1-833-ZEPOSIA

ZEPOSIA is a once-daily pill for adults with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS).

Take as directed by your doctor if certain liver problems exist.

MenuClose

ZEPOSIA is a once-daily pill for adults with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS).

Take as directed by your doctor if certain liver problems exist.

About MS

Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, or RRMS, is one type of MS and is the most common course of the condition. Understanding how MS occurs, the progression of RRMS, common symptoms, and ways to manage the condition may bring you closer to finding the help you need.

The types of relapsing MS

Although there is no way to predict relapsing MS from one person to another, there are three different common types of relapsing MS.

CIS is the first “episode” of MS symptoms. To be considered CIS, these symptoms must last at least 24 hours. Many people who experience a CIS episode do not always go on to develop MS.

This is the most common form of MS, as 85% of people with MS are diagnosed with RRMS. This type of MS is defined by attacks of new or worsening neurological symptoms called “relapses.” Relapses can often be followed by periods of partial or complete recovery, called “remissions.”

RRMS can be categorized as “active” with relapses and or new MRI activity over a specific period of time, or “not active,” and as “worsening” with an increase in disability progression after experiencing a relapse or “not worsening.”

SPMS initially follows the course of RRMS, which can progress to "active SPMS." This type of MS is categorized by frequent relapses and a progressive worsening of neurological function and disability over time.

Magnifying glass icon

A closer look at MS

In all types of MS, the body’s immune system to attack the central nervous system (CNS), which consists of the brain, the optic nerves, and the spinal cord.

When MS attacks happen, CNS tissue is damaged and lesions can occur

Lesions disrupt the CNS and keep the brain from sending signals to the rest of the body. These “signal breakdowns” can lead to MS symptoms

Nerve cell

The nerves within the CNS are covered by a protective coating called myelin.

MS attacking nerve cell illustration

MS attack

MS attacks the myelin, causing damage that can prevent the CNS from functioning like it should.

MS attacking nerve cell illustration
MS symptoms icon

MS symptoms

MS can lead to both physical and cognitive symptoms. And they can be different for everyone: Here are a few of the most common MS symptoms.

Painpoints icon

Physical symptoms can include

  • Numbness and tingling (in the face, feet, legs, and arms)
  • Trouble walking and balance issues
  • MS fatigue (in about 80% of people with MS)
  • Impaired vision (blurry or even trouble seeing colors)
  • Bowel and bladder problems
Human head silhouette with brain icon

Cognitive symptoms can include

  • Trouble processing information
  • Worsening of memory
  • Problems with attention or concentration
  • Challenges with planning and prioritization
  • Difficulty thinking of the right word
Rx pill bottle icon

Ways to manage MS

One of the ways to help treat MS is with a type of medication called a disease-modifying therapy (DMT). Making healthy lifestyle choices is another way to help manage MS.

How DMTs may help:

  • Reducing the number of MS relapses and lesions
  • Preventing the development of new lesions
  • Impacting the progression of the disease

How should DMTs be used?

According to The Use of Disease-Modifying Therapies in Multiple Sclerosis, it is important to:

  • Begin treatment as soon as possible after being diagnosed, since MS is a progressive disease that can get worse over time
  • Maintain ongoing treatment unless otherwise directed by your MS healthcare team. Gaps in treatment can be associated with increased relapses and disability progression over time

To manage symptoms, look beyond DMTs

DMTs are not meant for managing MS symptoms day to day. However, there are other types of medications that can help. Talk to your MS healthcare team to learn more.

Lifestyle choices can help, too

Making healthy lifestyle choices such as staying active, getting enough sleep, and eating right can help with MS. To learn more, visit CanDo-MS.org

The information on this page comes from sources that include:

Brain health: time matters in multiple sclerosis

Giovannoni G, Butzkueven H, Dhib-Jalbut S, et al. Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2016;9(Suppl 1):S5-S48.

Cognitive changes

National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Accessed March 28, 2023. https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Symptoms-Diagnosis/MS-Symptoms/Cognitive-Changes

Disease-modifying therapies for MS

National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Accessed March 28, 2023. https://nms2cdn.azureedge.net/cmssite/nationalmssociety/media/msnationalfiles/brochures/brochure-the-ms-disease-modifying-medications.pdf

Managing relapses

National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Accessed March 28, 2023. https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Treating-MS/Managing-Relapses

MS signs & symptoms

National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Accessed March 28, 2023. https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Symptoms-Diagnosis/MS-Symptoms

Practice guideline recommendations summary: Disease-modifying therapies for adults with multiple sclerosis

Rae-Grant A, Day GS, Marrie RA, et al. Neurology. 2018;90(17):777-788.

The use of disease-modifying therapies in multiple sclerosis: principles and current evidence. A consensus paper by the Multiple Sclerosis Coalition

Costello K, Kalb R.
Updated June 2019. Accessed March 28, 2023. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/getmedia/5ca284d3-fc7c-4ba5-b005-ab537d495c3c/DMT_Consensus_MS_Coalition_color