CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sanofi Genzyme, the specialty care global business unit of Sanofi, today announced a continued collaboration with award-winning television and film actress Madeleine Stowe to launch a new online webisode series, Take Action on MS, to educate and empower people living with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS).
In this unique online video series, Madeleine has teamed up with a registered nurse, a certified life coach, a medical exercise specialist, and individuals living with relapsing MS to address lifestyle topics the MS community has identified as challenging to discuss with their care partners and physicians.
Last year, Madeleine participated in events across the country to meet with people living with relapsing MS and their care partners, and to share her story about growing up in a family impacted by the disease.
“Touring the country and having real conversations with people living with relapsing MS and their care partners was more impactful than I could have imagined,” said Madeleine Stowe. “I had the opportunity to hear directly from people who are battling this disease and gain true insight into the challenges they face on a daily basis, which is why I’m excited to introduce in partnership with Sanofi Genzyme this new video series to continue sharing with the community in a broader way.”
When Madeleine’s father was living with MS, there were no approved treatment options. Today, people living with relapsing MS have options to choose from, including AUBAGIO® (teriflunomide), an oral therapy used to treat relapsing forms of MS.
The webisodes, meant to encourage conversations in the MS community, cover topics including managing the feeling of being overwhelmed, asking for help when you need it, building intimacy with a partner, and more.
"People living with relapsing MS may be uncomfortable talking about certain issues that impact their lives as a result of their disease," said Beverly Layton, a Registered Nurse specializing in MS, who is featured in the Take Action on MS webisodes. "Hearing from others who may be facing similar challenges and knowing you're not alone helps to begin the conversation and empowers people to communicate more openly with family, friends, and healthcare professionals."
To view the Take Action on MS webisodes and download other resources for people living with relapsing MS, visit www.TakeActionMS.com.
The Take Action on MS campaign is one of many resources that Sanofi Genzyme provides to the MS community. The Company’s MS One to One® program provides information about MS, treatment, and other relevant resources. MS One to One is staffed by dedicated MS nurses and highly trained representatives who can provide support for individuals living with relapsing MS, their healthcare providers, family, and loved ones. For more information about these support services, call the MS One to One line at 1-855-676-6326 Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET. Information and support are also available at www.MSOnetoOne.com.
About Aubagio® (teriflunomide)
Aubagio
is approved in more than 50 countries, with additional marketing
applications under review by regulatory authorities globally. More than
40,000 people have been treated with Aubagio worldwide.
Aubagio is an immunomodulator with anti-inflammatory properties. Although the exact mechanism of action for Aubagio is not fully understood, it may involve a reduction in the number of activated lymphocytes in the central nervous system (CNS). Aubagio is supported by one of the largest clinical programs of any MS therapy, with more than 5,000 trial participants in 36 countries.
INDICATION
AUBAGIO® (teriflunomide) is a prescription medicine used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
DO NOT TAKE AUBAGIO IF YOU:
- Have severe liver problems. AUBAGIO may cause serious liver problems, which can be life-threatening. Your risk may be higher if you take other medicines that affect your liver. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests to check your liver within 6 months before you start AUBAGIO and monthly for 6 months after starting AUBAGIO. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop any of these symptoms of liver problems: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, tiredness, yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes, or dark urine.
- Take a medicine called leflunomide for rheumatoid arthritis.
- Are pregnant. AUBAGIO may harm an unborn baby. You should have a pregnancy test before starting AUBAGIO. After stopping AUBAGIO, continue to use effective birth control until you have made sure your blood levels of AUBAGIO are lowered. If you become pregnant while taking AUBAGIO or within 2 years after stopping, tell your healthcare provider right away and enroll in the AUBAGIO Pregnancy Registry at 1-800-745-4447, option 2.
- Are of childbearing potential and not using effective birth control.
It is not known if AUBAGIO passes into breast milk. Your healthcare provider can help you decide if you should take AUBAGIO or breastfeed — you should not do both at the same time.
If you are a man whose partner plans to become pregnant, you should stop taking AUBAGIO and talk with your healthcare provider about reducing the levels of AUBAGIO in your blood. If your partner does not plan to become pregnant, use effective birth control while taking AUBAGIO.
AUBAGIO may stay in your blood for up to 2 years after you stop taking it. Your healthcare provider can prescribe a medicine that can remove AUBAGIO from your blood quickly.
Before taking AUBAGIO, talk with your healthcare provider if you have: liver or kidney problems; a fever or infection, or if you are unable to fight infections; numbness or tingling in your hands or feet that is different from your MS symptoms; diabetes; serious skin problems when taking other medicines; breathing problems; or high blood pressure. Your healthcare provider will check your blood cell count and TB test before you start AUBAGIO. Talk with your healthcare provider if you take or are planning to take other medicines (especially medicines for treating cancer or controlling your immune system), vaccines, vitamins or herbal supplements.
AUBAGIO may cause serious side effects, including: reduced white blood cell count — this may cause you to have more infections; numbness or tingling in your hands or feet that is different from your MS symptoms; serious skin problems; breathing problems (new or worsening); and high blood pressure.
The most common side effects when taking AUBAGIO include: headache; diarrhea; nausea; hair thinning or loss; and abnormal liver test results. These are not all the side effects of AUBAGIO. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you.
Consult your healthcare provider if you have questions about your health or any medications you may be taking, including AUBAGIO.
You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please click here for full Prescribing Information, including boxed WARNING and Medication Guide.
About Sanofi
Sanofi, a global healthcare leader, discovers,
develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients'
needs. Sanofi has core strengths in diabetes solutions, human vaccines,
innovative drugs, consumer healthcare, emerging markets, animal health
and Genzyme. Sanofi is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN)
and in New York (NYSE: SNY).
Sanofi Genzyme focuses on developing specialty treatments for debilitating diseases that are often difficult to diagnose and treat, providing hope to patients and their families. Learn more at www.sanofigenzyme.com.
Sanofi® and Aubagio® are registered trademarks of Sanofi. Genzyme® and MS One to One® are registered trademarks of Genzyme Corporation. All rights reserved.
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