Introduction
MSAA’s S.E.A.R.C.H.™ program is just one of several programs designed as tools for individuals with MS and their families to play a more active role in the successful management of their MS. In addition, these programs assist patients and care partners with working more productively with their healthcare team.
Other tools developed include My MS Manager™, a free application for mobile phones that helps individuals to track and record their symptoms and create reports for their healthcare professionals. MSAA’s My MS Resource Locator® enables individuals to find nearby professionals and resources aimed at helping the MS community.
With MSAA’s SEARCH program, individuals with MS and their care partners learn about the FDA-approved disease-modifying therapies for MS. They are given the questions to ask about these drugs when discussing them with their doctor. Overall, our SEARCH program can assist individuals with relapsing forms of MS to find the MS therapy that is right for them.
Readers should note that as of the time of this booklet’s printing, long-term treatments have only been approved for individuals with relapsing forms of MS. No long-term treatments (at this time) have been approved for individuals with progressive forms of MS. However, several clinical trials are presently studying the effectiveness and safety of different medications with progressive forms of MS, and some medications are making progress toward FDA approval. Please visit mymsaa.org/types-of-ms for information on the different forms of MS, or visit mymsaa.org/ppms for specific information on PPMS.
For an overview of MS and the approved treatments, as well as a listing of drug-assistance programs, please refer to the appendices at the end of this booklet. For additional information on MS, approved treatments, symptom-management therapies, plus MSAA’s programs and services, please visit MSAA’s website at mymsaa.org or contact MSAA at (800) 532-7667. Inquiries may also be emailed to MSquestions@mymsaa.org.