is the social network for people living with MS and their loved ones. On MyMSTeam, more than 215,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with MS.

Are DMT infusions part of your MS treatment plan? How do you manage your infusion schedule? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.