Brand Name: Deltasone
Chemical Name: prednisone (pred-ni-sone)
Generic Available: Yes
Description: Prednisone is one of the corticosteroids (cortisone-like medicines) used to relieve inflammation in different parts of the body. Corticosteroids are used in MS for managing acute relapses because they reduce inflammation in the central nervous system. Although prednisone is one of the most commonly used corticosteroids in MS, it is only one of several possibilities. Other commonly used corticosteroids include dexamethasone, betamethasone and methylprednisolone. The following information pertains to all the various corticosteroids.
Most neurologists who treat MS believe that high-dose corticosteroids given intravenously (IV) are the most effective treatment for an MS relapse. However, the exact protocol may differ somewhat from one treating physician to another. Patients generally receive a 3 to 5 day course of treatment (either in the hospital or as an outpatient), with doses of the medication spread throughout the day. The high-dose, IV is typically followed by a gradual tapering dose of an oral corticosteroid (usually ranging in length from 10 days to 5 or 6 weeks). Prednisone is commonly used for this oral taper. Oral prednisone may also be used instead of the high-dose, IV treatment if the IV treatment is not desired or is medically contraindicated.
Read additional information about
prednisone, which is also available under the brand names Prednisone Intensol®, Sterapred® and Sterapred® DS.
Brand Name: Solu-Medrol
Chemical Name: methylprednisolone (meth-ill-pred-niss-oh-lone)
Generic Available: Yes
Description: Methylprednisolone is one of the corticosteroids (cortisone-like medications) used to relieve inflammation in different parts of the body. Corticosteroids are used in MS for managing acute relapses because they can reduce inflammation in the central nervous system. Although methylprednisolone is one of the most commonly used corticosteroids in MS, it is only one of several possibilities. Other commonly used corticosteroids include dexamethasone, prednisone, betamethasone and prednisone.
Most neurologists who treat MS believe that high-dose corticosteroids given intravenously or orally are the most effective treatment for a relapse. However, the exact protocol may differ somewhat from one treating physician to another.
Read additional information on
intravenous methylprednisolone, which is also available under the brand name Depo-Medrol®.
Read additional information on
oral methylprednisolone, which is also available under the brand name Medrol®.
Infusion Center Resources:
Infusion Access Foundation: This non-profit advocacy organization helps patients get greater access to infusion therapies.
Visit the site to:
Brand Name: H.P. Acthar (Repository Corticotropin)
Chemical Name: Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
Generic Available: No
Description: H.P. Acthar Gel is a highly purified preparation of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in a gel. It is designed to provide extended release of the ACTH following injection. ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex gland to secrete cortisol, corticosterone and aldosterone.
ACTH is FDA-approved as a short-term treatment for acute relapses of MS.
Read the
medication guide for patients.
Read
prescribing information for healthcare professionals.
Support and Financial Assistance:
Acthar Gel Patient Support:877-503-7746
Acthar.com/acthar-patient-supportActhar Gel Financial Support:Acthar.com/financial-assistance
Along with medication,
rehabilitation can help you get back on track after an acute relapse. Your rehab team can work with you to address any issues the relapse caused or made worse. If you’re interested in rehabilitation, connect with an MS Navigator. They can share more information about rehabilitation and can refer you to a rehabilitation specialist. Contact them at 1-800-344-4867 or
online.
Help With Managing Acute Relapses in Multiple Sclerosis
Medications play a key role in managing multiple sclerosis. Among other things, they can alter MS progression and address
relapses (also referred to as “attacks” or “exacerbations”). When combined with other elements of comprehensive MS care, these medications may improve your overall quality of life.
The medications on this page are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat acute relapses in MS. Your healthcare provider may prescribe other medications that support the treatment of acute relapses but are not FDA-approved specifically for use in MS.
FDA-Approved Medications for Acute Relapses in MS
Deltasone®
Brand Name: Deltasone
Chemical Name: prednisone (pred-ni-sone)
Generic Available: Yes
Description: Prednisone is one of the corticosteroids (cortisone-like medicines) used to relieve inflammation in different parts of the body. Corticosteroids are used in MS for managing acute relapses because they reduce inflammation in the central nervous system. Although prednisone is one of the most commonly used corticosteroids in MS, it is only one of several possibilities. Other commonly used corticosteroids include dexamethasone, betamethasone and methylprednisolone. The following information pertains to all the various corticosteroids.
Most neurologists who treat MS believe that high-dose corticosteroids given intravenously (IV) are the most effective treatment for an MS relapse. However, the exact protocol may differ somewhat from one treating physician to another. Patients generally receive a 3 to 5 day course of treatment (either in the hospital or as an outpatient), with doses of the medication spread throughout the day. The high-dose, IV is typically followed by a gradual tapering dose of an oral corticosteroid (usually ranging in length from 10 days to 5 or 6 weeks). Prednisone is commonly used for this oral taper. Oral prednisone may also be used instead of the high-dose, IV treatment if the IV treatment is not desired or is medically contraindicated.
Read additional information about
prednisone, which is also available under the brand names Prednisone Intensol®, Sterapred® and Sterapred® DS.
Solu-Medrol®
Brand Name: Solu-Medrol
Chemical Name: methylprednisolone (meth-ill-pred-niss-oh-lone)
Generic Available: Yes
Description: Methylprednisolone is one of the corticosteroids (cortisone-like medications) used to relieve inflammation in different parts of the body. Corticosteroids are used in MS for managing acute relapses because they can reduce inflammation in the central nervous system. Although methylprednisolone is one of the most commonly used corticosteroids in MS, it is only one of several possibilities. Other commonly used corticosteroids include dexamethasone, prednisone, betamethasone and prednisone.
Most neurologists who treat MS believe that high-dose corticosteroids given intravenously or orally are the most effective treatment for a relapse. However, the exact protocol may differ somewhat from one treating physician to another.
Read additional information on
intravenous methylprednisolone, which is also available under the brand name Depo-Medrol®.
Read additional information on
oral methylprednisolone, which is also available under the brand name Medrol®.
Infusion Center Resources:
Infusion Access Foundation: This non-profit advocacy organization helps patients get greater access to infusion therapies.
Visit the site to:
H.P. Acthar®
Brand Name: H.P. Acthar (Repository Corticotropin)
Chemical Name: Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
Generic Available: No
Description: H.P. Acthar Gel is a highly purified preparation of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in a gel. It is designed to provide extended release of the ACTH following injection. ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex gland to secrete cortisol, corticosterone and aldosterone.
ACTH is FDA-approved as a short-term treatment for acute relapses of MS.
Read the
medication guide for patients.
Read
prescribing information for healthcare professionals.
Support and Financial Assistance:
Acthar Gel Patient Support:877-503-7746
Acthar.com/acthar-patient-supportActhar Gel Financial Support:Acthar.com/financial-assistance
Rehabilitation After an Acute Relapse
Along with medication,
rehabilitation can help you get back on track after an acute relapse. Your rehab team can work with you to address any issues the relapse caused or made worse. If you’re interested in rehabilitation, connect with an MS Navigator. They can share more information about rehabilitation and can refer you to a rehabilitation specialist. Contact them at 1-800-344-4867 or
online.