Oct 27, 2013
(Started Dec 02, 2005)
-
Effectiveness
Major
(for multiple sclerosis)
-
Side effects
Mild
(for Overall)
(elevated blood pressure)
-
-
Burden
Not at all hard to take
Dosage:
3 x 44 mcg/0.5 mL
Weekly
Advice & Tips:
Having injected Rebif three times a week for the last seven years, I have finally found an effective oral medication that has zero side effects.
Cost:
$200+ monthly
Side effects:
elevated blood pressure
May 27, 2012
(Started Dec 02, 2005)
-
Effectiveness
Major
(for multiple sclerosis)
-
Side effects
Mild
(for Overall)
(elevated blood pressure)
-
-
Burden
Not at all hard to take
Dosage:
3 x 44 mcg/0.5 mL
Weekly
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
Side effects:
elevated blood pressure
Jan 27, 2012
(Started Dec 02, 2005)
-
Effectiveness
Major
(for multiple sclerosis)
-
Side effects
Mild
(for Overall)
(elevated blood pressure)
-
-
Burden
Not at all hard to take
Dosage:
3 x 44 mcg/0.5 mL
Weekly
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
Side effects:
elevated blood pressure
Sep 21, 2008
(Started Dec 02, 2005)
-
Effectiveness
Major
(for multiple sclerosis)
-
Side effects
Mild
(for Overall)
(elevated blood pressure)
-
-
Burden
A little hard to take
Dosage:
3 x 44 mcg/0.5 mL
Weekly
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.
Cost:
$200+ monthly
Side effects:
elevated blood pressure