OBJECTIVES: Optimal adherence to disease modifying therapies (DMTs) is important to maximize clinical benefits among multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Poor adherence to DMT can lead to relapse or progression of MS, which worsens patient outcomes. This research aims to qualitatively explore patients’ experiences with DMTs to better understand complex and multifactorial causes of decreased adherence among MS patients. METHODS: Patients aged 18 years or older, diagnosed with relapsing MS, and prescribed an injectable and/or oral DMT were eligible to participate in the focus groups. Three separate focus groups, based on currently prescribed DMT (injectable, oral, and mix of injectable or oral), were conducted in Austin, TX. Three main areas of discussion were: medication burden, barriers of adherence, and coping strategies.  An inductive content analysis was used to identify emergent themes from the data. RESULTS: Twenty-six MS patients were assigned to one of three focus groups: injectable (n=10), oral (n=6), or mix of injectable and oral (n=10). Majority were female (65.4%) and Caucasian (73.1%). On average, patients were 49.6±9.2 years old and had MS for 12.3±6.6 years. Four major themes emerged: DMT-related issues, barriers of adherence, facilitators of adherence (currently used), and facilitators of adherence (desired). DMT-related issues (e.g., administration, storage) contributed to overall medication burden for patients rather than directly impacting adherence; however, several barriers and facilitators (e.g., memory, lack of motivation) directly impacted adherence. Patients utilized various strategies, such as industry-sponsored support programs and reminder devices, to improve adherence and expressed their desire for easier DMT administration and ordering processes.  CONCLUSIONS: This study identified multiple DMT-related issues, barriers of DMT adherence, and various methods and strategies employed by patients to improve adherence. Findings from this study may be used to tailor initiatives aimed at improving adherence, which may help patients realize full clinical benefits of DMT.