Understanding MS
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is thought to be an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS consists of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves.1
Here's how it happens
- The nerve fibers in your central nervous system are covered with a fatty protective coating called myelin.
- When you get MS, it is believed that your immune system attacks the myelin, leaving scar tissue on the nerve fiber coating. This can cause permanent damage.
- The scar tissue affects the way electrical impulses travel along the nerve fiber, distorting and interrupting signals coming to and from your brain and spinal cord.
Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
Some people may experience all or just some of these symptoms.2 Unfortunately, there is no cure for multiple sclerosis yet, but there are things you can do to help reduce the frequency of relapses or flare-ups.
Symptoms of relapse can include:
- Fatigue
- Tingling/pain
- Problems with balance & walking
- Changes in vision
- Depression/emotional changes
- Impaired thinking/understanding
- Numbness
- Poor muscle coordination
- Sexual problems
- Slurred speech and stuttering
- Bladder and bowel problems
What We Know About Multiple Sclerosis
- Nobody is completely sure what causes multiple sclerosis, but we do know that MS is not contagious.3
- Around 400,000 people are living with multiple sclerosis in the United States today.4 About 2.5 million people live with MS worldwide. Approximately 10,000 to 15,000 people are diagnosed with MS in the United States every year, which works out to just over 1 new diagnosis per hour.5
- Multiple sclerosis is at least 2 to 3 times more common in women than in men.4 It is most often diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 50.5
- Multiple sclerosis is more common among people of northern European descent although anyone can get MS. People who live in colder climates are much more likely to get MS, but it seems to matter most where you spent the first 15 years of your life.4
- The average person has a 1 in 750 chance of getting multiple sclerosis in their lifetime. If someone has an immediate family member with MS, the chances of developing MS may increase. However, this does not mean that MS is completely genetic or that it is inherited. A lot of other factors, like geography, ethnicity, and maybe even infection can influence whether someone gets multiple sclerosis.4
For more information on MS, please call your healthcare provider.
BETASERON (interferon beta-1b) is only indicated for those diagnosed with Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS), the most common form of MS. About 75% to 85% of persons with MS are initially diagnosed with RRMS.1
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.
** In a survey of 199 physicians conducted by JZM/Phoenix Healthcare Practice, BETAPLUS was rated "best" for affordable therapy, copay assistance, and nurse access and training, compared to other MS disease modifying therapy support programs.
References:
- What is multiple sclerosis? National Multiple Sclerosis Society. http:www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/what-is-ms/index.aspx. Accessed September 25, 2009.
- Symptoms. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. http:www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/symptoms/index.aspx. Accessed September 25, 2009.
- What causes MS? National Multiple Sclerosis Society. http:www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/what-causes-ms/index.aspx. Accessed September 25, 2009.
- Epidemiology of MS. National Multiple Sclerosis Society Website. 2008. http://nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/who-gets-ms/epidemiology-of-ms/index.aspx. Accessed September 25, 2009.
- Who gets MS? Multiple Sclerosis Association of America Web site. http:www.msassociation.org/about_multiple_sclerosis/whogets/. Accessed September 25, 2009.
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.
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