We know things are changing fast. This page sets out what we know about treatments right now. We’re keeping it under continual review as our knowledge of the virus improves over time. That means it’s important you check this page regularly for updates.
Practical advice for people with MS
Stay at home if you have coronavirus symptoms
Stay at home (self-isolate) for 7 days if you have either:
- a high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back
- a new, continuous cough – this means you’ve started coughing repeatedly
If you’re taking a DMT, talk to your MS team about whether you should stop or change treatment.
If you’re worried about how you might cope with self-isolating, you should also speak to your MS team.
Don’t go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. You don’t need to contact 111 to tell them you’re staying at home.
Testing for coronavirus is not needed if you’re staying at home.
Read the NHS advice about staying at home
Use the NHS coronavirus service if
- you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
- your condition gets worse
- your symptoms do not get better after 7 days
If you don’t have any coronavirus symptoms
In line with general public health advice, make sure you wash your hands with soap thoroughly (for at least 20 seconds) and often. And try to stay at least one metre away from people who are coughing and sneezing.
If you have another health condition as well as MS (like heart or lung disease or diabetes), you should read information specific to that condition. If you’re worried, speak to your neurologist or other health professional.
MS disease modifying therapies (DMTs) and coronavirus
If you think you have coronavirus, but don’t have a diagnosis, talk to your MS team about whether you should stop or change treatment.
DMTs suppress your immune system, which can make your chances of catching an infection higher. But the risk is different for each one.
Here’s what we know right now about specific DMTs.
Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone), teriflunomide (Aubagio), dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera), beta interferons, and natalizumab (Tysabri)
Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone), teriflunomide (Aubagio), dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera) and beta-interferons (various brand names) do not significantly increase your risk of infection as they don’t suppress your immune system.
If you’re taking natalizumab (Tysabri) carry on as normal. We’ll be closely monitoring the situation and updating this page if anything changes.
Fingolimod (Gilenya)
Fingolimod (Gilenya) may slightly increase your chances of viral infection, including COVID-19. However if you’re already taking fingolimod, stopping can lead to rebound MS disease activity. This could outweigh the risks of the virus.
If you’re thinking about beginning a course of fingolimod soon, you and your neurologist could consider an alternative DMT for now.
Alemtuzumab (Lemtrada) and cladribine (Mavenclad)
If you’re taking a course of alemtuzumab (Lemtrada), or cladribine (Mavenclad), you and your neurologist should consider delaying it. This is because these treatments can increase your risk of viral infections, especially in the few months following treatment.
The case for waiting could be particularly strong if you’re scheduled for a second or third course of treatment of one of these DMTs. A delay of a few months is relatively unlikely to affect the clinical progression of your MS.
Before cancelling a course of treatment it’s important you first discuss it with your neurologist or MS team. It may be that once you understand the risks you want to continue, or there might be an alternative DMT you can take for the time being.
Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus)
Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) is a highly effective treatment for MS but can also moderately increase your risk of viral infection. You and your neurologist may want to consider delaying this treatment as well.
The case for waiting could be particularly strong if you’ve already taken it and are scheduled for a follow-up infusion. A delay of a few months is relatively unlikely to affect the clinical progression of your MS.
Siponimod (Mayzent), ofatumumab (Arzerra) and rituximab
Siponimod (Mayzent), ofatumumab (Arzerra) and rituximab (various brand names) are not available on the NHS, but some people get them by private prescription in the UK. These drugs could also affect your risk of getting COVID-19. If you’re taking any of them you should discuss your treatment with your neurologist or health professional.
Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT)
HSCT is an intense chemotherapy treatment for MS. It aims to stop the damage MS causes by wiping out and then regrowing your immune system, using your stem cells. This treatment greatly hampers your immune system for a period of time. You and your neurologist or healthcare professional should consider delaying this treatment.
Steroids and coronavirus
Whether you should take steroids or not depends on your specific circumstances and how severe your relapse is. You should discuss it with your neurologist or MS team.
Clinical trials and coronavirus
Advice about clinical trials will be different depending on what you’re testing. So you’re always best to speak directly to your trial team about it.
If you’re diagnosed with coronavirus COVID-19
If you think you have coronavirus, but don’t have a diagnosis, talk to your MS team about whether you should stop or change treatment.
If a health professional confirms you have coronavirus COVID-19, they might advise you to stop taking your DMT.
This means do not inject yourself or take your tablets. Contact your MS team as soon as you know and they will tell you when it’s safe to start taking them again.
If you’re due to have an infusion this needs to be delayed.
If you’re concerned please contact your neurologist or other health professional for more detailed advice.
