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Saturday, February 26, 2011 6:30 AM
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Ken Torbert
Dear SHARON,
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| Find support by talking with a TYSABRI mentor. |
Having relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) isn’t easy. But speaking with someone who has MS and may understand the struggles you go through may make a big difference.
That’s why we created the TYSABRI® Mentor Program - to give you an extra level of support. Our mentors are ready to share their multiple sclerosis (MS) stories and experiences with you. Plus, each conversation is private and one-on-one.
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| The TYSABRI mentor program lets you: |
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Connect with others on TYSABRI |
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Share MS experiences |
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Ask questions about your mentor's life with MS |
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| Include your doctor in on the conversation. |
As helpful as our mentors are, they can’t replace your doctor. You should always consult your doctor about any health-related issue. But if you’re looking for support and someone to talk to who is always living with MS, you may find great comfort in our TYSABRI mentors.
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| Never give up fighting your MS. |
| Changing MS therapies may be the right move. So ask your doctor if TYSABRI may be right for you. |
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Indication
• TYSABRI is a prescription medicine approved for adult patients with relapsing forms of MS to slow the worsening of physical disability that is common in patients with MS and decrease the number of flare-ups (relapses).
• Because TYSABRI increases the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare brain infection that usually causes death or severe disability, TYSABRI is generally recommended for patients that have not been helped enough by, or cannot tolerate, another treatment for MS.
• TYSABRI does not cure MS and has not been studied for longer than two years or in patients with chronic progressive MS.
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| Important Safety Information about TYSABRI |
• TYSABRI increases your chance of getting a rare brain infection that usually causes death or severe disability. This infection is called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). PML usually happens in people with weakened immune systems. No one can predict who will get PML. Your chances may be higher if you are also being treated with medicines that weaken your immune system, including other MS treatments. If you use TYSABRI alone to treat your MS, you can still get PML. Your chance of getting PML increases with a longer period of treatment or if you have received medicines that can weaken your immune system prior to starting TYSABRI. However, PML is a rare event. There is no known treatment, prevention, or cure for PML.
• If you take TYSABRI, it is important to call your doctor right away if you have any new or worsening medical problems (such as a new or sudden change in your thinking, eyesight, balance, or strength or other problems) that have lasted over several days. Tell all of your doctors that you are getting treatment with TYSABRI.
• If you get PML, your doctor will monitor you for certain new or worsening symptoms that can happen suddenly after you get PML. Contact your doctor right away if you think your general health status is getting worse.
• Because of the chance for PML, TYSABRI is generally recommended for patients that have not been helped enough by, or cannot tolerate another treatment for MS. TYSABRI is available only through the TOUCH® Prescribing Program, which is a restricted distribution program. Only prescribers, patients and infusion centers enrolled in the TOUCH Prescribing Program can prescribe, receive, and infuse TYSABRI. Before you take TYSABRI, you and your doctor must enroll in the TOUCH Prescribing Program and agree to the program requirements. Plan to see your doctor 3 months after the first infusion, 6 months after the first infusion, and at least as frequently as 6 months thereafter.
• TYSABRI does not cure MS and has not been studied longer than two years or in patients with chronic progressive MS. TYSABRI is not approved for use in patients under age 18.
• You should not receive TYSABRI if you have PML or are allergic to TYSABRI or any of its ingredients.
• TYSABRI is not recommended if you have a medical condition that can weaken your immune system, such as HIV infection or AIDS, leukemia or lymphoma, organ transplant, or others, or if you are taking medicines that weaken your immune system.
• Talk with your doctor about all of the medicines you take or have taken. TYSABRI may increase your chance of getting an unusual or serious infection. You should not take TYSABRI if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or nursing.
• TYSABRI may cause liver damage. Symptoms of liver damage include yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), unusual darkening of the urine, nausea, feeling tired or weak, or vomiting. Blood tests can be done to check for liver damage. Call your doctor right away if you experience any symptoms of liver damage.
• Other serious side effects with TYSABRI include allergic reactions (e.g., hives, itching, trouble breathing, chest pain, dizziness, wheezing, chills, rash, nausea, flushing of skin, low blood pressure), including serious allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) and infections. Serious allergic reactions usually happen within 2 hours of the start of the infusion, but can happen any time after receiving TYSABRI. Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have any symptom of an allergic reaction. You may need treatment if you are having an allergic reaction. TYSABRI may increase your chance of getting an unusual or serious infection, because it can affect your immune system.
• Common side effects include headache, urinary tract infection, lung infection, pain in your arms and legs, vaginitis, stomach area pain, feeling tired, joint pain, depression, diarrhea, and rash. Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.
Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning and Patient Medication Guide.
We’re here to help you.
Brian Prunier
Senior Director, Patient Services
Biogen Idec
800-456-2255 |
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133 Boston Post Rd
Weston, MA 02493 |
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