HEAR FROM PEOPLE
WHO ARE TAKING BRIUMVI

My diagnosis came quick and left me feeling very confused. The onset of my first symptom to my official diagnosis happened in just over a month. I was losing my field of vision in my left eye and had a terrible headache that wasn’t going away. My vision loss was affecting my ability to work. The following day I was scheduled for an MRI and was scheduled to see a neurologist who specialized in MS. This was the first mention of Multiple Sclerosis, and it left me feeling confused and flooded with questions.

My doctor presented me with several treatment options and was interested in starting me on BRIUMVI, as she felt like it was a good option for me. I told her that I was going to do my research on these treatments, review the materials she gave me, and then discuss my options with her.

I was interested in starting BRIUMVI since it would be a twice-a-year infusion following the starting dose. I felt as though it wouldn’t interfere too much with my life or work schedule. Since starting BRIUMVI, my doctor feels like it’s working for me and that makes me happy.

I just want to say that no matter what your situation is, always advocate for yourself along your journey with MS. If you’re newly diagnosed, know that there is hope for a future!

I was officially diagnosed with Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis in 2017 at the age of 48. Doctors have told me it’s likely I’ve had MS for years based on the lesions on an MRI. Looking back over the years, I recognize changes I went through that are typical of MS such as falling, exhaustion, muscle spasms, and listing to the left when I walk.

I found a neurologist, and he and the nurse sat with me for about an hour, and went over treatment options, including several clinical trials, one of which was for ublituximab (now known as BRIUMVI). We talked in detail about the trial. Knowing that I had the opportunity to participate in the trial and potentially help others, I was interested in trying it.

In April 2018, I had my first infusion. After the 2-year clinical trial and FDA approval, I had the option to continue BRIUMVI. I agreed to be part of the long-term study. I have been taking BRIUMVI for over 5 years and my doctor thinks I am doing well.

I am thankful for the work that TG Therapeutics has put into developing and testing BRIUMVI through the years. Many people at TG have had their lives touched by MS through the years by friends or family members who have MS. They are committed to a product accessible to people living with MS.

My official diagnosis of RMS occurred on a Friday in February. I was walking back to my work area at home when my entire right side went numb/heavy and my arm spasmed into my body. I could barely move and even the right side of my tongue went numb. The feeling lasted for less than a minute, and my first thought was, “that was weird,” but then the numbness and spasms kept happening sporadically, and I thought I was having a stroke. I went to the ER and immediately had a CAT scan. The attending doctor said it wasn’t a stroke and sent me to have a full set of MRIs, with and without contrast, for my head and upper and lower spine.

I had a video consultation with the on-call neurologist after he had received the results from the MRIs, and he told me that it was Relapsing MS. He said I had lesions on my brain and one on my brainstem. I was admitted to the hospital for treatment and observation. My youngest sister has MS, and one of my good friends was diagnosed with MS 10 years ago, so I knew it wasn’t the end of the world, just a realignment of what life would be like for me for the future.

I met with my neurologist and her team and we reviewed my diagnosis and treatment plan. They recommended BRIUMVI. I received my first dose of BRIUMVI at the end of April 2024. I have since had additional infusions and my doctor says that I am doing well.

While having a diagnosis of RMS isn’t ideal, I’m grateful my experience wasn’t as overwhelming and stressful as it could have been. I received an immediate referral from the on-call neurologist and within a short period of time, I started treatment. I’m extremely optimistic about the positive results from other patients receiving DMTs, including BRIUMVI. I continue to set travel plans throughout the year and I’m not going to let this diagnosis stop me from doing what I love to do (being outside and going to new places). I have confidence that I can still lead a full and adventurous life.