Importance of Early MS Diagnosis and Treatment

Early multiple sclerosis diagnosis is very important because your healthcare provider may want you to begin MS treatment at that time, rather than wait until the disease may have progressed.

Even if you have had only one flare-up or notice only a few signs of MS, it is still important to start therapy when you are first diagnosed. Very often, some symptoms of MS are "invisible." For example, lesions can form in your brain and spinal cord that may affect your ability to do certain things.

Starting therapy when you are first diagnosed may help reduce future physical disability so you can stay active and able longer.

Once-weekly AVONEX is approved for use in people with MS who have experienced a first attack and have lesions consistent with MS on their MRI. In people who have only had one flare-up, AVONEX reduces the risk of a second flare-up by almost half (44%). AVONEX slowed down physical disability progression by 37% in a 2-year study.

Why wait? Take an active role in getting your multiple sclerosis diagnosed as early as possible. Talk to your healthcare provider to assure you choose an MS treatment that you can start early, that helps slow the progression of physical disability, and that reduces flare-ups. Ask your healthcare provider about AVONEX.

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