Age to stop DMT?

[dm0329]

My last neurologist appointment had me questioning the comment of my doctor. He said that stopping a DMT at age 65 is common. But, according to MS specialists, there isn't a common age to stop as MS doesn't really stop either?

What do you think about stopping your DMT at age 65?

[pennstater]

You may find this helpful to look at. There was some prior discussion on the topic. I think you will see some neuros are comfortable recommending stopping, others not. I truly think it is a personal risk discussion based on where we are in our disease course. Everyone has their own risk tolerance.

https://www.msworld.org/forum/forum/...tients-over-55.

[dm0329]

Thanks so much for reposting this forum on stopping DMTs for patients over age 55. BTW, I just turned age 56 (I was dx at age 26 in 1994 started on Avonex 1997-2022 then switched to Aubagio in March 2023 (after starting Menopause) which I continue today.

As my MRIs have been stable for many years, I suspect that I will be among those that choose to discontinue at age 65. *crossing my fingers* Be Well!

[pennstater]

Glad it was helpful.

[limppy]

i THINK THE AGE OF 65 WAS DETERMINED CAUSE THAT'S MEDICARE TIME AND THEY ARE NO GOOD FOR DMT'S (COVERAGE)
I DID MAVENCLAD AT 63/64 AND I HEAR IT LASTS 10 YEARS WHO KNOWS, BUT NEURO AND I AGREE ON THIS PLAN .. I CAN NOT COVER 30 K OR 40K $$$$$ PER YEAR

[lukeduke]

Well I'm a long way from stopping a DMT at 65, I'm a long way from stopping a DMT at 55. I'm starting to learn though how Medicare is going to handle my DMT for MS. I'm only 43 years old and have been living with MS for seventeen years. I will have to do something though if Medicare wants me to pay 30 or 40 K per year for Tysabri.

[melody60]

I was diagnosed in 2005 at age 55, I chose Avonex for my treatment. In 2021 I stopped my weekly Avonex shot. I discussed it with my neurologist and he was in agreement that I could stop. My MRI’s had been stable for 7 yrs., I did not have any progression. To date my MS limits my mobility. I have drop foot on my right foot which will not reverse anytime soon. It’s residual damage. I was skeptical when I stopped my shots, but thankfully, so far, I haven’t had any new symptoms since stopping medication. Fingers crossed that I continue to be stable. I also did a lot of research prior to stopping treatment and I would recommend that anyone considering stopping their DMT do the same, and discuss it with your neurologist.

[rsinger]

I am now 71. Diagnosed at 48. Very mild MS in general. I'm very active. Still working 2 days a week and workout 4 days a week. I've been taking tecfidera for 9 years. Previously used copaxone and gilenya. No changes on MRI imaging for over 10 years. My doctor said I could discontinue at this point. He did say that there could be a slight chance about 1% of a relapse. I would love to "graduate" to no DMT. Anyone else out there like me?

[pennstater]

Definitely like you rsinger - ready to graduate from DMTs! I was diagnosed at 42, now 60. Twelfth year on Tysabri after other DMTs. No MRI changes in 16 years. I may stop next year, haven't made my mind up 100%, but leaning that way.

[rsinger]

Yes pennstar. As we age our immune systems are less active. Less chance of a relapse. I think I'm done this year.

[Mamabug]

I stopped in 2019 at age 57. I'd appeared to be in SPMS for 5 years with no MS flares. I 2018, I'd begun a restrictive diet, somewhat like Wahls Protocol and made additional lifestyle changes.

Although I was declining steadily between 2014-2018, I've been stable since making those changes, even after going off DMTs .

[Marco]

Should MS Patients Stop Treatment as They Age?







— Enrique Alvarez, MD, PhD discusses the challenges of deciding whether patients can safely quit




Stopping multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment as patients age can be a difficult decision, but there are considerations that may help with that process.




In this exclusive video, Enrique Alvarez, MD, PhD, from the University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, offered perspective on data from the DISCOMS study that was recently published in Lancet Neurology, and addressed some of the challenges when deciding whether patients with MS should discontinue disease-modifying therapy (DMT) as they get older.

https://www.medpagetoday.com/meeting...opearls/107330