Momentum - Winter 2012

2012 program focuses
on disruptive symptoms

Pain and sleep disorders caused by multiple sclerosis can have a profound effect on quality of life—not just for the person with MS, but for loved ones, as well.

Learn more about the root causes of pain and sleep disorders, and their best management strategies through the 2012 North American Education Program (NAEP): Managing Pain and Sleep Issues in MS, produced by the Society in collaboration with the MS Society of Canada.

In the video portion, scientists and clinicians discuss strategies

for treating and managing pain and sleep disorders.

Christina and Elysa, two women who live with MS, share how they address their own pain and sleep issues. An accompanying booklet also provides information from current and completed studies on these often frustrating symptoms.

Call an MS Navigator® at 1-800-344-4867 to learn more about NAEP programming in your area. The program will also be available at nationalMS society.org/MSlearnonline

in April 2013. n

Find a partner in your
MS care—online

Find referrals online to healthcare providers experienced with MS, quickly and easily, through the Society’s new Partners in MS Care program, available at national MSsociety.org/partners.

The Partners in MS Care program offers referrals to Centers for Comprehensive MS Care, which provide a spectrum of coordinated care for people with

MS. Over time, the program will also offer referrals to neurologists, mental health providers and rehabilitation therapists who have met certain criteria and with whom the Society has a collaborative relationship. To be a Partner in MS Care, a provider must demonstrate MS experience and knowledge, and meet or exceed standards established by the Society. n

Feed
FDA
approves
new oral
therapy
for MS

On Sept. 12, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved teriflunomide (brand name Aubagio, Genzyme/ Sanofi-Aventis), a once-daily pill for treating relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. Aubagio is the second FDA-approved oral therapy that has been shown to reduce MS disease activity. Two doses were approved; the higher dose was also shown to slow progression of the disease.

Aubagio works by inhibiting the function of specific immune cells implicated in MS. Large clinical trials suggest that its effectiveness against MS relapses is similar to those of the first generation disease-modifying therapies.

Taking Aubagio may have risks, and prescribing information includes a boxed warning about possible liver damage and/or fetal harm. Discuss potential risks and benefits with your physician before making any treatment decision.