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Tag: Rituxan

My first Ocrevus infusion

My first Ocrevus infusion

The appointment was called for 11 but as I’m walking out my door, I received a call that they still didn’t have the pre-medicine orders from my doctor. After  that call was made, yet again, they informed me I can come at 12:00. I got there and it just took time to get things rolling. Except for a TV and a comfy chair, it was an institutional type of room. However, the people were very nice. I knew exactly what…

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What’s going on in a day in the life with multiple sclerosis

What’s going on in a day in the life with multiple sclerosis

My Ocrevus infusion is going to be on Monday August 14 now. Not the worst thing. My infusion for Rituxan was scheduled originally for July 17th so the change to the new drug set us back roughly a month. My neurologist told me that even though Rituxan is given on a six month schedule, the drug could last up to 9 months effectively. I feel fine and now I only have 5 days to receive an infusion so I am…

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Ocrevus approved saga ended

Ocrevus approved saga ended

Finally, after countless phone calls and so much unnecessary stress, my insurance approved Ocrevus. However in their approval, they didn’t approve me getting the infusion at Mt Sinai hospital where I was scheduled. I’m approved to go to a place on Long Island about 20 minutes from my house. Since I just got the approval at 5:30 on Friday evening, there was no way to get me scheduled at the new infusion site for Monday so it will be done…

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Ocrevus infusion not looking good for Monday due to insurance

Ocrevus infusion not looking good for Monday due to insurance

Can you sue an insurance company for stress? I know you can sue debt collectors if their actions cause undue stress. I was wondering about insurance. The stress that I’ve been under for this last week dealing with my insurance is ridiculous. Everyday I speak to them I get a different answer. Yesterday I was told they were waiting for clinical notes and a copy of my last MRI showings I have relapse remitting MS. I can understand if this…

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Ocrevus infusion still not approved, I kid you not…

Ocrevus infusion still not approved, I kid you not…

You can’t make this sh@t up. I get a call from the girl working on my infusion authorization, my insurance company wants to know the name, address and telephone number of my pharmacy where I am currently getting my prescriptions. The girl who called me really tried to be professional as possible but had the same reaction I had which was… WTF???? Will you be sending Ocrevus to my local CVS for me to pick up and take to NYC…

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Ocrevus infusion scheduled for August 7

Ocrevus infusion scheduled for August 7

Sure, it is scheduled, but the approval isn’t there. I received a call the other day from the insurance company that the expedited review has been denied. So I called the insurance company. I was told that the infusion was still under review. Under review for what??? When I tried to get Rituxan approved, the denial was because Rituxan wasn’t a FDA approved drug for multiple sclerosis. The denial letter went on to tell me based on my history that…

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My blog year in review

My blog year in review

My blog is 1 year old tomorrow. I just woke up one day and said I want to write a blog. I didn’t know who would ever read it or exactly what I was going to say, I just knew I was going to be honest. I knew I was going to write about my life and struggles with MS, my daughter, dating, and my dogs. So much has changed in the last year since I started writing. My dog…

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Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) versus Rituximab (Rituxan)

Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) versus Rituximab (Rituxan)

This was the second most popular blog of the year on http://Www.multipleexperiences.org.  I was on Rituxan for over a year and would have preferred to continued however for insurance reasons, I’m changing to Ocrevus. My first infusion is scheduled for August 7th. This blog is just a good inside look at the pharmaceutical world of chronic disease. I decided to go a little honest about our pharmaceutical world of MS. There has been so much press and promise over this new drug…

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Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab) transition part 3

Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab) transition part 3

Well, if your following the saga (or catch up with the link above), I discussed my insurance concerns with my doctor with regards to the Rituxan. The Rituxan will come from the patient assistance program at Genentech. However, the infusion of the Rituxan, steroids, benedryl and saline are not covered. My insurance will deny them because they denied Rituxan. I’m scared, at the last minute, they will tell me we couldn’t get authorization for the infusion therefore you can’t do…

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My not going well transition to Ocrevus continued

My not going well transition to Ocrevus continued

Continuing my story from yesterday… Two main things happened yesterday. I was informed that I don’t need blood work done. Shocker!!! I’ve been on Rituxan for a year and have had repeated blood work done satisfying the hepatitis pre-check for Ocrevus. HOWEVER, my doctor felt, we were running into a time crunch and I should stay on Rituxan for the July infusion. I knew it!! I purposely came in to see her June 2 to get everything done for the…

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