Began the Tecfidera process today
 

My neuro's nurse says the process takes about 20 days. Today I called and asked to start the med. I've gotten as far as my neuro ordering bloodwork and an MRI. His nurse will gather the proper application for Biogen's patient assistance. I'm on Medicare so I don't qualify for the $10 copay. Am curious to see how much it will be.

Seems like I got pretty far on the first day.

hi sparky,

i'm in the dark about this tx. could you educate me?

Tecfidera is the the name that someone came up with for BG-12 (http://www.drugs.com/history/tecfidera.html), the latest pill-form DMD. I've resisted going back on a DMD after 3 years of Avonex ('00-'03) because I won't do shots and every other new med has too many side effects. This seems very mild with the best record yet of preventing relapses. Because of its neural pathways protection properties, it may even benefit progressive forms of MS.

So do I understand correctly.........this is a new drug for secondary progressive ms? Is it an interferon? I'll try to look it up. I'm still on LDN, but it seems like this monster is gaining momentum.:mad:

All the best to you whichever direction you choose to take...:hug:

Here's a thread where it was discussed recently (not in depth): http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread186018.html.

According to the prescribing information here: http://www.tecfidera.com/, it is for RRMS. Unofficial discussions about the med say it may help the progressive forms.

I sent a fax to my Neuro with a heads up that I want to try the BG12. I've been taking Betaseron shots for 11 years and can't hardly find a spot to inject anymore!

Fortunately I still have Blue Cross and they paid the Betaseron and my Pharmacist told me they will very likely pay for the BG12.

The drug has been around for YEARS treating psoriasis. They tweeked the drug a bit so now it will cost a fortune (over 50K a year).
My pharmacist said to take an asprin 40 mins before the pill and you may have to chew a tums afterward (stomach upset). That's about it for common side affects.
I believe they have to monitor you white blood cell count to make sure it doesn't go too low. I feel like this is a fair trade off to damaging my liver with interferons!
Anyway my appointment is on Wednesday, so I'll find out!

Had my Neuro appointment yesterday and he said I was the 4th M.S. patient that day wanting the BG12.
So I had to fill out a paper and I wait for a phone call from someone who will set me up with a prescribing pharmacy. Then I will see the doc again in 3 months for review of how I feel on the drug (side affects).

He said there is always the question of long term affects since this is a new drug......but it has been used in Europe for years for psoriasis. So he can't honestly say the long term effects for the treatment of M.S. AND the drug has been tweaked a bit for MS.

I told him I would take the gamble. I've been on Interferon shots for 11 years and have been lucky my liver hasn't given out! Plus this pill has a better track record for slowing progression. All I can say is: I'm in! So wish me luck!

Wonderful Opportunity
 

I have been on BG12 since about July of 2007. I was a memember of Phase II, III, and IV. I initially had the flushing, for about a month after I started. Actually, the flushing is what convinced me that I originally did not have a placebo (chances of getting the drug were 2/4, copaxone 1/4, placebo 1/4). This drug has truly changed my life. I used to have a flare-up every two years. Since I have been on this, not one coming up on 6 years.
Knock on wood. My health has improved, I don't usually get the common colds, flus, etc. A heck of a lot better than when I used to get it twice, once on the front end, and then a second time after it ran through my wife and kids. In the beginning I heard stories from from members that knew people on Phase I, and the results were tremendous (people who were wheelchair or bed bound being able to live normal lives). I was really excited when I got that initial flushing. I still get the flushing once in a while now, but maybe once every two or three months for about 45 minutes.

I haven't had any issues with upset stomach or anything like that, but usually it just seems better to take at meals (the study has 3 doses a day, so it is also a helpful reminder to stay on schedule). I would highly recommend this medication for anybody that wants to stop with the shots....I did Betaseron from 1999-2001, couldn't keep it going when I had twins, and wasn't on anything from 2001-2007. If any of you have questions about the pills, side effects, or anything let me know, and I will do my best to help you out! Good luck! The emotional/mental aspect of not taking the shots seemed to have a huge benefit for me personally!

I started the process yesterday too for this drug. My neuro says it costs more than my Copaxone. I have been getting my copaxone for $5.oo amonth because the CDF pays for the rest. But this drug is not on the CDF list. I, too , don't qualify for the $10.00 a month program because I am on medicare. So the cost factor will determine if I can go on this med. Nice to read that someone elsae has been on the med with good results. I'll just have to wait and see how this plays out.

Welcome BigNick and BlueNurse, Happy to have you join us and keep
us informed on your journey with BG12.

So far it sounds like Bignick is a winner and doing well on the drug.
Yeaaaaaa..:hug: Good luck to Bluenurse, Sparky and everyone else
trying BG12..:grouphug: