2nd Neuro Appt - Gilenya and Avonex Questions

[danawe]

Actually went pretty welll.  He told me that the nerve/muscle problems I have had in my arm since the 90's were probably not MS related -  So it appears my first incident was about 2 years sgo.  Which makes me a very "late" bloomer...  I will be 50 next month.  

We tallked about fatigue, my other meds, confirmed the blood work from last visit and talked DMDs.   We are going to try and see if insurance will approve Gilenya. Not too hopeful, it is not fomulary...   If not, Avonex.

The pharmacy called about the shouder med he prescribed and it was denied, but they didn't mention the fatigue med, so I am hoping that the pharm tech just didn't realize I had 2 there.

Can I get opinons on the 2 meds??????  I am REALLY hoping they let me try Gilenya at least -  I would love to not have to stick myslef -  I am a single mom of 8 and 6 yr. olds, so it would be just me.  I will trade a longer and bigger needle once per week for multiple injections, any day!

Thanks for the insights!  If anyone has Aetna and gone through non formulary approval, I would LOVE to hear from you too!

Dana

[tammy197238]

i HAVE BEEN ON THE AVONEX FOR 8 MONTHS.  I DONT GIVE MYSELF THE INJECTIONS EACH WEEK, MY HUSBAND DOES BUT THEY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AVONEX HAS IS GREAT.  WE PAID 10 A MONTH AND WHEN HE CHANGED JOBS  AND WE LOST INSURANCE I HAVE BEEN GETTING IT FOR FREE.  I DO STILL GET ACHY, EMOTIONAL BUT FEEL LIKE I AM ADJUSTING TO THE MEDICATION.  GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR CHOICE.  HOPE THINGS GO WELL WITH YOUR INSURANCE.

[opie74]

I used Betaseron and now Gilanya.  I have better results so far with gilenya.  Origionally, I chose Betaseron over Avonex because I would rather have less side effects more often that be completely wiped out once a week as a mother of little ones.  The Gilenya does not seem to cause such a problem.  I hope that you can get the med that best suits you approved with your insurance.  Sometimes the doctors office has to get ugly with the insurance on your behalf.  Best wishes to you!