Missing Rebif Injections ramifications

[socrates2k1]

I have been taking Rebif injections, since January 2010, and I have never missed a single one, until now.
Up until January 1, 2012, I have received my Rebif injections, free of charge, due to the fact I had no health insurance.
I became eligible for Medicare, on January 1, 2012, and so I have had to wait for MS Lifelines to decide whether I'm still eligible for their "free of charge" program.  Well, I called them, over a week ago, to order more injections, and they said I had to reapply, which I did, but I also informed them, I was almost out of injections.  They requested I fax the information to them, asking to put a "rush" on their decision, etc.  I took my last Rebif injection on Monday, March 7, 2012.  

Long story short, what are the ramifications, of missing doses of Rebif, until they make their decision, and IF I still qualify, receive new injections?  (There are no Medicare Rx Plans, that cover the costs of Rebif, it's all out of your own pocket, unless you qualify for their, MS Lifelines,  assistance program).

Thank you, for your time, consideration, and cooperation, I truly appreciate it.

Sincerely,

-- Socrates2k1 (aka Stan)

(P.S. I don't go back to see my Doctor, for the results of my Heart CT Scan, until March 15th)

[sllowe]

Hey Stan,

I hope they get them to you soon.

If it's any consolation - I've gone on and off Rebif more than once with no complications. People have had to stop and start for varying reasons. But to me what is truly strange is that I did not experience any adjustment period, i.e., I did not have to adjust to achey feelings - nothing.

I started back up (squeezed half out and then injected) and brought myself back up to the full dose after a week of that just for good measure.

To me, there is something to going off it and experiencing minimal if any side affects once starting back up. Feel you will be fine. Your body is very adjusted now.  

It's just ashame that you had to go off your schedule due to medicare bs.  
-shell

[TLC_31]

I would not anticipate any problems with missing a few shots. And since you don’t have many options, perhaps you might accentuate the positive and relish in the fact that you get a break from poking yourself.

I would also expect Rebif to approve you. But in case they don’t, you might investigate which of the other drug companies, if any, would approve you should you be forced to go off Rebif, so you could start a new med promptly. They may not answer too many questions until you actually have a prescription, but it might be worth investigating. Worth noting, today I looked on the Avonex website for something else, and I see they offer the first month for free to everybody.

I missed Avonex for seven weeks in late 2011. I had rougher-than-usual side effects for a couple shots after I restarted, side effects more in line with when I started originally. I did not titrate either time. I noted no progression or exacerbation of MS during the hiatus (although I was on Gilenya for 19 days in that stretch). I would expect your hiatus to be similarly uneventful.

[socrates2k1]

Thank you, each one of you, for your responses, I truly appreciate it.

I just know, how many symptoms I had (many) before the Rebif settled into my system, and I don't look forward to getting them back, especially if it's all at once.  I pray, the situation gets settled quickly, and this will be a non-issue, in the very near future.

In the meantime, I pray that all is well, with each and everyone of you.  As Spring, is just around the corner, at least here in the USA.

(Note:  As for costs, out of pocket, if they decide against, is over $1600/month, for me, I live in Kansas, USA)

[doublevision1]

I don't think stopping Rebif cold turkey will do any harm.  I had to do this when it caused my liver enzymes to escalate.  I switched from Rebif to Copaxone without a break in between and had no problems.

As for the impact of stopping Rebif injections while awaiting approval, I'm not sure.  I think the standard line would be that there is no way to know what the impact will be, as this drug was tested to be taken continuously as directed, in order to achieve its intended effect.

[Mike_Shuswap]

$2,000 per month

[Mike_Shuswap]

I hope this gets resolved in your favour soon.

It does put you in an awkward spot though, and I wish I had answers for you.

I assumed one would have to reverse titrate (or whatever the correct term is) when stopping Rebif, so it makes me wonder if stopping cold turkey can create problems?

And, as you asked, how long can you be off Rebif before you'd have to titrate back up to the full dose?

I know I could not afford Rebif if I didn't have a medical insurance plan and the Canadian FairPharmacare program covering the cost, which is almost $2,000 in BC.

Wishing you the best of luck,

Mike

[socrates2k1]

Kewl, thanks for the information.

I just don't want any negative results, because of it, like having symptoms slam me, etc.

Or have to start all over with the titration process

I'll let you know, what happens, as soon as I can.

Take care and may God bless, you and yours.

Sincerely,

-- Socrates2k1 (aka Stan)

[figuerpa]

Sorry about the run around you are getting. It has to be very stressful not knowing what is going to happen with your meds.

I am on Copaxone so I can't say what may or may not happen with missing your shots until they decide. I can't imagine it would cause too many problems though.

Good luck and keep us informed of what is going on. I will keep my fingers crossed that they put a rush on their decision.

Paula

[beema36]

I am sorry you are having this problem.  It must be frustrating. As for missing the rebif injections my neurologist had to stop mine for a month due to illness and he said it wouldn't make that big of difference and not to worry. Hope this helps and hope you get approved soon.