When I clicked on the “coupon” for Avonex it simply routed me to the Avonex website, where they offer the first month of treatment for free, as they’ve done for a while. Don’t know how that program works, but I think you’re just best off for now calling Avonex and exploring your options.
I didn’t see the bit about how vials are priced lower. (I presume vials is the medicine you mix yourself.
The first place to call is Shared Solutions, which is the company that manages the distribution of Copaxone. They help me with my copay.
Nevada Medicaid is attempting to limit access to Multiple Sclerosis platform medications. There are currently 5 platform treatments for individuals with MS:
Avonex (IM qwk ), Betaseron (sq qod), Copaxone (sq daily), Rebif (sq 3 x wk) and Betaferon (sq qod)
The committee is presenting to the Medicaid board on June 24th, with a recommendation to limit access to Copaxone only.
The MS communtiy may not be aware of this at this time and they need help to stop this limitation of meds.
I have been on Avonex for 10 years. I am feeling pretty good. Very few ms problems. My gait is somewhat labored, I have intention tremor in my hands and some numbness on my left side. I am considering stopping my Avonex becausse of the cost. Have not seen my neurologist yet but want another persons opinion also.
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.
Hi, I'm on Avonex, which is once a week. I just reached the full dosage, and the side effects are getting somewhat better: I still am very tired and ache some the day after my injection. I'm told that they will continue to lessen for another 3 months or so; if so, they'll be no problem.
The company that makes it has a great program with people to talk to and help with financial assistance, a nurse to ask questions of, and so much more.
ve kicked around the CRABs here, a lot. Copaxone, Rebif, Avonex, and Betaseron are the primary four. Your doctor didn't offer Tysabri as your fifth, did he?
I like the Decision Maker tool in the uk that walks you through the drugs and helps you figure what is important for you. You can access this at
http://www.msdecisions.org.uk
welcome to the world of drugs aand bills. I'm glad to hear you are getting treatment for your CIS. Congrats on that one.
Hi I have a question- I have been on Copaxone for over 10 years and I am suffering with indented sites which can no longer let my shots be injected. My question is which of the ms treatments should I go to next? My MS dr. gave me papers on Avonex but the side effects is what I'm worried about. My Copazone has worked so well I'm afraid to change but just running out of places to give the shot. Thanks for any reply's..
I just started on Avonex (had my 2nd injection a few days ago). I'm wondering if I will ever feel like I did prior to it.
My side effects are not bad at all if I take Ibuprofen regularly. I stopped taking it b/c my stomach started hurting on
& off everyday. Since I stopped it, my stomach doesn't hurt anymore, but I have headaches all the time. My head
feels kind of spacey also. Will this go away? I am so new to all of this.
try to find out more about what the insurance companies have in the works and then write to your government representatives to alert them. I'm not sure what role govt plays in these issues in the US, but it is maybe worth a shot.
In Alberta, Canada there is a provincial MS drug program. The co-pay is $25 per month (waived if one is low income). One must first apply for non-group insurance, even if you already have other insurance.
Even if you have insurance, if your insurance will not pay for the testing, and your income is under a certain level (I think it was income under 100K a year, but I could be off with that amount, this was 3 years ago for me), you can qualify for the Veracyte Access Program. That's what I used and I ended up not having to pay anything.
Hi, Sherry. Don't mind repeating this at all. When I saw my current neuro last January, he said my MRI abnormalities were way worse than 'microvascular ischemic disease' could account for. That's what earlier radiologists had said, and earlier neuros either agreed or didn't bother to look at the MRIs themselves. I know that for sure. The new neuro also found abnormalities on exam, and noted I had an abnormal VEP.
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