I am new to Tysabri, and should be starting my infusions real soon. My question is....How do I know if I am a part of the stratify II study? Do you sign up or are you asked to join?

If you received a JC Virus antibody test, you are in strafiy II study as the test is only available in the study.

I just heard from the Tysabri assistance program, and I qualified for a $10.00 co-pay for the Tysabri. But they told me there is a second fee for the infusion site that Biogen does not/can not help with. According to my insurance company that is an additional $40.00 co-pay.

I should begin my infusions real soon now.

Just curious....what do you all pay for your infusions? I am sure I am getting a good deal, however, I am not sure where I will get an extra $50.00 a month from....yes, it is really that tight financially in our home. Still have three kids at home too.

The cost of my medication went up a year ago. Now I pay $125 for the medication plus a $35 co-pay for a doctor's visit to get the infusion. At $160 an infusion I still consider that a steal compared to some other stories I have heard about costs. And I have a major insurance company PPO plan with a company that has thousands of employees.

I'm no help with insurance costs. I have a full service plan from the old days that pays all my hospital costs, and my infusion is done in an oncology center at a local hospital. I have no copay.

I am on Medicare and have a federal plan (husband was a federal firefighter) for my secondary. I do not have a copay- I am very fortunate for the healthcare my husband and I have.

can anyone clue me in to side effects? i had my 1st infusion on Jan 14th and on the 24th i started to feel sick, like a chest cold. if this is from the tysabri will it go away like a regular cold ? i'm also very fatigued. my headaches have stopped though

I know you asked about this a while ago, but I just arrived at the boards and thought this might help: You may be able to get financial assistance for the infusion costs via the hospital or infusion center. My insurance didn't cover my Tysabri OR infusion (even after multiple horrible appeals) but the hospital approved full coverage for me after submitting a simple request form. Maybe that will work for you as well!

I hope all went well in your first infusion!!!!

Thanks....I did just that, sent a simple letter via fax, and my neurologist agreed to wave my co-pay portion of the infusion. I guess sometimes we just have to ask.

My first infusion took 4 sticks, and I ended up having the entire infusion through a small butterfly needle. I did get a head pain on the left front area of my head, I had a quick heart palpatation, and felt nausea....BUT all in all it was better than I thought. About 3-4 after the infusion, I had a very runny nose and congestion. Not sure if it had anything to do with the Tysabri or just a cold. Also, I am noticing small brusies on my arm and leg. Anyone know if this could be from the TY??

A beautiful sunny day here spent in a windowless horseshoe shaped infusion center that somehow always reminds me of herding cattle. Infusion was all day and draining. Nurse pokey and I got into when she yelled at me for taking my iv out. Mind you the drip was done my arm hurt from the iv and the lovely rash I get from the glue was itching. So I took it out. Just like every other time I have had an infusion and it was painful. If it is in a spot that doesn't hurt I will leave it in.

But its done and over til next month. Doc appt allready sched for next week to treat the monthly sinus infection and uti from todays infusion and life goes on.