Se Racing To Raise Awareness About Multiple Sclerosis (NAPSA)—While people with chronic, debilitating diseases “Sharing my experience allows me to show people that it’s okay to face your MS and do what you can to accomplish your goals, no matter how big or small they might be,” says Schuble. might not typically be thought of as champion athletes, a group of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients has been working passionately to debunk this perception. Indication: COPAXONE (glati- The eleven members of Team Copaxone range from triathlete to rameracetate injection) is indicated for the reduction of the frequency of climber to mountain biker. Ultimately they all have shared a common goal to live their lives to the fullest despite an MS diagnosis. They also work to educate MS patients nationwide about the ben- tiple sclerosis, including patients snowmobiler, from relapses in relapsing-remitting mul- mountain efits of a healthy diet, exercise and treatment adherence with relaps- ing-remitting MS (RRMS), the most common form of the disease. The team strives to show that a person with MScan still pursue their dreams. Jennifer Schuble, an elite track cyclist and U.S. Par- alympian, has become the newest Team Copaxone memberafter a nationwide search. “Tm excited to join the ranksof this remarkable group that has who have experienceda first clinical episode and have MRIfeatures consistent with multiple sclerosis. Additional Important Safety Jennifer Schuble, an elite cyclist doesn’t let multiple sclerosis hold her back on the track. Blurred vision e Fatigue Cognitive difficulties When Schuble was diagnosed with RRMS, she was forced to stop competitive running. Instead of accepting defeat, Jennifer did and with my newrole on the team numerous U.S. and world records. Recently, she won a gold medal and twosilver medals at the Para- MSis an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous ally entered into the professional cycling scene. She’s broken lympic Games in Beijing, China. Since being diagnosed with RRMS, Jennifer has a renewed focus on her health and well-being and feels more in tune with her system. In the U.S. today, there are approximately 400,000 people body’s needs, all of which have helped her achieve personal peak thought to affect more than 2.1 million people. Many multiple results may vary, I made the commitment to follow a training diseases, making MS a compli- and live a regular day-to-day life with MS and the disease is sclerosis symptoms imitate other cated disease to diagnose. While MS symptoms vary in each individual, some mayinclude: Weakness Numbness Tingling sensations Balance problems, stumbling Depression due to a local destruction of fat tissue. Be sure to follow proper injection technique and inform involve flushing (feeling of warmth and/or redness), chest tightness or pain with heart palpitations, anxi- took up track cycling and eventu- can.” at the injection site may occur, In place of running, Schuble my diagnosis, I made the decision I hope to inspire other patients to stay active in whatever way they swelling, itching, or a lump at the site of injection. A permanent indentation under the skin your doctor of any skin changes. Some people report a shortterm reaction right after injecting ways to participate in competitive sports. to take action by doing my best to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. I’ve been blessed with the ability to cycle competitively despite MS COPAXONE are injection site reactions, such as redness, pain, her best not to let MS slow her down and focused on finding new contributed so much to the MS community,” says Jennifer. “After Information about COPAXONE: The most commonside effects of CoPpAXONE. This reaction can ety, and trouble breathing. Keep in mind that these symptoms generally appear within minutes of an injection, last about 15 minutes, and go away by themselves with- out further problems. If symptoms becomesevere, call the emergency phone number in your area. Do not give yourself any more injec- performance. “While individual tions until your doctor tells you to begin again. You are encouraged to report schedule, take my daily injection, www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1- by holding down a full-time job and hanging out with friends,” says Schuble. Off the track she’s a volunteer at the Lakeshore Foundation, a non- profit organization that promotes independence for persons with physically disabling conditions. negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit 800-FDA-1088. Ms. Schuble has received compensation from Teva. For more information on Jennifer and the team, visit www.TeamCopaxone.com. For more information on Copaxone visit www.Copaxone.com or consult your physician.
