Wellness

[Motochick]

Husband recently had to find new meds, insurance will no loger cover Avonex.  He is presently attempting Copaxone and he's not tollerating it well.  DR wants to move to Aubagio but the reviews frighten the heck out of us.  Please share...

[StillFuntoShop]

I have Relapsing/Remitting MS. Avonex is super expensive. Couldn't tolerate the flu like symptoms. Tried Copaxone which even though it was daily was nicer than Avonex big needle jab. Turns out I was allergic to the Mannitol in Copaxone which other two injection meds have. I started getting red welts itchy at injection site then one day full blown scary rash all over.

Right now on nothing as MRI hasn't changed yet. Aubagio one of the new oral meds. Haven't tried orals yet, scared to, they are all so new with seemingly many side effects.

I feel for you and your husband. Got to weigh pros and cons and of course work with doctors. I see neurologist and MS specialist. Good luck and Blessings. 🌈

Grrr... I hate that insurance can dictate meds like that.

[Motochick]

Thank you for sharing your situation.  Hubby has very bad injection reactions from the Copaxone which has led to the topic of oral med.  As you said though...terrible and scary side effects.  Avonex wasn't perfect but he had no progression on it and so far he is still steady amid all this change.

[Marp]

@Motochick,have you looked into the Avonex payment assistance program to see if your husband qualifies?  The following is from the MSAA website http://mymsaa.org/ms-information/prescription-assistance

Avonex

Program name: Above MS
Phone: (800) 456-2255
Website: www.avonex.com

Above MS will assist patients in the following ways:

1. Most individuals with private insurance will be eligible for a $0 co-pay assistance program. There are no income requirements for the program; however, income information will need to be provided in order to enroll. There may be an annual cap that limits the amount of assistance that you can receive over one year (based on income).*
2. Individuals on Medicare who need assistance can call in to speak with a representative about other ways to receive help.
3. Uninsured individuals may be eligible to receive Avonex for free; there is an undisclosed financial criterion.
4. Biogen offers insurance counseling services that can assist patients in understanding their available insurance options with the goal of ensuring everyone has affordable access to therapy. Some of the possible health insurance options are: Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicaid, Medicare Part D, Medicare LIS, Medicare Supplemental Plans, Private Insurance, COBRA and Dependent Coverage. We will work within your specific situation and help identify affordable health insurance options as well as financial assistance options, as needed.

*Federal and state laws may prevent eligibility. People covered by Medicare, Medicaid, the VA/DoD, or any other federal plans are not eligible to enroll. In addition, some insurance providers may prevent eligibility or restrict eligibility to people with demonstrated financial need. If you are not eligible or not sure of your eligibility, please call (800) 456-2255.

[Motochick]

Great advice.  My husband is going to contact them today.  He wants to enquire if a different dose or injection method would be covered.  

We are interesetd to see what else has worked for others.  It seems the meds individually are as different as the symptoms each person expeiriences.

[Pooky1]

1. i have had ms for 14 years and i was originally on beta serion and had alot of issues with it. got switched to rebif for 11 years and worked really well. havnt has any flare ups in 8 years. my copay for it is 100 bucks. we just looked up meds you mentioned and holy ******. the list of side affects is endless.my wife said its sounds like taking that new med would make ms patients fell worse. hope this infomation helps you guys out and good luck.

[Nonametoday]

I started taking beta interferon when it was in its infancy (trials).  I had flu-like symptoms with it as well.  I stayed with it and just imagined that every time I chilled or threw up, I was throwing up parts or shaking off parts of the old MS virus.  It was tough but that was when it was a miracle.  There was no thing before that but steroids of which I had taken my fill.  I still take steroids for acute flares but those are now very, very rare.  To say God has been good to me is an understatement.