Page 10 - Disease Modifying Drugs and Family Planning in MS
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SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
The management of MS is especially challenging for pregnant patients, as most disease-modifying
drugs (DMDs) are contraindicated at this time.
We, a group of experts in MS care from countries in the Arab Gulf, present our consensus
recommendations on the management of MS in these patients.
Interferon ß now can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, where there is a clinical need
to maintain treatment, in addition to glatiramer acetate.
Natalizumab (usually to 30 weeks’ gestation for patients with high disease activity at high risk of
relapse and disability progression) may also be continued into pregnancy.
Pharmacological immune reconstitution therapies (currently cladribine tablets and alemtuzumab)
provide prolonged freedom from relapses for many patients, but pregnancy should not occur for
up to 20 months from initiation of therapy.
Consider a switch to interferon ß or natalizumab after an appropriate washout period for women
who become pregnant on fingolimod.
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GULF-NONNI-00004
