trouble getting disease modifying drugs?

[MCBCON]

Anyone here one with a diagnosis of MS and is having trouble getting disease modifying drugs, such as Copaxone or Rebif,  due to lack of insurance, insurance company unwilling to pay or trouble with pharmaceutical company please tell your story as to why.

[PatHC]

Try - living in the UK as a reason. The cost sharing scheme the NHS has with the drug companies also means they share the risk - therefore DMDs only go to those who fit very tight criteria.

The rest of us have to make do with just sx treatment whist we slowly slide into SPMS when we cannot get the  drugs anyway!

Pat

[Valerie64]

even then it's a post code lottery over here, what drugs are available quite often depends on where you live - rubbish isn't it

Val

[kathop]

my MediCal was changed whne my daughter turned 18, leaving me with a 585 co-pay per month, which i don't have since i can't work. I am on rebif. I contacted ms lifeline and they sent me an application for assistance with rebif costs. because of my income (or lack thereof) i was granted a year's worth of rebif.

[Lulu54]

Hi McB,

Are you having trouble getting your drugs?  If you want, share a few details with us and maybe we can brainstorm a solution with you.

I count myself fortunate that the insurance covers all but $50 a month for my copaxone but that still adds up to $600/yr.  And that's not the only drug DH and I take ....

be well,
L

[MCBCON]

We are having such financial difficulties I cannot afford any of my drugs.

[Deb61]

I'm so sorry you're going through financial difficulties.  Have you considered clinical trials?  

I don't know what's out there, but here's a link you may want to check out:

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=multiple+sclerosis

Deb

[Deb61]

Here's another link.  Click on clinical trials.

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/research/index.aspx

[LoveMyBostons]

I'm going to check out those links too! I'm trying to get Copaxone. I have an individual BCBS plan because my employer only offers dental ins. My maximum yearly prescription benefit is $2500 and as you probably know Copaxone will run about $2200/mo. I applied to NORD but I've heard they'll probably deny me. I wish I had a doctor that would help me in some way (making calls, writing letters, etc.) I'm feeling pretty helpless. It ***** because I feel like I work really hard and to find out I can't afford a drug I really need is very depressing.