OBJECTIVES: Two previous local epidemiological studies describe Colombia as low risk area for multiple sclerosis (MS), however new information systems, which allow for a more accurate approximation, are currently available. This research aims to estimate the national prevalence of MS in our country, as well as by regions, and to analyze national drug costs.   METHODS: We obtained data from the Individual Registry of Health Care Provision (RIPS), with the diagnosis code G35x for multiple sclerosis, taking the confirmed new and repeated diagnoses between 2009 and 2013; information divided by gender, age group and geographical location. Population data from the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE) was used as the denominator. For the analysis of medications, we use the database SISMED 2014 searching for all drugs available in Colombia: interferon beta 1A, interferon beta 1B, glatiramer acetate, natalizumab, mitoxantrone and fingolimod, for sales volume and prices.  RESULTS: According to the RIPS, 3,462 patients with diagnosis of MS contacted the health system in Colombia during the period 2009-2013. The national prevalence for the period was 7.52 / 100,000, with the highest figure in Bogota (16.25) with 1213 patients, followed by Quindío (13.03) and Risaralda (11.18), in Central Colombia. The largest proportion of patients were in the 50 to 54 years age group, and 70% were women. Additionally, in 2014 Colombia spent COP $ 86 billion pesos (43 million US dollars) for MS drugs, around US$12,500 per patient/year.  CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to previous estimations, Colombia is an intermediate risk area for MS, a disease that implies a high direct cost for the health system. The information in the new database might have limitations as underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis. Although, for MS these are presumably lower, due to the requirement of an accurate diagnosis for access to expensive drugs.