FUCK YOU, MR. PRESIDENT!

[blindersoff]

107. a clarification on MS drugs

I have MS and am using one of the disease modifying drugs (not Aubagio, one of the injectibles). The comment about denying lifesaving medication to his wife is in my opinion a bit hyperbolic. And certainly blaming the President is not where the fault lies.

Disease modifying drugs in MS DO NOT save lives and not taking them does not kill a person. It truly is not known whether or not these drugs even work! For some they do and others not so much. At BEST, the DMD's give a person only a 30% better shot at not progressing in disease disability but often people who are on these drugs do progress in spite of being treated. Many people with MS do not take DMD's because that 30% perceived success rate is not reasonable given the cost of the drugs (without insurance coverage my Avonex would cost almost $4000/month).

I suggested to Will that he contact the drug manufacturer to ask about copay assistance. I have pretty good employer provided insurance but the cost went up when I switched policies in January. I got my cost down from $175/month to $10/month by dealing with the company. These manufacturers want people to take their drugs and so they have a vested interested in helping many of those who cannot afford to pay the exhorbitant cost.

It is probably more important to minimize the STRESS and anger around her than anything. Out of control emotions and stress can make MS worse even when on the drugs.

Sorry this got a bit off topic, but just wanted to give my perspective.