Current Treatments
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

AVONEX® (Interferon beta-1a) is a 166 amino acid glycoprotein with a predicted molecular weight of approximately 22,500 daltons. It is produced by recombinant DNA technology using genetically engineered Chinese Hamster Ovary cells into which the human interferon beta gene has been introduced. The amino acid sequence of AVONEX® is identical to that of natural human interferon beta.

COPAXONE is the brand name for glatiramer acetate (formerly known as copolymer-1). Glatiramer acetate, the active ingredient of COPAXONE, consists of the acetate salts of synthetic polypeptides, containing four naturally occurring amino acids: L-glutamic acid, L-alanine, L-tyrosine, and L-lysine with an average molar fraction of 0.141, 0.427, 0.095, and 0.338, respectively. The average molecular weight of glatiramer acetate is 5,000 – 9,000 daltons. Glatiramer acetate is identified by specific antibodies.

Rebif® (interferon beta-1a) is a purified 166 amino acid glycoprotein with a molecular weight of approximately 22,500 daltons. It is produced by recombinant DNA technology using genetically engineered Chinese Hamster Ovary cells into which the human interferon beta gene has been introduced. The amino acid sequence of Rebif® is identical to that of natural fibroblast derived human interferon beta. Natural interferon beta and interferon beta-1a (Rebif®) are glycosylated with each containing a single N-linked complex carbohydrate moiety.

Tysabri is a monoclonal antibody that affects the actions of the body's immune system. Monoclonal antibodies are made to target and destroy only certain cells in the body. This may help to protect healthy cells from damage. Tysabri is used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. 		Gilenya™ is a new class of medication called a phingosine 1-phosphate receptormodulator, which is thought to act by retaining certain white blood cells (lympohcytes) in the lymph nodes, thereby preventing those cells from crossing the blood-brain barrier into the central nervous system (CNS). Preventing the entry of these cells into the CNS reduces inflammatory damage to nerve cells.

Early Symptoms
The most common early symptoms of MS include:
* Tingling * Numbness
* Loss of balance
* Weakness in one or more limbs
* Blurred or double vision

Less common symptoms of MS may include
* Slurred speech
* Sudden onset of paralysis
* Lack of coordination
* Cognitive difficulties
Listed above, the early symptoms. I tend to be a poster child for these. The symptoms that occur later on are too numerous just to list. There will be a link included that will get you to a site where these symptoms are listed and explained. Keep in mind that someone may have some of these or many of these, there is no way to tell.
Multiple sclerosis statistics show that approximately 250,000 to 350,000 people in the United States have been diagnosed with this disease. The life expectancy for people with multiple sclerosis is nearly the same as for those without MS. Because of this, multiple sclerosis statistics place the annual cost of MS in the United States in the billions of dollars. MS is five times more prevalent in temperate climates -- such as those found in the northern United States, Canada, and Europe -- than in tropical regions. Furthermore, the age of 15 seems to be significant in terms of risk for developing the disease. Some studies indicate that a person moving from a high-risk (temperate) to a low-risk (tropical) area before the age of 15 tends to adopt the risk (in this case, low) of the new area and vice versa. Other studies suggest that people moving after age 15 maintain the risk of the area where they grew up.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Call your Senator and Representative today to increase consumer access to MS biologics

Massachusetts is the only state that prohibits consumers from accessing pharmaceutical assistance. This prohibition is preventing many individuals with MS from taking their medications because they cannot afford expensive co-payments. The Greater New England Chapter has been actively seeking to remove this prohibition for the past four years- WE NEED YOUR VOICE NOW!! Current issue status Language has been introduced by the House and the Senate to the fiscal year 2013 budget that would lift the ban against prescription drug coupons. But the Senate language contains very stringent requirements that could prevent consumers from accessing coupons and financial assistance programs in the Commonwealth. This language is commonly known as “ The Coupon Bill”. Take Action ACTION 1. Identify your state Senator and Representative. Go to: www.wheredoivotema.com ACTION 2. Contact your state Senator and Representative immediately at 617-722-2000 and ask them to contact the fiscal year conferees to support House Budget Sections 163-163C to secure language that would lift the ban against financial assistance for prescription drugs in the fiscal year 2013 budget. Talking points My name is: ______________________ I am a voter in your district. I am calling in support of House Budget Sections 163-163C, which would add prescription drug coupon language to the fiscal year 2013 budget. • Massachusetts is the only state that maintains a ban on prescription drug coupons. • Individuals with MS rely on highly specialized – extremely expensive – biologic medications that have no generic alternative. • Allowing Massachusetts residents to take advantage of manufacturer discounts does not cost the Commonwealth a dime. • The Senate language could preclude consumers from accessing coupons and financial assistance. I ask that the Senator /Representative support House Budget Sections 163-163C and contact their respective conferees to urge their support. Will she/he do so? I can be reached at _________________ (provide telephone #) if my Senator /Representative has any questions. ACTION 3. Please click reply to this email and let the Greater New England Chapter know if your Senator and Representative will support this action. Thank you and please support our efforts to manage chronic disease and keep Massachusetts’ residents healthy. An update will be sent to you regarding the outcome of this important call to action.
Posted by Steve at Thursday, June 14, 2012

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About Me

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North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States
Well-educated, disabled at this point with Multiple Sclerosis. I am very glad that I was able to do the things that I have been able to do over the years. had to change the picture, this one's more realistic.