Addressing Barriers to Treatment
Here, Peabody award-winning medical journalist, Dr. Bob Arnot, addresses some common concerns about committing to MS treatment.
There is valuable news for patients who are newly diagnosed with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Starting an effective therapy soon after diagnosis was demonstrated in clinical studies to significantly slow the progression of the disease. So, starting medication early and then staying committed to treatment may be one of the most important things you can do.
There are some resources available that may help you manage your symptoms and treatment routine.
What can I do to make injections easier?
Bayer HealthCare introduced the thinnest needle available in disease-modifying therapy for MS. In fact, the needle is as thin as the needle commonly used for insulin and pediatric injections. This needle also can be used with an optional auto-injector, which is designed to help increase comfort and may help people self-inject in hard-to-reach places.
I want to make sure that I am minimizing injection site pain as much as possible. Do you have any tips on how to do this?
There are certainly measures to help make sure you're as comfortable as possible with your injections. If it's the injection process that is making you uncomfortable, talk to your MS nurse. He or she can teach you certain injection techniques, including rotating injection sites, that might help make you more at ease.
I was recently diagnosed with MS and it is difficult to realize that I am going to need treatment for the rest of my life. What kind of support is there for me and how can I find it?
Coming to terms with the fact that you have a chronic condition can be hard, especially for people who are newly diagnosed. Recognizing that you are not alone can be a key step in dealing with your diagnosis. There is tremendous support out there for you. Many people find it easy to talk to MS nurses about their feelings, diagnosis and concerns about the future. These nurses specialize in the condition and are familiar with many aspects of the physical, emotional and psychological impact of an MS diagnosis. They have seen and spoken with many people like you, and are truly wonderful sources of support.
People enrolled in the highly regarded BETAPLUS®† program have access to a team of MS-trained BETA nurses who are available to provide personalized support any time of the day or night, every day of the week. Learn more about BETAPLUS and what it has to offer people living with MS
† BETAPLUS is the new name for the MS Pathways℠ program.
§ Some restrictions apply. Copay assistance is limited to $9500 per patient per calendar year. Patients who are enrolled in any type of government insurance or reimbursement programs are not eligible. As a condition precedent of the copayment support provided under this program, e.g. copay refunds, participating patients and pharmacies are obligated to inform insurance companies and third party payors of any benefits they receive and the value of this program, as required by contract or otherwise. Void where prohibited by law, taxed, or restricted. Patients enrolled in Bayer's Patient Assistance Program are not eligible.
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
The most commonly reported adverse reactions are lymphopenia, injection-site reaction, asthenia, flu-like symptom complex, headache, and pain. Gradual dose titration and use of analgesics during treatment initiation may help reduce flu-like symptoms. 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. Female patients should be warned about the potential risk to pregnancy. Cases of anaphylaxis have been reported rarely. See "Warnings," "Precautions," and "Adverse Reactions" sections of 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.
For important risk and use information, please see the full prescribing information.
- New Money-Saving Offer
- Exclusively for people taking BETASERON® Learn More.
- Consider MS Treatments
- When considering treatments, take a closer look at BETASERON.
- Why Choose Betaseron?
- Peer Mentor Program
for MS - Sign up now to connect with a real person who is living with MS.
- Why Choose Betaseron?
- Consider MS Treatments
- When considering treatments, take a closer look at BETASERON.
- BETAPLUS®
MS Support Program -
The MS support program rated best** by physicians for affordable therapy, copay assistance, and nurse access and training. Access a BETA Nurse 24/7, 365 days a year.
Call 1-800-788-1467
or
join BETAPLUS now.
** In a survey of 199 physicians conducted by JZM/Phoenix Healthcare Practice, BETAPLUS, an MS patient support program for those on Betaseron, was rated "best" for affordable therapy, copay assistance, and nurse access and training, compared to MS support programs from Avonex, Copaxone, and Rebif. Attitude, Awareness and Use Tracking Study Among Physicians June 2008.
- Consider MS Treatments
- When considering treatments, take a closer look at BETASERON.
