This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

[ladybates]

My husband was recently diagnosed with MS and his doctor prescribed Avonex for him. I received a phone call yesterday stating that our copay is $750. OMG, there's no way in hell we can pay that. That's injections for only one month. How do they expect people to be able to do that? They told me that there are companies that assist with the copay's but it's based on income. Believe it or not they said that my husband and I make too much money (wow I can't tell).

Has anyone else experienced this same problem? If so, what did you do?

[patientx]

That's really awful. I'm sorry, I haven't run into the same problem, but from what I've seen (in my limited experience), Biogen (Avonex) is one of the worst when it comes to cost and financial assistance. You might look into Rebif or Copaxone. I believe the companies that make those drugs are more willing to help with financial assistance.

I know it's terrible to have to select a drug based on financial considerations, but remember you are not locked into Avonex just because the doctor prescribed it. And if the doctor isn't willing to prescribe something else, I would change doctors.

[catfreak]

Lady,

Rebif has a program set up that has a $50.00 monthly cost (I think no matter what your income) for the 1st 12 months of therapy. It is Interferon Beta 1a, subcutaneous injections 3 times a week.

You may want to speak with your husbands Neuro about this.

CF