I started medicare July 1 with rx suppliment and the only two meds listed for MG are mestinon and Mytelase Chloride (ambenonium).

I do not remember Mytelase Chloride ever mentioned on this site or any other web site or in any literature about MG as far as that goes.

Tony

Tony, I have absolutely no experience with this drug and don't know anyone who has. You can download the pdf and compare it to that of Mestinon. It reads just like Mestinon. Is it a generic version? Mrs. D?

Often an "alternative" drug is listed in a formulary because it's cheaper. The insurance company's "co-pay" is, therefore, cheaper. Stick to what you and your doctor have decided is best.

http://www.sanofi.us:80/l/us/en/layo...4-5B972A335231

http://www.sanofi.us:80/l/us/en/layo...4-9859D8B2687B

Oh, and Sanofi is the company who also brings us Ketek/Telithromycin, which should not be taken by MGers. Ever.

Annie

It's an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor similar to Mestinon (pyridostigmine):

"Ambenonium is used less commonly than neostigmine or pyridostigmine but may be preferred in patients hypersensitive to the bromide ion. Ambenonium produces fewer muscarinic side effects than neostigmine, but more than pyridostigmine."
http://neurolex.org/wiki/Category:Ambenonium

Abby
just googling around

It has been used in the past, mostly in Europe.

It has a somewhat different mode of action and pharmacology than mestinon.

According to my neurologist it may possibly be more effective in some patients with MuSK.

I do not see any reason for someone who is doing well on mestinon to change to it, but it could be an option for someone who is not responding well to mestinon. Like mestinon, it is only symptomatic treatment and not disease-modifying. With the advantages (once you stop it, you lose its effect very rapidly) and dissadvantages of every other symptomatic treatment.

I am surprised that those are the only options of treatment for patients under medicare. Aren't patients under medicare given the chance for remission?

This drug is listed in the FDA Orange book reference with only the brand name MYTELASE.

I don't see a generic approved here. It is probably not a big enough seller to have a generic in US.

Thanks everybody, I was just curious.

Tony

By the way, I will find out today when I talk to my pharmicist, if my cellcept and perdnisone are covered.

Tony

I use Medicare and they have covered all my meds and IVIG treatments.
Mike

mike, do you have an insurance supplement with the medicare rto pay for the IVIG and where do you go to receive the IVIG; such as home, hospital, or infusion center?

I have Champus as secondary insurance. I go to an infusion center in Charlotte. They charge $5,000 per treatment. They wanted $3,500 out of pocket for in home, I said no thanks. I'm likely getting my last IVIG on Tues. they haven't helped me very much. I'm also on Imuran and a bunch of Mestinon. I think my neuro is going to try plasmapheresis next.
Mike