Do you have an article we can read that mentions the cost Natalie?

Here is where I found reference to the cost of the drug. Two different people offer the estimate including a health care analyst. This article also states it will be available Oct. 4 according to Novartis, the company producing fingolimod.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2010...t-at-what-cost

It was just on the news, so I'm bracing for the helpful phone calls and emails from my friends who suppose I've never heard of it.

Will call Biogen when I get to it and ask if I can take it with Ty if I chose.

Just spoke with someone about it. It blocks/reduces the white cells that make up your immune system by 70-80%. Effects production in lymph nodes. Also has heart, lung? and other neg. possible receptor effects(I forget). It was a long phonecall and was 1st thing we covered so the above info isn't spot on but it's close. Sounds like something I'd take at say 1/4 dose along with Ty if possible. If I could lower my white count by say 25%, I'd try that. Am I totally off saying it sounds like a chemo drug?

If that's correct Eddie, then reducing our white cell count by 70-80% sounds pretty scary to me. :eek:

White cells are our body's main means of fighting infection, and with a reduction that large, the medication would be inducing leukemia in the person taking it, leaving them open to potentially life threatening infections.

For me, the negatives for this medication are piling up fast.

I heard its approved for dispensing on OCt 4. The cost is to be determined by the research value of the drug. strong rumors have it that it will be about 30k per year.

I will not be taking this med, or probably any other DMD in the short term. After my break from Copaxone I am feeling so much better. I just cant/wont go backwards to the land of resting in bed most of the day. If the disease takes me, so be it.

I pray all those who chose it will be out dancing in the streets.

I am confused regarding your comment about taking the new drug with tysabri. I seriously doubt that this drug is supposed to be combined with another MS treatment.

Nope, no way, heck it's not for spms anyway, only rrms. Lowering the wbc's is NOT a good idea for those who are prone to infections. Jim is one of those. Oh well, hope it works for those who try it.

Since it lowers the WBC, it will be not be allowed with Tysabri. Same as any type of Chemo.