Before you switch RRMS medications, notify those on your healthcare team, including doctors, neurologists, and other specialists you might see. Let your family know, too, and consider seeking support groups for guidance.

Switching medications for relapse-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is common. This is especially true of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), which help slow RRMS progression.

One type of healthcare professional could very well prescribe you a different form or dosage of these types of medications. However, it’s important to make sure that all members of your MS healthcare team are in the loop.

These can include your primary care doctor and a specialized doctor, such as a neurologist.

If your primary care doctor prescribes additional medications, notify your neurologist. Your specialty doctors will need to know about these medication changes in case any of them interact with different drugs they might prescribe you.

For example, some people with RRMS start to experience high blood pressure or low red blood cell counts and may require additional medications.

Similarly, if your neurologist prescribes a new DMT, notify your primary care doctor.

Your primary doctor will be your first contact should you make any significant changes. Primary care doctors often coordinate care with specialists — not the other way around.

Before making medication switches, consider reaching out to others living with RRMS.

Drug changes are common, so you might find someone who has been in your shoes and can offer some insights or guidance. Just be sure to remember that DMTs affect everyone differently.

Support groups are great ways to meet other people with MS. Many of these groups also focus on specialty topics, such as treatment management and self-care. Some support groups may be online.

If you need help finding a group, consider using the National MS Society’s location tool.

If you see rehabilitation therapists, also be sure to disclose any medication changes with them.

Rehab specialists include:

  • physical therapists
  • occupational therapists
  • speech/language pathologists

Rehabilitation therapists don’t prescribe medications or make medication changes to your treatment plan, but they are well versed in how MS drugs can affect their patients.

If you’re trying a new DMT, for example, your physical therapist might be looking for unusual fatigue as a side effect. Rehab therapists can offer new techniques to manage your symptoms or medication side effects.

A nutritionist, if you have one, is another member of your healthcare team who doesn’t manage your medications. However, a nutritionist keeps medication lists in mind so they can recommend meal plans to more effectively help with:

Sometimes medications can affect these concerns. For instance, an antidepressant might cause weight gain.

Disclosing your medication lists with your nutritionist can help them better understand such effects. They’ll be able to determine when dietary changes will or won’t help.

If you see a mental health specialist, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, you’ll also need to share RRMS medication changes with them.

These types of mental health specialists might prescribe medications or supplements, so they need to know your most up-to-date MS treatment plan. This can prevent drug interactions.

For example, if you take high doses of ibuprofen (Advil) for pain, a psychiatrist may not be able to prescribe certain antidepressants. This combination of medications can cause stomach bleeding.

Keep your family members, loved ones, and caregivers updated on any changes related to your RRMS medications. This is especially important if other individuals help administer your prescriptions.

Talking with your loved ones and caregivers ahead of time can help make sure they’re prepared and aware of your RRMS medication changes. This way, they can be better prepared to help you with your treatment.

Before switching RRMS medications, be sure to speak with a number of people. This includes any doctors and specialists you may see, your family or any caregivers, and other people with RRMS.

Your doctors must know what medications other specialists or doctors have prescribed for you to avoid medication reactions.

Connecting with others with RRMS, locally or online, can provide insight into the medication changes you’re looking to make.