The New Deal

[AMO]

It may be Rituxan (RITUXIMAB).

  Ive     had my laatest followup llast week. After beenn on tysabii 22  
infudsions in two more it    is time to  move on. We   talk about to do next.  One idea is Rituximab ( if my medical will accept off label). My doc has patieints on it, they are doing well on it.

Who ouut there on foum has taken it?
If the insurance fails me,   I'll re-powwow
I know my infusion nurses would miss me:)) LOl
thaanks,amo

[HVAC]

This is how they treated MS which chemo before the DMDs came out. It is a little more risky so the insurance companies like the DMDs better. It is not anymore risky them Tysabri or Gilenya and there is more years of data on it than the other two. Doctors just find the DMDs easier. Here there is only one place to get treated a Cancer clinic in the boonies when we have a huge Neurology practice and two major University Hospitals. I hope you can get it ironed out.

Alex

[AMO]

Thanks grils,

Alex,
i ddid not know that about  this being an olllder drug. I have found article about the benefit can be in m.s. I wish thesee insurannce companies would recognize that and allow   the doctors to treat their patients how see fit.      The six monthh treatment is enticing.

Lu,
yes i am positiive j.c. and not sure on this washout . My doc sayys 30% have   some relapse  so to be on another. I    don;t know as I have relapsing so I do not know what too look for.
At   the increase risk to 1-200    for PML at  over 24 months, my husband and I think we decide stopping is best. fo rme.



This bummer, today i  heard my    ins. has turned doown rituxan.  Now i'll hope the Rx company may take me on assistance... more paperwork.    The business  of chronic illness is so exausting!

I hope another update will be mor encouraging.
amo

[Lulu54]

I sure hope that works for you.  Are you JC positive and want to move  off of tysabri because of the increased risk?  Just because you are at 24 months, doesn't mean you have to stop.  

I wonder if there is  a washout period from tysabri to rituximab?  I know the relapse numbers jump when leaving tysabri for something else.  I'm sure the neurologist has a plan for you.  

You can still visit your infusion nurses - just bring them cookies.

[HVAC]

I have several friends on it and they love it. I have never been on it myself. They say there is may be one or two days the feel flu like but then they feel fine. I hope your insurance will cover it. The beauty of it is it the oldest MS drug around.

Alex