We are here to help
For people who have su ered a stroke, getting extra help and support can make a big di erence. We’re here to o er extra support to you and your care partner as you navigate living with post-stroke spasticity (PSS).
Why Dysport?
What to expect
After enrolling, you’ll get helpful resources and information about living with PSS. Here’s a sample of what you’ll receive:
- Helpful resources and information including nutrition tips and wellness support
- Downloadable guides for life after stroke
Enroll today
A Closer Look at PSS
A closer look at PSS
After a stroke, treatment should focus on the person as a whole. There are both physical and emotional things to consider. This guide is to help you understand PSS, and help you get back to doing what you enjoy
What is PSS?
PSS, also known as post-stroke spasticity, is a common condition that occurs in up to one third of people in the first year after they have a stroke. It causes stiff or rigid muscles and painful spasms. When a muscle cannot complete its full range of motion, the surrounding tendons and soft tissue can become tight. This makes stretching the muscle much more difficult.
In PSS, your muscles involuntarily contract (spasm) when you move. PSS commonly affects the hands, arms, legs and feet. If left untreated, PSS may also lead to joints being stuck or frozen in an abnormal and possibly uncomfortable position. This is called contracture.
Muscle contraction and relaxation is controlled by signals from the brain. If the part of your brain that sends these signals is damaged by a stroke, then muscles may become too active causing PSS. Typically, these are the areas of the brain that control the upper and lower limbs. PSS can result in rigidity in the muscles of the upper limb (shoulder, elbow, wrist, fingers, and thumb) and lower limb (hip, knee, ankle, and toes).
The increase in muscle tension that comes with PSS can be uncomfortable and debilitating. Even the simple everyday tasks such as picking up objects, dressing, or walking up and down stairs can become difficult or impossible.
PSS can happen at any time after a stroke, but most often occurs in the 6 months following the stroke. This means that PSS happens most often after a person has been discharged from the hospital. And once a person is out of the hospital, getting the right care may be more difficult. Therefore, it is important to understand PSS and what you can do about it.
Other stroke-related health problems
People who suffer a stroke often experience other health problems aside from spasticity. These can include difficulty in speaking, loss of balance, loss of mobility, and cognitive impairment. Cognitive impairment is when a person has trouble remembering, learning new things, concentrating, or making decisions. Physical difficulties in gripping or holding things, fatigue, muscle weakness, incontinence, and memory issues are common.
Also, a person who has had a stroke is at increased risk of having another stroke, and this can cause anxiety. It can take years to fully recover from a stroke. The health impact of a stroke can be wide-ranging.
Understanding the emotional toll of a stroke
Many people who have suffered a stroke may experience psychological and emotional issues that affect them and their caregiver. Promptly seeking care that is attuned to your physical and emotional well-being after a stroke can help you cope with these changes, and take steps towards recovery.
Get treatment for PSS
Getting the right treatment for PSS is important. PSS can have a negative impact after a stroke. It may limit your ability to do your normal daily activities and to take care of yourself. And if you are the care partner for someone with PSS, you may have to spend more time helping to take care of the person with PSS.
Over time, untreated PSS can lead to contracture. This is when the joints are locked into a single position, and the initial treatments don’t help. In some cases contractures may require surgery. But if PSS can be diagnosed earlier, your doctor may be able to give treatment that prevents contractures from happening. Medical studies suggest that early treatment for PSS after a stroke can reduce spasticity and contractures.
With the right treatment, people with PSS may have more mobility, less discomfort, and a better ability to go about their daily activities.
Extra help is available
American Stroke Association
1-888-4-STROKE (1-888-478-7653)
The American Heart Association created the Dallas-based American Stroke Association as a division in 1998. The ASA is a resource for the latest evidence-based information on stroke, post-stroke recovery, caregiver tools and resources, and education for healthcare professionals. Ipsen is a proud sponsor of the American Stroke Association’s Spasticity Education Initiative.
Brain Injury Association of America
1-800-444-6443
A national organization that provides resources and support to individuals, families, and professionals living with traumatic brain injury.
Treatment Goals with Dysport
Setting goals for the road ahead
What should I expect with my treatment?
Your doctor will decide how often you need treatment and will check your muscle spasticity each time. He or she may adjust your dose or decide to inject different muscles, as needed. Your injections should not be giving sooner than 12 weeks after the last treatment.
Each person receiving treatment has different needs. Talk to your doctor about expectations for your treatment journey.
Starting a new medication, or continuing with one, can be a lot to take on. So, it’s helpful to know what to look out for and what to expect from treatment.
Your treatment is injected by a specialist into muscles that are affected by spasticity, temporarily blocking the signals that cause your muscles to tighten. Your doctor will administer your treatment right in his or her office.
Don’t put off treatment
Many people who received treatment have had success in reducing their muscle spasticity. They were able to improve their symptoms and achieve some treatment goals. Early identification and treatment of PSS can help improve function, increase mobility, and avoid long-term complications such as contracture, an uncomfortable and permanent tightening of joints and muscles.
Setting your treatment goals
Talking about your treatment goals with your healthcare team can help them better understand your expectations and any concerns. Having a personalized conversation about goal setting also enables you and your care partner to fully participate in your treatment plan.
The goals you set for your treatment will depend on your situation. Treatment goals can be thought of as different actions or activities that you can perform, some with assistance and some independently. You and your care partner should work with your care team to decide what goals you can aim to achieve, both now and again as you progress in your treatment journey.
Below are some potential goals you may want to consider and discuss.
- Dressing affected limb
- Eating/drinking
- Limb hygiene
- Washing/dressing
- Nail care
- Housework/cooking
- Splint application
- Work-related activities
- Therapy/positioning
- Writing/typing
- Recreation
How to track your progress
You should set goals for your treatment together with your care partner and healthcare team. When you set realistic goals that make sense for your situation, you and your healthcare team will be able to know how you’re doing and track your progress. You can access a conversation starter to help you, your care partner, and your care team to keep track of how you are doing.
Getting active after having a stroke
One of the ways you can help yourself (or the person you are caring for) recover after a stroke is through physical activity. Exercise and physical activity has been shown to benefit your mental and emotional health, cognitive health, and physical health. Before doing any physical activities, be sure to talk with your doctor about the activities to see if they’re appropriate for your condition.
People often receive professional help by a physical therapist after a stroke. This is a great way to work towards regaining some of your functional ability.
You may not always know what is covered by your insurance, so it is important to ask questions. Here are some questions you may want to ask.
Questions to ask your healthcare team
What types of rehabilitation care will my insurance cover?
How often will I see a specialist?
How do you assure high-quality care?
What do you measure in terms of a patient’s progress, and how often do you evaluate it?
Where does rehabilitation occur?
What therapy programs are available?
How do you help caregivers?
(For a physical therapist) How often do you talk to my other healthcare providers?
There are also things you can do at home, and in your community to improve your physical health and functional ability. The American Stroke Association provides examples of at-home exercises you can do to improve your physical health after a stroke. Remember to check with your doctor before starting any physical activity or exercises.
IPSEN CARES®
IPSEN CARES® is here for you
IPSEN CARES® is here for you
IPSEN CARES® (Coverage, Access, Reimbursement & Education Support) acts as a single point of contact between the patient, caregiver, doctor’s office, insurance company, and specialty pharmacy. The program features a wide range of services to support treatment with Dysport.
IPSEN CARES can provide:
- Help navigating the insurance process to determine out-of-pocket costs
- Copay assistance for eligible* patients
- Free medication to financially eligible** patients through the Patient Assistance Program
- Injection appointment reminder program
The Dysport Copay Assistance Program
Eligible* commercially-insured patients can pay as little as $0 per prescription
Here is how the Dysport Copay Assistance Program works:
- Program resets every January 1st
- IPSEN CARES will process each claim and notify the patient and provider of the claim status
- IPSEN CARES will confirm with the patient every 12 months that the patient still meets criteria for the program
Learn more about the Dysport Copay Assistance Program and sign up for IPSEN CARES®
*Patient Eligibility & Terms and Conditions: Patients are not eligible for copay assistance through IPSEN CARES® if they are enrolled in any state or federally funded programs for which drug prescriptions or coverage could be paid in part or in full, including, but not limited to, Medicare Part B, Medicare Part D, Medicaid, Medigap, VA, DoD, or TRICARE (collectively, “Government Programs”), or where prohibited by law. Patients residing in Massachusetts, Minnesota, Michigan, or Rhode Island can only receive assistance with the cost of Ipsen products but not the cost of related medical services (injection). Patients receiving assistance through another assistance program or foundation, free trial, or other similar offer or program, are not eligible for the copay assistance program during the current enrollment year.
Cash-pay patients are eligible to participate. “Cash-pay” patients are defined for purposes of this program as patients without insurance coverage or who have commercial insurance that does not cover Dysport®. Medicare Part D enrollees who are in the prescription drug coverage gap (the “donut hole”) are not considered cash-pay patients and are not eligible for copay assistance through IPSEN CARES®. For patients with commercial insurance who are not considered to be cash-pay patients, the maximum copay benefit amount per prescription is an amount equal to the difference between the annual maximum copay benefit of $5,000 and the total amount of copay benefit provided to the patient in the Dysport® Copay Program. In any calendar year commencing January 1, the maximum copay benefit amount paid by Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. will be $5,000, covering no more than four (4) Dysport® treatments. For cash-pay patients, the maximum copay benefit amount per eligible Dysport® treatment is $1,250, subject to the annual maximum of $5,000 in total. There could be additional financial responsibility depending on the patient’s insurance plan.
**Patients may be eligible to receive free drug if they are experiencing financial hardship, have no insurance coverage, are US residents, and received a prescription for an on-label use of Dysport, as supported by information provided in the Program application. Eligibility does not guarantee approval for participation in the program. The Patient Assistance Program provides Dysport product only, and does not cover the cost of previously purchased product or medical services. * Patient or guardian is responsible for reporting receipt of copay savings benefit to any insurer, health plan, or other third party who pays for or reimburses any part of the prescription filled through the program, as may be required. Additionally, patients may not submit any benefit provided by this program for reimbursement through a Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, or Health Reimbursement Account. Ipsen reserves the right to rescind, revoke, or amend these offers without notice at any time. Ipsen and/or RxCrossroads by McKesson are not responsible for any transactions processed under this program where Medicaid, Medicare, or Medigap payment in part or full has been applied. Data related to patient participation may be collected, analyzed, and shared with Ipsen for market research and other purposes related to assessing the program. Data shared with Ipsen will be de-identified, meaning it will not identify the patient. Void outside of the United States and its territories or where prohibited by law, taxed, or restricted. This program is not health insurance. No other purchase is necessary.
