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Rebif????

So the ins company wont pay for Copaxone or Gilynia until my daughter first tries Rebif (i guess because its cheaper for them.) I have a concern with her being on an interferon due to the possible mental health side effects. She is already on Lexapro for anxiety and mild depression. I dont want anything adding to the issue. We have dr app tomorrow to discuss Rebif but I dont want her on it. Anyone have bad side effects with Rebif??? Any advise for me?? Thank you.
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5887915 tn?1383378780
This seems to be the way of things with most DMD no matter what condition you are discussing. I know for me to be eligible get Rituximab (which is actually prescribed for my RA) I had to have taken every DMD available for RA and to have valid reasons why they had failed before Rituximab would be even considered. I also had to have more than 20 joints affected, elevated ESR & CRP etc the it was put forward to a panel to discuss.

When I came into the world of MS I came to realise that there aren't many differences when it comes to these types of problems. I had to take DMD's that made me vomit & carry a bucket for at least 3 months before discontinuing otherwise it wasn't classed as a proper trial. I was also always placed on 2 DMD's at one time & so these had to be trialled with each suitable match.

In about 2003 new drugs started to come into the world of Rheumatology & this brought a new class of drugs that didn't just suppress the immune system yay! I guess what I'm saying in a roundabout way is that sometimes you have to try things to be able to reach your desired destination of DMD's. This doesn't make it right but it's just the way it is. Your daughter may have no issues with the side effects in regards to depression but if she does then she must speak to her Neuro about it straight away.

It's not easy when you've just been dx with something & having to take medicines that "may" produce side effects. I also try to keep an open mind to listed side effects until you have actually trialled something because if you look closely at side effects it may only be 20% that actaully had that side effect so that leaves 80% without.

Take Care,

Karry.
Helpful - 0
667078 tn?1316000935
Can the doctor overide the insurance company?

Alex
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi there, I used Rebif for a year and had the typical flu like side effects and injection site reactions (I believeCopaxone has similar side effects).

I took acetaminophen to help with those.

I had a major depressive episode several years before and was also treated for depression several times after that.

Rebif did not make my depression recur but it is always wise to keep an eye out, and as immisceo says, if your daughter's depressiin returns the insurance company will back off.

Best of luck,

Corrie
Helpful - 0
5112396 tn?1378017983
I have to respectfully disagree with M. Your daughter is an adult and the choice is ultimately up to her and her alone.

I have suffered from severe depression and anxiety (hospitalised for a year at 23) and yes, those things must be weighed when considering what medications to take. In my case, I was on a drug study and possibly on daclizumab or Avonex for the first three years post-diagnosis. Knowing my history, my doctors just kept a close eye on me. That's the relationship I demand. I'm honest with them, they're honest with me.

If she tries it and there are issues, well then you won't have any push-back from the insurance company when it comes to moving to another drug. If she doesn't try it... well, then where are you? Early treatment is important.
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11924850 tn?1601364171
Hey, mama.
  This is Melinda & I've been taking Rebif for 3 -4 months now.  At first, I had the common flu-like symptoms of chills, aches and so forth.  After a couple weeks of treatments, and taking ibuprofen before each shot, those symptoms passed.

  I also have unusually sensitive skin so had minor problems near injection sites.

  I've been treated for depression & anxiety for years.  My depression worsened so my neurologist increased my depression med and told me that he didn't think I was reacting to Rebif or even the news of having MS; he knows that I have a history of abuse and that my mother had passed on fairly recently.

  I'm doing better now, still the skin sensitivity.

  Bottom line:  If you don't want your daughter taking Rebif then stick to your guns and find out what else is available for her.  I assume you know her best.

  Please let us know how your appt. goes.  I'll be thinking of you both.  

  Stay strong.

Blessings,
  M
Helpful - 0
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