You're starting or switching a DMT

Questions about disease-modifying therapy choices

Why are you recommending this specific medication?
Will this make me feel better, or is it just slowing progression?
What are the most common side effects?
What monitoring or bloodwork is required?
How long before we know if it's working — and how do we actually tell?
If this doesn't work or I have breakthrough relapses, what's the escalation plan?
What's the washout period between DMTs? What's my relapse risk during it?
If I feel worse in the week before my next dose (the 'crap gap'), should I tell you?
Is there copay assistance or a patient assistance program?