Choosing TASCENSO ODT® (fingolimod)
My doctor gave me a long list of medications and pretty much told me to pick whichever one I wanted to take! It was a bit overwhelming and I didn’t think that was my job, so I spoke to my neurologist. I told them I didn’t want anything involving needles because I don’t like needles, so my neurologist chose to put me on TASCENSO ODT.
“I kind of look forward to taking it every morning because it's still so neat to me.”
I was intrigued because I had never heard of a medication that dissolved quickly in your mouth. It doesn’t seem like I’m taking medication, it’s real quick – open, pop it in your mouth, and go!
It is estimated that up to 25% of adults have a fear of needles.¹ Find out how TASCENSO ODT is an alternative to injection-based treatments.
NOT ACTUAL PATIENT
Getting started
My doctor set everything up for me. I had to call the pharmacy to get set up when it was first prescribed, but other than that it’s been like a breeze.
My first dose observation was a little scary because any time someone tells you your heart rate is going to drop it does kind of get to you a little bit! But I felt normal the whole time. They came to my house for it and took my initial heart rate and blood pressure. Then I took my first dose, and they monitored me once every hour.
Cycle Vita™ support*
My Cycle Vita Clinical Educational Manager has reached out to me quite a bit to check up on me. She’s really supportive, especially at the beginning when it was all new to me. She took her time to really explain everything in detail and to offer her help and support when and if I ever need it. She’s been great.
“Very supportive and reassuring.”
It’s been reassuring to know someone that knows more about MS and TASCENSO ODT, especially when you don’t, and to have their knowledge and their reassurance and comfort. It helps a lot.
“It's been a really smooth process.”
I try to keep track of when it’s time to order my refill, but sometimes the 30 days goes by faster than what you realize! Most of the time by the time I realize, Cycle Vita has already contacted me to tell me it’s time to refill.
My advice for someone with MS
I would recommend TASCENSO ODT if you hate taking medicine because it’s not like you’re even taking medicine – it’s just a two-second open, pop, and go.
“Chill and don’t worry… so much.”
If I could give myself advice when I was diagnosed with MS, it would be to chill and don’t worry about it so much. Looking back, it’s not as scary as it was when it first came about. Back then I fretted over a lot especially as it was something unknown, but the TASCENSO ODT process has almost been flawless.
Interested in enrolling in TASCENSO ODT? Download an enrollment form and share it with your doctor to discuss why you think TASCENSO ODT may be suited to your needs.
References
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024) ‘Vaccine Administration’, The Pink Book: Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, 14th edition. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/pinkbook/hcp/table-of-contents/chapter-6-vaccine-administration.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/vac-admin.html [Accessed: August 27 2024].
*Some areas of support may not be accessible to all patients. Eligibility criteria may apply to ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state requirements, and benefits may be limited to commercially insured patients only. For more detailed information about eligibility, terms and conditions, please contact the Cycle Vita team at 888-360-8482.
At the time of writing, Taia was taking TASCENSO ODT and has been compensated for her time.