My husband has MS and has been currently getting Tysabri infusions once a month. Tysabri is considered one of the best medications to prevent/slow down the progression of MS. You can only get an infusion once every 28 days. This medication has slowed down the progression in my husband. He tried Rebif and the other shots available to no avail--they seemed to aggravate his system. If you are considering Tysabri then you also have tried everything else--because Physicians don't use Tysabri as a first line of defense--it is generally the last line of defense in slowing the progression of MS.
Tysabri is very expensive, around $8,000 per infusion.We are on a very limited income so we can't pay $8,000 per month. However, the manufacturer of Tysabri, does help by providing Tysabri at reduced cost or free. You will have to fill out some papers providing the income of all persons in your household. You will fill out additional information regarding your monthly outgoing expenses. All this is considered in the decision of whether or not you qualify for reduced or free Tysabri.
Then your insurance should tell you how much your part for the infusion will cost you each month. My husband and I are on a Medicare PPO--Humana and pay only $35.00 per month--this January it will be $40.00 a month.
Before my husband started Tysabri he had to get a specific blood test to see if he was more or less susceptible to PML. He was susceptible therefore every so often they need to do another blood test to be sure he hasn't contracted PML.
PML can be deadly. The rate of PML cases is very low though. Your doctor will discuss the problems associated with PML--then it will be your decision as to whether or not you wish to go forward with the Tysabri.
