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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

BETASERON® (interferon beta-1b) should be used with caution in patients with depression. Injection-site necrosis has been reported in 4% of patients in controlled trials. Patients should be advised of the importance of rotating injection sites...continue reading below

Finding out I have MS

While getting diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) isn't something you would choose, it doesn't have to be defeating. Many people have talked to their doctors and have found effective therapies.

Why me?

There is no one answer why someone gets MS. What's important is what you do now that you know where you stand. By not letting MS define you and by seeking effective treatment, you can help get past wondering "why me?" and begin living "what's next for me."

Getting diagnosed

It can be difficult to prove if someone has MS. Unlike many other diseases, there is no single test for MS. Your healthcare team will review your medical history for symptoms of an MS event or relapse.3

Symptoms of an MS event or relapse3:

  • Fatigue
  • Tingling/pain
  • Problems with balance and walking
  • Changes in vision
  • Depression/emotional changes
  • Impaired thinking/understanding
  • Poor muscle coordination
  • Sexual problems
  • Slurred speech and stuttering
  • Bladder and bowel problems

During a physical exam, your doctor will look for signs such as:

  • Irregular eye movement
  • Changes in the way you talk
  • Lack of coordination
  • Weakness/spasticity in your arms or legs

After reviewing your medical history, doing a physical exam, and performing an MRI,* healthcare teams sometimes have enough information to make a diagnosis of MS. Most likely, they will order more tests.

*A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect the distinctive lesions or scars that give MS its name. The exact relationship between MRI findings and the clinical status of people with MS is unknown.

Am I having a relapse?

MS is unpredictable. After you've had a first MS event, there is no way to tell if or when MS relapses might occur or how severe the effects might be. People may experience all or just some of the MS symptoms listed in Symptoms of an MS event or relapse. If you believe you're having a MS relapse, consult your doctor immediately.

Doctor (Dr. Eng)
Ask your doctor about early treatment.

Why early treatment matters

Studies suggest that MS causes damage—even in the early years of the disease.1,2 So the earlier you treat MS, the better. BETASERON (interferon beta-1b) is a high-dose, high-frequency, interferon beta for treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients who have experienced a first clinical episode and have MRI features consistent with MS.

The BENEFIT study

The 2-year BENEFIT study evaluated the efficacy and safety of BETASERON in Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS) patients.8 292 patients received BETASERON therapy and 176 patients received placebo, for a total of 468 patients in the study.

The BENEFIT study concluded7,8:

  1. Early treatment with BETASERON may help delay disease progression to clinically definite MS (CDMS) by over 50% overall compared with the placebo group.
  2. Common adverse events (AEs) associated with BETASERON include injection-site reactions and flu-like symptoms.
  3. The frequency of flu-like symptoms may decrease over time with gradual dose titration and the use of over-the-counter analgesics.

Speak to your healthcare provider to find out if BETASERON is right for you.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

BETASERON® (interferon beta-1b) is indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis to reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations. Patients with multiple sclerosis in whom efficacy has been demonstrated include patients who have experienced a first clinical episode and have MRI features consistent with multiple sclerosis.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

  • BETASERON should be used with caution in patients with depression.
  • Injection-site necrosis has been reported in 4% of patients in controlled trials. Patients should be advised of the importance of rotating injection sites.
  • Severe hepatic injury, including cases of hepatic failure, has been reported. Patients should be monitored for liver enzyme elevations while taking BETASERON.
  • BETASERON should be used with caution in patients with seizure disorders or cardiac disease.
  • Female patients should be warned about the potential risk to pregnancy.
  • Cases of anaphylaxis have been reported rarely.
  • The most commonly reported adverse reactions are lymphopenia (low numbers of a certain kind of white blood cell), Injection-site reaction, asthenia (general weakness), flu-like symptom complex (flu syndrome and/or a combination of at least two Adverse Events from fever, chills, muscle aches, tiredness and sweating), headache and pain. Gradual dose titration and use of analgesics during treatment initiation may help reduce flu-like symptoms.

See "Warnings," "Precautions," and "Adverse Reactions" sections of full Prescribing Information.

For important risk and use information, please see the full Prescribing Information.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.