There's no single "best" medication for multiple sclerosis (MS) in Australia; the ideal treatment depends on the individual's MS type, symptoms, lifestyle, and disease activity, with newer options like subcutaneous ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) and ublituximab offering convenience, while established drugs like interferons, glatiramer, fingolimod, natalizumab, ofatumumab, and alemtuzumab also exist, all aiming to slow progression and manage symptoms, with the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listing several for better access.
Australians living with multiple sclerosis and rare cancers will now have access to life-changing medicines thanks to new listings on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). A new form of Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus®) will be listed to treat adult patients with relapsing remitting‑ multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
Low birth weight linked to MS
The risk of low birth weight was higher in pregnancies where the mother had used S1P modulators, anti-CD20 therapies, or natalizumab. Several other studies have also found that people with MS have a higher risk of having a baby with a low birth weight.
There are two main types of government support available for eligible people who are aged 65 years or older and living with MS in the community: Home care packages. Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
No. A diagnosis alone does not guarantee eligibility. To access NDIS support, you must show that MS has a permanent and substantial impact on your daily life. Even if symptoms fluctuate, you may still be eligible if the overall impact is ongoing and likely to continue.
Lifestyle and home remedies
As well as disability benefits, there's other financial help out there that might make living with MS easier. Find out more about free public transport, disabled facilities grants, help with keeping warm in winter, prescription charges and dealing with debt.
The exact cause of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is unknown, but it's triggered by a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental factors (like low Vitamin D, infections, smoking, and stress), and immune system dysfunction that leads the body to attack its own nervous system. Triggers that can worsen existing MS include heat, infections, stress, lack of sleep, and childbirth, while factors like smoking, obesity, and low sun exposure increase risk or severity.
Having MS Does Not Mean You Can't Have Children
Research shows that MS does not make it more difficult to get pregnant2, and it does not increase the risk of pregnancy complications. However, a child's risk of developing MS later in life increases if a parent has certain types of MS.
For those with MS, avoiding too much exercise is a big concern. Too much activity can cause fatigue and worsen symptoms. It's important to listen to your body and know when you've done too much. Pacing activities and taking breaks helps manage energy.
Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and cetirizine (Zyrtec), are commonly used to manage allergies. However, these drugs can also make some MS-related symptoms worse.
Kesimpta (ofatumumab) Kesimpta (ofatumumab) is a disease modifying drug (DMD) for relapsing remitting MS. You take Kesimpta as an injection under the skin once a month. It reduces the number of relapses by about two thirds (70%).
A groundbreaking 2025 study in Nature Scientific Reports has unveiled a new compound—K102, a selective estrogen-receptor β (ERβ) ligand—that not only reduces inflammation but actively repairs damaged myelin and restores visual and motor function in experimental models of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Kesimpta and Ocrevus are both effective for relapsing MS, but Kesimpta may offer advantages in reducing relapse rates and MRI disease activity. Ocrevus remains the only option approved for primary progressive MS.
The medication, Rybrevant (amivantamab), is now available through the PBS for Australians with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) caused by changes (Exon-20 insertion alterations) in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene.
MS risk factors include how old you are, your biological sex, smoking, someone in your family also having MS, and things in your environment. For example, some common infections and vitamin D levels might affect the risk of developing MS. But there isn't just a single cause of MS that we know of.
Neuromyelitis optica is often misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis, also known as MS, or is seen as a type of MS . But NMO is a different condition. Neuromyelitis optica can cause blindness, weakness in the legs or arms, and painful spasms.
Caffeinated drinks like coffee and energy drinks may irritate the bladder, potentially worsening MS-related bladder issues. Sugary sodas and artificially sweetened beverages should also be limited, as high sugar intake can contribute to inflammation, weight gain, and energy fluctuations.
Multiple sclerosis medications
Common types of medications for MS include: Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). DMTs reduce how often you have relapses, slow down MS progression, and prevent new lesions from forming on your brain and spinal cord.
Focus on Home Comfort
Medicare may cover medications for MS under Part B or Part D. Part B covers drug infusion therapies and some injectable drugs given in a medical setting. Part D covers most prescription drugs you take at home, including pills and self-injectable medications.
Three key warning signs of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) often involve vision problems (like blurred vision or pain with eye movement), numbness or tingling sensations, and fatigue, along with balance issues, weakness, and coordination difficulties, though symptoms vary widely and can include cognitive or bladder problems too.
Over 90% of people with MS have elevated levels of an antibody called intrathecal immunoglobulin G (IgG).
Some studies have shown that exercise or physical activity might even slow MS progression, though evidence is inconsistent. Exercise could potentially modify MS disease activity via multiple mechanisms, including modulating immune factors and stress hormones, and mediating the expression of neuronal growth factors.