Multiple sclerosis
How CenterWell Specialty Pharmacy® can help
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system—the brain and spinal cord.¹ While there’s no known cure for MS, treatments are available to help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
What is multiple sclerosis?¹
MS is the result of the immune system attacking the central nervous system, causing damage to the myelin sheath—the protective layer covering the nerves. This damage can disrupt the transmission of nerve signals, leading to different symptoms of the disease depending on which nerves are affected.
If you’ve been diagnosed with MS, you can manage—or even slow—the disease’s progression through treatment, medications and lifestyle changes.
MS is unpredictable and symptoms can vary from patient to patient. The most common symptoms of MS include:²
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty speaking or slurred speech
- Fatigue and weakness
- Memory issues, attention span issues and trouble with problem solving
- Muscle spasms or weakness
- Numbness, tingling or pain throughout the body
- Problems with coordination
- Trouble keeping balance or walking
While there’s no cure for MS, a combination of therapy and medications can help manage symptoms and reduce the disease’s progression. If you have MS, it’s important to work with your healthcare team to develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.
CenterWell Specialty Pharmacy offers medications to treat MS, as directed by your prescriber.
While living with MS can be challenging, you can make lifestyle changes to help manage the disease’s progression and symptoms:
Avoid harmful behaviors
Stay away from smoking, drinking alcohol and using illicit drugs. These substances can interfere with your treatment plan and weaken your immune system.
Know which meds to take
Talk to your prescriber or pharmacist before starting new medications, including over-the-counter products, herbal meds and supplements.
Eat a healthy diet
Focus on eating a heart-healthy, anti-inflammatory diet to reduce symptoms and the chance of other health complications.
Reduce stress
Whether it's meditation, spending time with loved ones or reading, managing stress will reduce the risk of flare-ups.
Get regular checkups and screenings
Schedule regular checkups, screenings, immunizations and dental appointments. Doing so can help identify potential problems or complications.
Stay active
Exercise is great for your overall health and may slow the disease’s progression. Before starting, consult your doctor to find an appropriate activity level.
Specialists who work remotely to support you wherever you are
Emotional support
Get 1-on-1 support from healthcare professionals who understand what you’re going through. We’ll listen to your concerns, answer your questions and help you manage any stress or anxiety.
Financial assistance
Don’t stress the bills. We work with financial assistance programs like grants, foundations and manufacturers to help you get the care you deserve. We’ll also assist you with the application process.
Clinical guidance
Receive personalized support regularly and instructions on how to take your meds. We’ll also work with your doctor to adjust your therapy if you’re experiencing side effects.
Sources
- "What is MS?" National Multiple Sclerosis Society, last accessed Feb. 1, 2024.
- "MS Signs & Symptoms," National Multiple Sclerosis Society, last accessed Feb. 1, 2024.
This information is not intended as a substitute for medical care or advice provided by your doctor or professional care provider. Only your doctor or professional care provider can diagnose and treat a medical condition.
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