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@alephbet 

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alephbet

Ocrevus vs Tysabri

Good morning, everyone, I spoke with my MS nurse about possibly switching from Tysabri to Ocrevus later this year. My neurologist isn't inclined for me to switch since "Tysabri is working so well for you." Meanwhile, I just read this morning that the neurology director at my hospital, Dr. Anthony Reder, worked with Genentech in developing ocrelizumab (Ocrevus). He was involved in the first clinical trial here in Chicago. He considers it a breakthrough: "this drug is at the highest level of benefit of any drug we have, and it also has the fewest side effects." Anyway, my MS nurse told me that me that Tysabri works by strengthening the blood-brain barrier against T cells. But she wouldn't tell me if Ocrevus works the same way (my neurologist will tell me at my next appointment in January). Hypothetically, what if I switched to Ocrevus, but it wasn't as effective at slowing down the progression as Tysabri once was for me? Thank you for your help and your patience. Alephbet
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@Stumbler
@Stumbler
 

@alephbet , wouldn't it be good if all the medical professionals sang from the same hymn sheet? Personally, I would compare the clinical trial results for both drugs and be directed by that. Just be aware that if Tysabri has a washout period, you may be at risk of a relapse during that time. So, a couple of considerations. And, would your insurance cover the change?

@alephbet
@alephbet
 

Thank you so much, @stumbler, for your sage advice. I will look up the clinical trials for both. I had no idea that Tysabri had a washout period. If it's a monthly infusion, wouldn't I wait only another month before starting Ocrevus? I would hope that insurance company Aetna would be willing. It took them four months before they accepted that Tysabri was not just for fun and games. They wanted proof: my multiple MRIs, spinal tap, etc., which my MS nurse provided. Since Tysabri is $14,500 a month in Chicago, I would think it would be cheaper for me to switch to Ocrevus for $65,000 a year. (I'm stunned: Tysabri is $174,000 a year?! That's why I can't quit my day job. I'd lose my health insurance.) Anyhow, MS treatment is very expensive. I can't imagine what I would do if I didn't have insurance to cover it. <sigh> Maybe someday they will find a procedure to remyelinate our CNSs. Thanks! alephbet