Purpose:MS (Multiple Sclerosis)(Started Dec 02, 2005)
Date
Dosage
Efficacy
Side Effects
Adherence
Burden
May 27, 2012
3 x 44 mcg/0.5 mL
Weekly
Major
Mild
Always
Not at all
Jan 27, 2012
3 x 44 mcg/0.5 mL
Weekly
Major
Mild
Always
Not at all
Sep 21, 2008
3 x 44 mcg/0.5 mL
Weekly
Major
Mild
Always
A little
Side effects:
Elevated blood pressure
Date
May 27, 2012
Advice & Tips
I'm still pleased with how well Rebif has and continues to work for me (zero new lesions - for 7 years now)!! I'm also reporting the true cost of this medication instead of my out of pocket cost, since I only have copays for the month of January each year, after which I pay zero copays for the rest of the year (because my Medicare extra- help is the full not partial low-income-subsidy).
If your state allows it, you can deduct the cost of your health insurance (excluding your drug coverage cost) from your income. This is called the Medicare Savings Program aka Medicaid-Buy-In. You must be able to lower your income to 135% of the federal poverty level, in order to use this program. Then your state pays your Medicare Part B monthly premium and CMS deems you a dual eligible for Medicare Part D benefits for the rest of that year. You must apply for this (Extra-Help) through your county's Medicaid office, but you cannot be receiving Medicaid.
Cost
$200+ monthly
Date
Jan 27, 2012
Advice & Tips
The slight increase in my blood pressure is a very tiny cost, compared too finally having a clear MRI (my 7th imaging session). This was my first MRI that showed NO MS progression, no new enhancing lesions and no increased cortical atrophy.
The cervical scan was also clear of new activity and most of my recently acquired new spinal symptoms also cleared up.
Cost
$200+ monthly
Date
Sep 21, 2008
Advice & Tips
I started Rebif during a severe MS attack, to date that was my quickest resolving attack, the L'hermitte's sign totally disappeared, and it has not returned--almost three years now.
Purpose:MS (Multiple Sclerosis)(Started Jan 15, 2008)
Date
Dosage
Efficacy
Side Effects
Adherence
Burden
Jan 26, 2012
Major
Moderate
Always
A little
Oct 18, 2011
3 x 44 mcg/0.5 mL
Weekly
Major
Moderate
Always
A little
Feb 13, 2009
3 x 44 mcg/0.5 mL
Weekly
Major
Mild
Always
Somewhat
Date
Jan 26, 2012
Advice & Tips
The medicine does what it's supposed to. Prevent new lesions from forming. I have small children and I had to stop in order to feel well enough to take care of them and have fun with them.
Cost
$50-99 monthly
Date
Oct 18, 2011
Advice & Tips
Needed to take care of and have fun with my kids, instead of lying on the couch.
Purpose:MS (Multiple Sclerosis)(Started Feb 24, 2009)
Date
Dosage
Efficacy
Side Effects
Adherence
Burden
Jul 29, 2011
3 x 44 mcg/0.5 mL
Weekly
?Can't tell
None
Always
Not at all
Jun 15, 2010
3 x 44 mcg/0.5 mL
Weekly
?Can't tell
None
Always
Not at all
May 21, 2010
3 x 44 mcg/0.5 mL
Weekly
?Can't tell
None
Always
Not at all
Oct 29, 2009
3 x 44 mcg/0.5 mL
Weekly
?Can't tell
None
Always
Not at all
Sep 23, 2009
3 x 44 mcg/0.5 mL
Weekly
?Can't tell
None
Always
Not at all
Date
Jun 15, 2010
Advice & Tips
I do my shots Sun, Tues, Thurs. After the first 6 months or so I had no more reactions at all. I can do the shot and then do whatever I had planned. I find that doing the shot freehand is much easier after the initial shock of actually sticking the needle in goes by. Now it is just something I do.
It took a little while for me to get used to the idea of injecting myself. I have never been a real big fan of needles, but now it has become a habit like taking out the trash, I don't like to do it, but I know I have to.
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