Common MS myths & facts
Don't believe everything you hear about multiple sclerosis (MS). There are a lot of misconceptions about MS. If you find yourself on information overload and aren't sure what to believe, always check with your healthcare provider. For a quick look at some common misconceptions about MS, click on the myths below.
MYTH #1: All MS treatments are the same
The fact is, although MS therapies may seem similar, there are some important differences you should be aware of.
When discussing treatment with your HCP, these are areas you should focus on:
- The indications
- The efficacy and safety profiles
- How they need to be taken
- Storage requirements
- The support available
MYTH #2 Some common side effects aren't manageable
The fact is, there are steps you can take to help reduce some of these common side effects. For example, gradually increasing or decreasing the dose (called titration) can help you adjust to BETASERON therapy.7 You should talk to your doctor about using over-the-counter pain relievers to help lessen flu-like symptoms.7 Your healthcare team and BETA Nurse can suggest other ways to help manage side effects you may have.
MYTH #3: A few relapses per year is a normal part of MS
The fact is, several MS relapses a year means your current treatment may not be working for you. If that's happening to you, talk to your healthcare provider.
MYTH #4: I'm already on an MS treatment—I should just stay with it
The fact is, we learn more about MS therapies every day. The MS treatment you began with may not be the right choice for you now. If you are having frequent relapses or are experiencing more side effects, you should speak to your healthcare professional about whether a different MS treatment may be right for you.
MYTH #5: I feel fine, so there's no reason to start MS treatment
The fact is, MS can be deceiving. In the past, many MS experts considered it acceptable to delay multiple sclerosis therapy. But now we know that damage can begin to happen very early.1,2 Remember, being free of MS symptoms doesn't mean you're free of MS.
MYTH #6: MS affects everyone the same way, so I should treat it the same way, too
The fact is, MS is unpredictable. After you've had a first MS event, there is no way to tell when MS relapses might occur or how severe the effects might be. While scientists continue to seek answers, some studies suggest the importance of starting MS treatment as soon as possible.1,2,8
Not every person living with MS is the same and there are important differences among MS treatments (see Myth #1). It's worth taking some time to look closely at all of them.
MYTH #7: I can deal with MS alone
The fact is, a good support system can make a real difference when you're dealing with MS. People like your healthcare team, family, and friends are your first line of support. You can also call an MS-trained BETA Nurse at 1-800-788-1467 any time, even weekends and holidays.
MYTH #8: I just have to handle injection site pain
The fact is, pain may be minimized for some people. For example, patients taking BETASERON should rotate their injection sites to help minimize injection site reactions. Speak to your healthcare professional for additional tips on how to manage any pain associated with the injection.
MYTH #9: All MS support programs are the same
The fact is, MS support programs differ in the level of support they offer. A good support program can help you start and stay on therapy. You should familiarize yourself with what each program offers, such as copay assistance and access to MS-trained nurses. Find out what BETAPLUS® offers to see if it provides the right support for you and your needs.
