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Choosing Meds - Insurance Issues?

Posted: Sat Jan 16, 2016 7:45 am
by littlestbabie

Re: Choosing Meds - Insurance Issues?

Posted: Sat Jan 16, 2016 11:40 pm
by ElliotB
Copaxone has many, many advantages over other medications.

While a daily injection sounds daunting, using the supplied Autoject makes the process simple and virtually painless (provided you get the injection depths correctly set for each site location).

Re: Choosing Meds - Insurance Issues?

Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2016 7:40 am
by Froggie
Littlestbabie,

I understand the insurance conundrum you are in. I had to wait an additional four months in waiting for the government to put Tecfidera on their formulary. If you are concerned about insurance issues, I think Biogen-Idec who makes Tecfidera will work with you. You may also want to contact the MS Society, as they're very good about getting us the drugs we need.

I too hate needles, but I just sucked it up as something I had to do. I was on Copaxone for 9 months and eventually was told by an MS specialist that I was a non-optimal responder. I had severe hives at the injection sites and at least two relapses almost exactly four months apart. Not great odds for someone like myself. I was then on Rebif for almost 3 years, but then it too wasn't working that well. I then switched to Tecfidera as it was an oral drug and much more efficacious than the injectables on the market. It is also less expensive to manufacture. After being on Tecfidera for almost three years now, I've had no relapses and virtually no side effects. I feel better overall and less dopey, as I don't have to battle flu-like symptoms. No doubt choosing an MS drug is daunting, but ultimately it's your decision. Hope this helps!

Re: Choosing Meds - Insurance Issues?

Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2016 4:44 pm
by littlestbabie

Re: Choosing Meds - Insurance Issues?

Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2016 12:29 pm
by littlestbabie