Tecfidera

[JaneK1975]

So... Who's on Tecfidera and how's it going so far? Easy or hard to stick to the schedule? Any side effects? How was the switch (if you were another a different DMD before)? Any insurance issues? Do tell!

[JaneK1975]

Thanks, Candy. I am NOT looking forward to hair loss (hope I'll be one of the lucky ones). Sorry to hear that you're deadling with the side effects. I've heard a lot of people swearing by Biotin to combat the hair loss, but I haven't done any research to see if there exists any unbiased substantiation of those claims.

Have  you tried anything to fight the hair loss, and if so, have you had any luck?

[RRlady]

Hi Jane- Candy here.  I started Tecfidera 2 months ago after five yrs on Rebif.  I LOVE IT!!!  The downside for me is the hair loss- it is substantial.

[kwarendorf]

My tap dance comes in the form of "pre-billing" my insuarnace company for RItuxan. Fortunately my doc is an excellent partner :-) First time they said that it was covered but that other factors might preclude payment. So we billed them for it before I had the treatment. They did pay and then I got treated. We're doing the same dance now for the second treatment.

Kyle

[Lulu54]

It is crazy how much tap dancing and two-stepping we have to do to navigate health care. It is so time consuming and energy draining but all part of the game. Good luck with getting this switch done efficiently.
~Laura

[Corriel]

It is crazy sometimes. I am on week 5 and still going through the red tape. My latest hang up is my health insurance has been waiting on my neuro for more info since May 14. Sigh.

I know they are going to refuse it because I only tried one injectable so then it will be working with Biogen directly to find out how much it will cost me.

Hang in there,
Corrie

[JaneK1975]

I just spoke with Active Access. They are going to send me some Tec to get me through until the "red tape" gets worked out.

Why does my MS always make me fee llike I'm dancing with the devil?

[JaneK1975]

I have decided to make the switch to Tec, since I have nowhere left to shoot in one of my arms and either of my legs. Unfortunately, my insurance company (Aetna) is currently refusing to pay for it.

I just read something online (reference below) that makes me fear that Aetna will demand that I try and fail Rebif and Avonex before approving me for Tecfidera. Has anyone here already been through a Copaxone to Tecfidera switch with Aetna? Any advice you have would be appreciated.

http://www .aetna.com/products/rxnonmedicare/data/2013/CNS2013/multiple_sclerosis. html

[Corriel]

Thanks Jane!

[JaneK1975]

Yes, I am am thinking of switching at my next appointment, which is about 6 months down the road. I have been successful on Copaxone but I am starting to have injection site issues. With Tec, I am a little worried that I would forget doses though, since it's taken twice per day.

Corrie, there is a Facebook group called "Tecfidera for MS SUPPORT Group <3" with a lot of useful information and feedback from folks who are on Tec. Just mentioning it in case you want to check it out.

Thanks ladies,
Jane

[Corriel]

Hi there, I am currently on Rebif (9 months into it) but would love to try Tecfidera. My annual neuro exam is in a month and I think I will be making the switch at that time.

A little concerned about the gastro issues that some experience because I do have GERD but if my health insurance will let me switch then I will hopefully start Tec in June.

Corrie

[cubbiesfan918]

Good:
Love, love, love not taking daily shots of Copaxone.
Minimal to no side effects
No difficulty remembering the dose.
Am being provided a year of medication for free.

Bad:
Insurance denied due to not taking Gilyena first. My Neuro and I agree this is not the drug for me.

I'm hoping once my year comes to an end that my insurance will have changed their stance. I will cross that bridge in October.

Are you considering the change?

[HVAC]

I so wanted to go on Tecifidera. I can't because of my Cancer and the Clinical Trial Med. I waited for it to come to market. It was on the market for psoriasis so its not brand new.

Alex

[JaneK1975]

Thanks!

[immisceo]

This might be what you're looking for. http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/Tecfidera-BG-12-Users-Past-and-Present/show/1941451