Disease‐modifying drugs for multiple sclerosis in Japan: A focus on the 2017 Japanese guidelines and the 2018 supplement

Abstract

AbstractCurrently, six disease‐modifying drugs (DMD) for multiple sclerosis are available in Japan: subcutaneous interferon‐β‐1b, intramuscular interferon‐β‐1a, glatiramer acetate, natalizumab, fingolimod and dimethyl fumarate. These drugs have different clinical and adverse effects. Therefore, it is critical to select the appropriate DMD, and switching from one DMD to another in clinical practice requires careful monitoring. The Japanese guidelines for multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica were revised in 2017, and a supplement to the guidelines for dimethyl fumarate was published in 2018. Herein, we review the characteristics of the six DMD available in Japan, and discuss their use according to the Japanese guidelines.