Have a question about MAYZENT or changes in relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS)?
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IF YOU THINK YOUR RMS MIGHT BE CHANGING
It’s typical for RMS to change or progress over time. RMS progression can ultimately lead to increased physical disability and problems with thinking. Common signs to look for include:
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You’re having fewer relapses but disability is increasing
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Your multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms are getting worse, you’re experiencing new ones, or they’re lingering in between relapses
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It’s harder to do physical activities
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The number of active lesions on your magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has decreased
It might mean your medication is working, or it might mean something else. Keep in mind, everyone’s MS is different and symptoms vary from person to person.
A confusing thing about RMS progression is that relapses or MRI lesions can become less frequent as disability increases.
It’s best to speak with your doctor as soon as you notice any changes in your relapses.
RMS progression can ultimately lead to increased physical disability and problems with thinking. Signs of RMS progression may vary from person to person, but symptoms that commonly get worse or linger in between relapses include:
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Assistance required to walk
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Weakness or problems moving limbs (MS fatigue)
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Problems with coordination
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Bowel and bladder issues
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Trouble with memory or concentration (brain fog)
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Vision problems
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Difficulty with speech or swallowing
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Numbness or loss of sensation
Everyone experiences RMS differently, and other symptoms may appear.
Click here to visit a glossary of terms. You can also click highlighted words to view their definition while reading the site.
IF YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT MAYZENT
Your doctor is the one to determine if MAYZENT is right for you. They may look at the MAYZENT clinical trial, as well as your medical history to decide. The MAYZENT clinical trial was the largest clinical trial of people with relapsing MS progression. In this study, MAYZENT was found to be the first and only pill studied and proven to delay disability progression in people with more progressed RMS. Learn more here.
MAYZENT is a once-daily pill proven to help slow down disability progression. The overall study result for 3-month confirmed disability progression was that nearly 3 out of 4 people taking MAYZENT showed no confirmed disability progression.* Learn more about the results from the 3-year MAYZENT clinical trial.
The effect of MAYZENT was significant in people who had a relapse in the 2 years before the study, but not considered significant in people who did not.
*Nearly 3 out of 4 is 74%, compared to 68% taking placebo.
MAYZENT is a once-daily pill that binds with two key receptors on immune cells (lymphocytes). By doing so, those immune cells are kept in the lymph nodes, preventing them from spreading to the CNS where they can cause nerve damage. MAYZENT also readily enters the CNS (brain and spinal cord) to possibly have an effect where RMS is active and where nerve damage (neurodegeneration) is known to occur.†
The exact way in which MAYZENT works is unknown, but it’s believed to involve a reduction of lymphocytes in the brain and spinal cord. Learn more about how MAYZENT works.
†This effect was only observed in animal studies.
Because of the way the body processes MAYZENT, most people's immune cell count will return to normal range within 10 days after stopping treatment. MAYZENT may continue to lower immune cell count for up to 3-4 weeks after the last dose.
When MAYZENT is stopped, symptoms of MS may return and become worse compared to before or during treatment. Always talk to your doctor before you stop taking MAYZENT for any reason. Tell your health care provider if you have worsening symptoms of MS after stopping MAYZENT.
There are side effects associated with taking MAYZENT, including some that are serious. MAYZENT may slow your heart rate when you start taking it. Your doctor should give you an electrocardiogram (ECG) before you take your first dose. MAYZENT may also increase your risk of infections that may be life-threatening and cause death. MAYZENT may increase your risk for Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), which is a rare brain infection that may lead to death or severe disability. MAYZENT may also cause a problem with your vision called macular edema. Learn more about safety and side effects here, or in the MAYZENT Medication Guide.
Some people cannot take MAYZENT, including those with a specific genotype called CYP2C9*3/*3 and certain heart conditions. Before starting treatment, your doctor will determine your genotype. Don’t take MAYZENT if you’ve had a heart attack, a type of chest pain called unstable angina, stroke or mini-stroke (transient ischemic attack or TIA), or certain types of heart failure in the last 6 months. If you’ve had certain types of heart block or irregular or abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia) you also cannot take MAYZENT, unless you have a pacemaker.
The moment your doctor submits a Start Form for MAYZENT, you’ll be automatically enrolled in our support program called Alongside™ MAYZENT and paired with a dedicated Coordinator.
Your Coordinator will help you get started on MAYZENT and provide you with support along the way while you’re on treatment. Find out more about Alongside MAYZENT.
DOSING
MAYZENT is available in a 1 mg or 2 mg dose. Your doctor will recommend which dose is most appropriate for you. For titration purposes, your doctor will have you start with a 0.25 mg dose. See “How do I start taking MAYZENT?” below and reach out to your doctor, pharmacist, or an Alongside Coordinator to learn more.
If your MAYZENT prescription has changed or you are starting treatment and need clarification on the titration process, please see the MAYZENT Titration Guide and please reach out to your doctor, pharmacist, or an Alongside Coordinator to learn more.
There are slight variations in how MAYZENT looks, depending on what dosage you’re taking.
If you are taking MAYZENT 0.25 mg, it is a pale red, unscored, round coated tablet with
beveled edges, with 
on one side, and with “T” on the other side.
MAYZENT 1 mg is a violet white, unscored, round coated tablet with beveled edges,
with on one side, and with “L” on the other side.
MAYZENT 2 mg is a pale yellow, unscored, round coated tablet with beveled edges,
with on one side, and with “ll” on the other side.
Before you can start your maintenance dose of MAYZENT, you’ll have a 4- or 5-day titration period to help your body adjust to the new medication. On Day 1, you’ll start with a low dose and gradually increase that dose each day after the first 2 days until you reach your maintenance (full-strength) dose of either 1 or 2 mg. Learn more in the Ready to Start MAYZENT Brochure.
If you miss 1 or more doses of MAYZENT during the initial titration period, you'll need to restart the medication.
Here are some things you should know:
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Take MAYZENT once a day, with or without food
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If you miss 1 or more doses of MAYZENT during the initial titration period, you'll need to restart the medication
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If you miss a dose of MAYZENT after the initial titration period, take it as soon as you remember
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If you stop taking MAYZENT for 4 or more days in a row, you’ll have to restart treatment with the titration period
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Always follow your doctor’s instructions, and do not change your dose or stop taking MAYZENT unless your doctor tells you to
To learn more about taking MAYZENT, check out the Ready to Start MAYZENT Brochure.
IF YOU’RE STARTING MAYZENT
Once your Start Form is submitted, you’ll be enrolled in the Alongside MAYZENT support program and paired with a Coordinator who will help you get started. They’ll call you to walk through the steps to start taking MAYZENT and answer any questions you may have along the way.
Your Coordinator will look into your insurance coverage and help schedule deliveries with your specialty pharmacy. You’ll also need a few tests before taking your first dose of MAYZENT.
You can always enroll in Alongside MAYZENT by calling 1-877-MAYZENT (1-877-629-9368), Monday–Friday,
8 AM–8 PM ET, or by completing the online form at
start.mayzent.com.
There are 2 steps to complete before starting MAYZENT to ensure a safe and smooth start. The first step is pretests.
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Routine blood test
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Eye exam
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Electrocardiogram (ECG). See below for additional information based on ECG results
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Varicella zoster virus (VZV) test. Before you start taking MAYZENT, a VZV test will check for antibodies to VZV
These tests can be taken at your doctor’s office, or a nearby medical facility. Learn more about pretests to get started.
Depending on the results of your electrocardiogram (ECG), or if you have a history of certain heart issues, you may have to be monitored for a period of 6 hours after taking your first dose of MAYZENT.‡
If so, you’ll have an ECG before taking your first dose and your pulse and blood pressure will be checked hourly. You’ll then take a second ECG 6 hours after your first dose.
Results from this monitoring will determine if additional monitoring is needed or if you’re ready to continue taking MAYZENT on a daily basis as your doctor prescribed.
‡For certain cardiac risk factors—for example, a history of heart attacks or heart failures—you may have to be monitored for a period of 6 hours after taking your first dose of MAYZENT. An ECG should be conducted at the end of the observation period.
Become a MAYZENT Mentor as part of the Inspired Moments Network, and empower yourself to share your experience with RMS and treatment journey with MAYZENT. You’ll also have the opportunity to be featured in communication materials on behalf of MAYZENT.
IF YOU NEED HELP PAYING FOR MAYZENT
Alongside MAYZENT will look into your insurance coverage and any savings offers you may qualify for. Depending on your insurance, some people will be eligible for a $0 co-pay offer or free medication while their coverage is sorted out.§ Find out more about MAYZENT financial support.
§Limitations apply. Valid only for those with private insurance. The Program includes the Co-Pay Card, Payment Card (if applicable), and Rebate, with a combined annual limit of $18,000. Patient is responsible for any costs once limit is reached in a calendar year. Program not valid (i) under Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, VA, DoD, or any other federal or state health care program, (ii) where patient is not using insurance coverage at all, or (iii) where the patient’s insurance plan reimburses for the entire cost of the drug. The value of this Program is exclusively for the benefit of patients and is intended to be credited towards patient out-of-pocket obligations and maximums, including applicable co-payments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Program is not valid where prohibited by law. Patient may not seek reimbursement for the value received from this Program from other parties, including any health insurance program or plan, flexible spending account, or health care savings account. Patient is responsible for complying with any applicable limitations and requirements of their health plan related to the use of the Program. Valid only in the United States and Puerto Rico. This Program is not health insurance. Program may not be combined with any third-party rebate, coupon, or offer. Proof of purchase may be required. Novartis reserves the right to rescind, revoke, or amend the Program and discontinue support at any time without notice.
For people who are eligible, the Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation (NPAF) can provide free medication to those who are experiencing financial hardship and have limited or no prescription coverage.
While everyone’s case is different, nearly 9 out of 10 people who have a commercial or government insurance plan will be eligible for prescription coverage, with potential plan-specific requirements.
Currently, nearly 90% of patient reimbursement claims are being approved|| across all insurance providers.
||As of May 2022.
IF YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT COVID-19 AND MAYZENT
It’s understandable to have questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine or vaccine booster. Vaccines, like the COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine boosters, are an important part of public health. So, you should talk to your doctor to better understand the types of vaccines and vaccine boosters available to you and how to manage getting a vaccine or vaccine booster before starting MAYZENT.
The MAYZENT Medication Guide does not advise against taking non-live vaccines or boosters; however, they may not work as well when given during treatment with MAYZENT.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) offers more information and guidance on COVID-19 and relapsing multiple sclerosis. Visit their website at nationalmssociety.org.
For more information about COVID-19, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at CDC.gov and search: COVID-19 vaccines or COVID-19 vaccine boosters.
It’s understandable to have questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine or vaccine booster. Vaccines, like the COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine boosters, are an important part of public health. So, you should talk to your doctor to better understand the types of vaccines and vaccine boosters available to you and how to manage getting a vaccine or booster while taking MAYZENT.
The MAYZENT Medication Guide does not advise against taking non-live vaccines or boosters; however, they may not work as well when given during treatment with MAYZENT. You should never stop taking MAYZENT before talking to your doctor. If you stop taking MAYZENT, your MS symptoms may return or become worse (compared to before or during treatment).
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) offers more information and guidance on COVID-19 and relapsing multiple sclerosis. Visit their website at nationalmssociety.org.
For more information about COVID-19, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at CDC.gov and search: COVID-19 vaccines or COVID-19 vaccine boosters.
Just like some other vaccines or boosters you may have received in the past, the COVID-19 vaccines and boosters available in the US as of January 2022 are non-live vaccines and boosters. That means the vaccines and boosters do not contain live virus and will not cause COVID-19 disease.
treated with MAYZENT?
The MAYZENT Medication Guide does not advise against taking non-live vaccines or boosters; however, they may not work as well when given during treatment with MAYZENT. COVID-19 vaccines haven’t been specifically studied in people taking MAYZENT. When we have more clinical information, we’ll reach out to both you and the health care community.
As always, your doctor will be the best person to talk to about your overall health concerns and to help make decisions about your treatment.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) offers more information and guidance on COVID-19 and relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS).
For more information about COVID-19, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website and search: COVID-19 vaccines or COVID-19 vaccine boosters.
SPOTLIGHT ON MAYZENT VIDEOS
The Spotlight on MAYZENT video series features discussions with real MS experts, along with real people taking MAYZENT.
ALONGSIDE MAYZENT BENEFITS
Alongside MAYZENT is here to offer personalized support. We’ll help with treatment, check if you’re eligible for $0 co-pay, and more.