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

Side effects: I think each body is different. For me, I get a sinus infection and a uti that both hit around the same time, 3-5 days after the infusion. The day of infusion I usually get really tired, and just drained of energy and that lasts about 2 days.

I also have really bad joint pain but I don't know that I can blame that on the ty seeing as I was having that issue long before I stared it. But on the plus side, my last 2 MRIs have shown no new lesions.

Some people feel great with it and can tell when they are getting close to their infusion. Personally, it hasn't happened for me. Good luck though. Glad to hear the headaches are gone. I know that is a relief.

My husband brought home a nasty cold, that turned into a bronchial infection. I have caught the nasty cold, have treated with a lot of vit C, 2 days took a generic Claritan and Monday started an antibiotic for a different reason, but I bet it's helped the cough/congestion that is almost gone. I do not attribute the cold to Tysabri-maybe or maybe not I caught it because my immune system is lowered ?

I was sooo fatigued one day I almost couldn't move off the chair. I was scared that my ms symptoms has worsened The next day I was much better and today I am back to normal !!!

Glad your headaches have stopped, hope you feel better soon and that Ty works great for you

Linda

I am scheduled to get my first infusion on Feb 2. We are leaving on vacation on Feb 10th.

I realize that everyones reactions are different, but, if you do get side effects, do they last more than a week?

I am hoping I will feel okay on the day we are to leave.

thanks

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??