Strength in Numbers: The Importance of MS Support
The time you first hear the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) can be very difficult. You might be unsure about what the diagnosis will mean to your daily life, your future and where to turn for help. Fortunately, you'll find there are many resources and support systems in place to help you learn how to live well with MS. Having people around who can provide accurate information, as well as inspiration and support, can make a major difference in how you manage your MS.
I was recently diagnosed with MS and I have a lot of questions. Besides my doctor, I don't know where to go for help. What can I do?
Many people with MS feel a bit anxious at first. However, the more you know, the more empowered you may become. While your doctor will be the most important source of information for you and your specific situation, there are, fortunately, other people and resources that can help you learn about the disease. I always urge recently diagnosed people to talk to a nurse who specializes in MS about adjusting to life with the condition, as well as to contact local support groups and advocacy organizations, such as the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) and the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (MSF). These groups can provide extremely useful information and practical advice for people with MS.
Additionally, the highly regarded BETAPLUS®† program offers a 24-hour nurse support network, which provides assistance from an MS-trained BETA Nurse at any time. The program also offers access to in-home, one-on-one injection training with a BETA Nurse, as well as a Peer Mentor Program that connects you with a person living with MS who can help answer some of your questions.
Learn more about BETAPLUS and what it has to offer people living with MS.
I find it difficult to make taking my MS medication a part of my routine. What can I do to make sure I stay on track?
Remembering to take an MS medication regularly can be tough for many people. However, it is extremely important you take your medications as prescribed to ensure you are getting the most benefit from your treatment. Fortunately, there are some simple tips available to help you make sure you don't miss a dose.
Some people find that if they take each dose of their medication at the same time of day, it is easier to incorporate into their routines. Others find that taking medication on the "even" or "odd" days makes it easier to remember, while others set the alarm on their PDA. As a part of the BETAPLUS program, people can sign up for automated email alerts to remind them to take their medication, which is a simple way to stay on track. If you have a blackberry or other mobile device that receives emails, this is even better!
I am having a hard time paying for my medicine each month. Where can I go for financial assistance?
Cost may be a barrier keeping people with MS from taking medication. To address this problem, many of the makers of MS treatments offer assistance plans to help people who may have difficulty paying for their medication.
The BETAPLUS program from Bayer HealthCare offers the opportunity to participate in one-on-one financial counseling with a team of "Access Specialists." These experts can provide information to help answer insurance questions, and will even speak directly with your insurance or managed care company on your behalf about pharmacy benefits, prior authorization, appeals and other coverage issues. In addition, qualified patients who are unable to afford treatment are ensured that their treatment is affordable with no copay— $0/month§. Learn more about how Access Specialists can help you. I really admire Bayer for providing this service and encourage you to take advantage of it.
Bob Arnot, MD, is a Peabody award-winning journalist. Dr. Arnot formerly served as chief medical editor and special foreign correspondent for NBC News. Prior to joining NBC in 1996, Dr. Arnot was health correspondent for the CBS Evening News and CBS This Morning. He is also a veteran foreign correspondent and international humanitarian, and currently has a television series on the Time Warner and Comcast networks.
† 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.
