Understanding Multiple Sclerosis (NAPSA)—An estimated 400,000 Americans have multiple sclerosis (MS), and about 200 more are diagnosed each week. With early diagnosis and prompt treatment, it is possible for those with MS to better manage the potentially debilitating disease and regain more control of their lives. WhatIs MS? MS is a chronic, unpredictable disease of the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves, explains the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS). It is thought to be an autoimmunedisease and symptoms result when an immune system attack affects myelin, the protective insulation surrounding nerve fibers in the CNS. The “lesions” of damaged myelin form scartissue (sclerosis), which gives the disease its name. As a result of the damaged myelin and nerve fibers, nerve impulses carrying messages from the brain and spinal cord mayshortcircuit, causing reduced or lost bodily function. No two people get MS in exactly the same way in termsof timing, location and severity, but many may experience certain symptoms. Potential Symptoms Weakness Numbness * Tingling sensations Dizziness * Cognitive difficulties Depression Blurred vision Fatigue Slurred speech. Patients should speak to their doctor if they experience any of these symptoms, for early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Available Treatments Although some MSpatients are treated with interferon-beta (IFNb) therapy, these medications can becomeineffective over timeif the patient begins to develop neutralizing antibodies, or NAbs. These antibodies interfere with— or neutralize—theactivity of IFNb therapies, potentially causing MS symptoms to worsen. Fortunately, doctors can test for the development of NAbs and addressit. If a patient tests positive for NAbs, doctors may offer a daily injection of glatiramer acetate, a non-interferon therapy not associated with the development of NAbs, for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Glatiramer acetate has been proven effective in decreasing the frequency of relapse rate in patients with RRMS. Theidea behind glatirameracetate is to change the way the immune system reacts to the disease by preventing harmful cells from developing and stimulating beneficial cells. These “good” cells then enter the nervous system and help reduce damageat thesite of lesions. COPAXONE (glatiramer acetate injection) is indicated for the reduction of the frequency of relapses in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, including patients whohave experienceda first clinical episode and have MRI features consistent with multiple sclerosis. 096217402/090530 Prompt testing for NAbs may help many people with multiple sclerosis keep their condition underbetter control. Additional Safety Information About COPAXONE: The most common side effects of COPAXONE are redness, pain, swelling, itching, or a lumpatthesite of injection, flushing, rash, shortness of breath, and chest pain. These reactions are usually mild and seldom require professional treatment. Patients should tell their doctor about any side effects. Some patients report a shortterm reaction right after injecting COPAXONE. This reaction can involve flushing (feeling of warmth and/or redness), chest tightness or pain with heart palpi- tations, anxiety, and trouble breathing. These symptoms generally appear within minutes of an injection, last about 15 minutes, and go away by themselves without further problems. A permanent indentation under the skin at the injection site may occur, due to a local destruction of fat tissue. Patients should follow proper injection technique and inform their doctor of any skin changes. After injecting COPAXONE, patients should call their doctor right away if they develop hives, skin rash with irritation, dizziness, sweating, chest pain, trouble breathing, severe pain at the injection site or other uncomfortable changes in their general health. Patients should not give themselves any more injections until their doctor tells them to begin again. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www. fda.gov/medwatch, or call (800) FDA-1088. Teva Neuroscience, Inc. markets Copaxone. Copaxoneis a registered trademark of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. Teva Neuroscience, Inc. is a subsidiary of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. See additional important information at http://www.copaxone. com/pi/index.htmlor call (800) 8878100. Please see enclosed additional important information. Lifestyle Changes In addition to a daily injection, exercise and a healthylifestyle may help manage symptomsof MS. Learn More To learn more about NAbs, speak with your healthcare provider. For additional informa- tion, call (800) 887-8100 or visit www.SharedSolutions.com.
