How expensive are MS medications?

How expensive are MS medications?

On average, the medicines cost $70,000 per year, according to a 2017 study. Some prices have increased fivefold from when the drugs were first approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Even with insurance, says Ewing-Wilson, patients can be left on the hook for anywhere from $3,000 to more than $50,000 a year.

What tier drug is Rebif?

Medicare prescription drug plans typically list Rebif on Tier 5 of their formulary. Generally, the higher the tier, the more you have to pay for the medication.

Is Rebif an injection?

REBIF is given by injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection) on the same 3 days a week, for example, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Your injections should be at least 48 hours apart. Take them the same time each day. Inject REBIF exactly as your healthcare provider tells you.

What is a Tier 5 specialty drug?

Tier 5 – Nonpreferred Specialty: In Tier 5 are nonpreferred specialty drugs that likely have a more cost-effective generic or preferred alternative available. Tier 5 has the highest copayment for specialty drugs. In some cases, they may not be covered.

Can Rebif make MS worse?

People who took Rebif had an average of 1.73 to 1.82 MS relapses. In comparison, people taking the placebo had an average of 2.56 MS relapses. Depending on the dose of Rebif used, 25% to 32% of people who took Rebif were MS flare-free after 2 years.

Can Rebif damage your liver?

Liver effects. Liver effects, including liver damage, have been reported in people taking Rebif. In fact, changes in blood levels of liver enzymes are a common side effect of the drug.

Can you drink alcohol while taking Rebif?

When taking Rebif to treat your relapsing MS symptoms, it’s important to avoid drinking alcohol. Talk to your doctor about the effects of Rebif on your liver and how drinking can worsen these effects. Also avoid contact with contagious diseases, colds, and infections.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AggVlq9K1Dk