When to consider changing your SMA treatment
Last updated Oct. 2, 2025 by Agata Boxe
The way spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) affects you may change over time. And, at some point, you may consider changing your SMA treatment.
Having a better understanding of when to switch SMA treatment and how to discuss it with your doctor can help you address evolving needs while maintaining your quality of life.
Why SMA treatment changes may be needed
There are many reasons why you may be thinking about adjusting your SMA care, including:
- Different goals: As your symptoms progress, you may want to focus more on addressing mobility, independence, and comfort.
- New treatment options: Your care team may learn about advances in SMA research and reassess your current treatment in light of a new alternative.
- Life changes: Moving to a new location, switching insurance plans, or adjusting your daily routine may make you reevaluate your current treatment.
- Concerns about effectiveness: You may feel your current SMA treatment is not working as well as it used to.
- Curiosity: You hear about a new treatment in the SMA community and wonder if it could be better for you.
Signs to change SMA treatment
Sometimes an SMA treatment doesn’t seem as effective as it once was. Signs include:
- worsening or persistent symptoms
- side effects that affect your comfort and daily life
- difficulty maintaining independence or being as active as you would like to be
While these signs don’t necessarily mean that you need to change your treatment, you should discuss them with your care team.
Talking to your SMA care team about your concerns
Although you may be hesitant to bring up treatment changes with your care team, you should always ask questions and share concerns. Clear and honest communication is essential to supporting your well-being.
First, prepare a list of questions. Some suggestions include:
- Are there new or alternative treatment options that might work better for me?
- How does a new or alternative treatment compare to my current one?
- Are there risks to changing to another treatment?
- What are the potential side effects?
- Will this fit with my lifestyle and circumstances?
Don’t be reluctant to ask follow-up questions when talking with your doctor about your SMA treatment. Advocating for yourself is key to looking after your health.
When to get a second opinion
If your doctor does not recommend switching your treatment and you still feel unsure, consider discussing it with another SMA doctor. This may be especially important if you feel that your current treatment plan is not sufficiently addressing your symptoms.
Another expert may offer a different perspective and advise you on how to change your SMA treatment. They may also confirm that your current treatment plan is best for you.
Either way, it can give you peace of mind that you’ve explored all your options.
What to expect if you decide to switch treatments
If you and your doctor decide to switch treatments, there may be a transition or adjustment period to allow your body to get used to the new regimen.
Your health provider will likely monitor how the new treatment is working and suggest adjustments if needed.
It’s important to share how you’re feeling, including any side effects and challenges, so your care team can help address them.
Questions to ask yourself before making a change
Before switching treatments, asking yourself some questions can help you with your SMA treatment decision-making process.
Questions may include:
- What do I hope to achieve by making this change?
- How will it affect my daily life?
- Am I prepared for the potential risks?
- What kind of support will I possibly need during the transition?
Changing treatment is a big decision, but it can be an important step toward supporting your well-being. By staying proactive, informed, and in communication with your care team, you can decide together on the right treatment plan for your evolving needs.
SMA News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
