MS Essentials Booklets | MSology


Disponible en français
The MS Essentials series has been developed to help people affected by MS remain active and informed. Essentials booklets provide the latest information on multiple sclerosis medications, research, and lifestyle issues such as health, nutrition and exercise. All of the publications are developed by Lind Publishing, publishers of MSology, in collaboration with nurses specializing in MS care, to provide readers with practical information they can use in their daily lives.

Living with MS series

booklet_Adapting_to_changes_in_your_Multiple_SclerosisAdapting to changes in your Multiple Sclerosis

This booklet looks at how MS disability can progress over time and offers tips on healthy living and coping with change. Includes a discussion of how aging affects MS.
MS nurse advisors: Colleen Harris, MS Clinic, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta; Shirley MacGowan, MS Clinic, Saskatoon City Hospital, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Lynn McEwan, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario
Download the brochure:
Adapting to changes in your Multiple Sclerosis – English version (PDF)

Nutrition & Multiple Sclerosis

This booklet looks at the importance of nutrition in your daily life, and the foods and dietary supplements to consider to maintain your energy, health and well-being. Includes a discussion of special diets.
MS nurse advisors: Janet Brown, MS Clinic–Eastern Health, St. John’s, Newfoundland-Labrador; Peggy Cook, MS Clinic, Saint John Regional Hospital, Saint John, New Brunswick; and Colleen Harris, MS Clinic, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta

booklet_sleep_and_multiple_sclerosisFamily Planning & Multiple Sclerosis

The first booklet in our Women’s Health series is now available!
Women with MS can successfully become pregnant, breast feed, and raise their child. But your illness, and the medications used to treat it, will need to be considered as you make decisions about your future. MS nurse advisors: Josée Poirier, MS Clinic, Hôpital Notre-Dame (CHUM), Montreal, Quebec; Sheryl Clarke, MS Clinic, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario; and Shirley MacGowan, MS Clinic, Saskatoon City Hospital, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

booklet_sleep_and_multiple_sclerosisSleep & Multiple Sclerosis

Sleep difficulties are three-fold more common in people with MS compared to the general population. This booklet explains the difference between sleep problems and MS fatigue, discusses common MS-related problems and medications that can affect sleep quality, and offers tips for improving sleep. MS nurse advisors: Bonnie Blain, Central Alberta MS Clinic, Red Deer, Alberta; Diane Lowden, MS Program, Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal, Quebec; and Lynn McEwan, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario
Download the brochure:
Sleep & Multiple Sclerosis – English version (PDF)

MS Treatments – Injectable Drug Series

Kesimpta (ofatumumab)

Kesimpta (ofatumumab) Kesimpta (ofatumumab) is a medication administered by injection that is taken once every four weeks. The booklet explains how the drug works, how to take the medication, possible side effects and how to manage them.
MS nurse advisors: Bonnie Blain, Central Alberta MS Clinic, Red Deer, Alberta; Peggy Cook, MS Clinic, Saint John Regional Hospital, Saint John, New Brunswick; Colleen Harris, MS Clinic, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta; and Shirley MacGowan, Nurse educator, SK MS Drugs Program, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Download the brochure:
Kesimpta – English version (PDF)

MS Treatments – Infusion Drug Series

Tysabri (natalizumab)

Tysabri (natalizumab) is a medication administered by infusion (a slow drip into the vein) that is taken once every four weeks. The booklet explains how the drug works, how to take the medication, possible side effects and how to manage them. MS nurse advisors: Sheryl Clarke, MS Clinic, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario; Jill Nelson, MS Clinic, Burnaby, BC; and Josée Poirier, Montréal, Québec.
Download the brochure:
Tysabri – English version (PDF)

MS Treatments – Oral Treatment Series

Mavenclad (cladribine tablets)

Mavenclad (cladribine tablets) is an oral treatment for MS that is taken for two weeks a year. The booklet explains how the drug works, how to take the medication, possible side effects and how to manage them. MS nurse advisors: Naomi Akazawa, MS Clinic, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario; Colleen Harris, MS Clinic, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta; and Josée Poirier, MS Clinic, CR CHUM, Montreal, Quebec.
Download the brochure:
Mavenclad – English version (PDF)

Aubagio (teriflunomide)

Aubagio (teriflunomide) is a once-daily oral treatment for MS. The booklet explains how to take the medication, possible side effects and how to manage them. MS nurse advisors: Bonnie Blain, Central Alberta MS Clinic, Red Deer, Alberta; Peggy Cook, MS Clinic, Saint John Regional Hospital, Saint John, New Brunswick; Lynn McEwan, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario; and Josée Poirier, MS Clinic, Hôpital Notre-Dame (CHUM), Montreal, Quebec
Download the brochure:
Aubagio – English version (PDF)

alt=Gilenya (fingolimod)

Gilenya (fingolimod) is a once-daily oral treatment for MS. The booklet discusses the procedure for starting treatment at a first-dose clinic, possible side effects and how to manage them. MS nurse advisors: Trudy Campbell, Dalhousie MS Research Unit, Halifax, Nova Scotia; Sheryl Clarke, MS Clinic, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario; and Colleen Harris, MS Clinic, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
Download the brochure:
Gilenya – English version (PDF)

Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate)

Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) is a twice-daily oral treatment for MS. The booklet explains how to start therapy, when to increase the dose, possible side effects and how to manage them. MS nurse advisors: Loressa Klassen, MS Clinic, Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba; Diane Lowden, MS Program, Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal, Quebec; and Shirley MacGowan, MS Clinic, Saskatoon City Hospital, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Download the brochure:
Tecfidera – English version (PDF)