A Dream Back On Track

Saturday, March 1, 2008

A Dream Back On Track (NAPSA)—There is encourag- ing news for the 400,000 Americans who are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmunedisease affecting the central nervous system. Medication makes it possible for patients to manage the potentially debilitating disease and help regain control of their lives. It took Timothy Garrett a long time to come to terms with the diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) hereceived in 1989. At first he was overcome with a sense of hopelessness, not knowing how the diagnosis would affect his ability to work and pursuehis dream of building and flying his own airplane. Shortly after his diagnosis, Garrett began treatment with an interferon beta (IFN-8) therapy, Betaseron, but after several years he developed neutralizing antibodies (NAbs), which may interfere with—or neutralize—the activity of IFN-B therapies, and his symptoms began to worsen. “In 2000, after testing positive for NAbs, my doctor recommended Copaxone (glatiramer acetate injection), a noninterferon therapy, which is not associated with the development of NAbs,” said Garrett. In November 2006, after spending over 1,800 hours building his airplane, his dream came true— he took his plane for its first flight. “When I was diagnosed with MS, I lost power and control—the power of my dreams and control of my life,” said Garrett. “While everyone responds differently to treatment, with the help of my daily injection of Copaxone, healthy diet and exercise, I have regained the power of my dreams and control to proactively manage my disease and live my dream of planning, building and flying my aircraft.” While individual results may vary, after more than six years on Copaxone, Garrett’s magnetic reso- Medications are making it possible for people with MS to realize their dreamsandlive activelives. nance imaging (MRI) tests showed that his disease had not worsened. Because Garrett was feeling so well, he decided to see if his body could fight the disease without therapy, but instead with a strict organic diet, increased exercise and an even stronger positive attitude. Unfortunately, a six-month followup MRI confirmed three new lesions on his brain during the time he was off the treatment. After talking with his neurologist about the disappointing test results, Garrett resumed treatment with Copaxone and has had no new lesions since. “Now, I know I need to stay on therapy even though I feel okay,” said Garrett. To those who are on a therapy and are considering stopping it, he suggests talking with your neurologist and discussing all of your options. “My goal is to inspire those affected by MS not to give up,” said Garrett. “T now understand the importance of proactively managing mydisease so that I can continueto live my dream.” Copaxone is indicated for the reduction of the frequency of relapses in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Call (800) 887-8100 or visit www.copaxone.com for more infor- mation about Copaxone or multiple sclerosis. ee ee ee eee eee eee ee Fe ee ee eee eee eee ee eee eee Note to Editors: Important Safety Information: The most common sideeffects of Copaxone are redness, pain, swelling, itching, or a lump at the site of injection, flushing, chest pain, weakness, infection, pain, nausea, joint pain, anxiety and muscle stiffness. These reactions are usually mild and seldom require professional treatment. Patients should tell their doctor about any side effects. Some patients report a shortterm reaction right after injecting Copaxone. This reaction can involve flushing (feeling of warmth and/or redness), chest tightness or pain with heart palpitations, anxiety and trouble breathing. These symptoms generally appear within minutes of an injection, last about 15 minutes and go away by themselves without further problems. A permanent indentation underthe skin at the injection site may occur, due to a local destruction offat tissue. Patients should follow proper injection technique and inform their doctor of any skin changes. After injecting Copaxone, patients should call their doctor right away if they develop hives, skin rash with irritation, dizziness, sweating, chest pain, trouble breathing, severe pain at the injection site or other uncomfortable changes in their general health. Patients should not give themselves any more injections until their doctortells them to begin again. You are encouraged to report negative side effects ofprescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov /medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Teva Neuroscience, Inc. markets Copaxone. Copaxone is a registered trademark of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Lid. Teva Neuroscience, Inc. is a subsidiary of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Lid. See additional important information at http:/ /www.copaxone.com /pi/index.html or call 1 800-8878100. Please see enclosed additional important information. 086217401/080936

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