Continuous Glucose Monitoring Cost

A continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) is designed to offer a continuous readout of the glucose levels in the tissue fluid, and in order for the device to work, you will insert a sensor beneath your skin, similar to that of a needle stick, according to Diabetes Self-Management.

Made of similar filters used in dialysis, this FDA-approved device continuously measures your glucose levels, all while sending the results to a nearby connected device, usually the size of a small piece of paper every five to 15 minutes.

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How much does a continuous glucose monitoring system cost?

The costs of a continuous glucose monitoring system will depend on a few factors, including the brand you choose, the sensors used and which retailer you purchase it from.

First, in order to understand a continuous glucose monitoring system, you need to know that, just like a fingerstick test, you will need to continuously purchase sensors, which will be inserted beneath the skin, every three to eight days.  These sensors are responsible, as mentioned above, to help send the measurements of your glucose levels to the nearby monitor you’re wearing and will actually sit above the skin, while a cannula will bring the fluid to be analyzed to the skin.  These sensors, retailing for about $30 to $110, will all depend on the brand you buy and will need to be purchased at least once a week, meaning you should budget $120 to $440 a month for just the sensors.

In some cases, long-term sensors, often lasting up to six months or more, can be implanted via a specialist, often increasing the costs well into the $3,000+ range after the surgery is considered.

As for the monitors that read the results, these devices can cost anywhere from $100 to more than $1,500, all depending on the brand.  Plus, seeing most will require a prescription from your doctor, you will need to budget for a doctor’s visit as well.   Also, depending on the brand you do decide to purchase, some of the transmitter batteries will need to be changed annually for close to $500 or so.

The FreeStyle Libre, for example, is available via prescription can cost as little as $80 for the reader and another $129 to $159 per month for the sensors.  Unlike other devices, however, it will not require a fingerstick calibration, but it will have a 12-hour warm-up period; it also does not have alarms and will not communicate continuously, hence, the lower price tag.

On the premium side, the more popular Dexcom systems can retail for $700 to more than $1,400.

As far as health insurance goes, many policies will often pay for the device, and in some cases, the sensors as well; however, to be certain, talk with your health insurance provider to know what your limitations are and if your policy even covers the device.

How does it work?

The CGM device will measure the amount of glucose in the fluid inside of your body, and depending on the brand chosen, most of the devices will use the same method by collecting the information via tiny sensors which are placed beneath the skin or adhered to the back of the arm.  Once implanted, the sensor will then send information to a wireless-like pager that you will wear on your belt, where you can check your results in real-time as well as set alarms if your numbers become too high or low.  Again, most devices work in a similar manner, but some may have more features than others.

Pros of a glucose monitoring system

Check your levels throughout the day:  As the name indicates, you can read your current glucose values throughout the day as long as the device is calibrated correctly and no finger sticks will be necessary to receive your results.

Follow trends:  Almost all monitors available on the market have what’s known as a “trend arrow,” which tells you if your levels are rising or lowering faster than it should.  Depending on the features of your monitor, many have alarms that will sound when high or low numbers are met, a great option for insulin users to keep a tighter control.

Easy to use:  All devices are not created equally in terms of user-friendliness; however, most have been said to be discreet and easy to use.

Identify fluctuations:  This WebMD article noted that continuous glucose monitoring systems can often identify fluctuations and trends that sometimes go unnoticed with the standard fingerstick HbA1c tests.

Help understand the situation:  With real-time results, it can help you understand what may be causing your blood sugar levels to rise or lower throughout the day.  In some cases, some patients have found they were able to change the timing of their insulin to help manage their diabetes more effectively, for example.

Cons of a glucose monitoring system

Is it real-time? As with a lot of at-home medical devices, the numbers can lag since it can take glucose up to 10 minutes to move from your blood into your tissue fluid, effectively meaning these numbers are not truly “real-time” numbers.

Still need a standard fingerstick:  These devices should not replace the standard fingerstick test because, as mentioned above, you will still need to use this type of test to calibrate the machine, making it an ongoing job.

High costs:  Some find the costs not worth it as the total start-up costs can far exceed $2,000 in the first year.

Tips to know

While the system sounds handy, you will still need to check your blood via your finger up to four times a day in order to keep the device calibrated for many of the devices on the market.  Failing to follow the directions and/or use it incorrectly can lead to inaccurate results.  Also, these devices are not designed to replace your traditional home monitors, according to WebMD as you will still need to measure your blood sugar levels using a regular glucose monitor.

If you do not have adequate health insurance coverage or cannot afford the payment up front, talk with the CGM company to see if they have any financial payment plans available to help afford the costs.

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How Much Does Accutane Cost?

Accutane, a prescription-based medicine designed to help treat severe cases of acne that do not respond well to other therapy options, is available in multiple generic versions and tends to be the most popular choice for acne suffers.

Most doctors will only prescribe this medication when all other medicines and treatment options have failed.

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How much does Accutane cost?

Before we get into the costs of the generic options, Accutane is no longer available as the manufacturer discontinued the drug as of 2009.

The costs of Accutane, as with any prescription-based medication, will depend on a few factors, such as your health insurance policy, the pharmacy you choose, the dosage/quantity prescribed and which option you want, seeing there are multiple generic versions available, at the time of purchase.  From our research via multiple sources online, we found the average cost, without any health insurance, to be in the $150 to $250 per 30 capsules, regardless of its dosage or brand.  With the average dosage being twice a day, it’s best to budget about $300 to $450 per month, with the average patient needing six months of medication to see results.

Remember, these prices will not include your initial and follow-up doctor visits to track your progress, with most visits averaging about close to $125~ per visit.

With a variety of generic options available, we broke down the costs we found online in the table below:

As for the coverage in terms of health insurance, it is often covered as long as the acne is considered to be severe, cystic or the acne has not improved via other treatment methods.  But this is not always the case, however, as health insurance companies do greatly vary as to what they will and will not cover.  To be certain, either look at your health insurance company’s online drug cost database, talk with the company directly or talk with your local pharmacy to know what costs you will be responsible for.  As mentioned, many insurance companies will have protocols before they consider approving this type of medication.

The reported costs on Realself.com, for example, was an average price of $650, with more than 91% of the 750+ reviewers saying it was “worth it.”

Accutane overview

Accutane ingredients include isotretinoin as its active ingredient and beeswax, butylated hydroxyanisole, edetate disodium, hydrogenated soybean oil flakes, hydrogenated vegetable oil, and soybean oil as its inactive ingredient.  The gelatin capsules will contain glycerin and parabens, with the following dye:  iron oxide (red) and titanium dioxide in the 10 mg; FD&C Red No. 3, FD&C Blue No. 1, and titanium dioxide in the 20 mg; and FD&C Yellow No. 6, D&C Yellow No. 10, and titanium dioxide in 40 mg.

The capsule must be swallowed whole with a full glass of water and its generic products should be taken with food unless otherwise noted by your doctor.  As with any medication, follow the medication guide and your doctor’s directions closely, meaning never more, less or stop taking the medication without first consulting with your doctor.  Doing so can greatly increase your chances of side effects.

Dosing amounts will greatly vary depending on the individual patient and the strength of the medicine, but for most, it will be determined by the patient’s body weight, usually, 0.5 to one milligram per kilogram of body weight, divided and then administered as two doses.

Common Accutane side effects

All prescription drugs will have some sort of side effect, with Accutane being no different.  Commonly reported side effects include dry mouth, crusty skin, an upset stomach, nosebleeds, hair thinning, eye irritation or even bone pain.  As always, if you feel any of these side effects, talk with your doctor immediately for your next course of action. For a full list of side effects, we recommend you check out this WebMD.com guide.

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How Much Does Copaxone Cost?

Copaxone, a brand name prescription drug used to help reduce the frequency of relapses for patients suffering from multiple sclerosis, is also available as a generic, glatiramer acetate or also under the name, Glatopa.

How much does Copaxone cost?

The costs of Copaxone will depend on a few factors, and like most prescriptions, these factors will include the pharmacy you choose, your health insurance policy and whether you want the generic or brand name drug.  Since pharmacies will fill the generic version of drug unless otherwise stated on the prescription, you will find your health insurance policy will only cover the generic version, not the brand name.

Based upon the factors mentioned above, the costs of Copaxone, from the pharmacies we called, ranged anywhere from $7,000 to $7,500 for one carton of 30 syringes of 20mg/ml branded version to as little as $1,900 to $3,900 for the generic version, Glatopa.  These prices, again, based on the factors mentioned above, greatly depended upon the pharmacy you picked out, with Walmart, Walgreens and CVS being the cheapest option.

As stated, your health insurance company, including Medicare, will cover the prescription, with the average co-pay greatly vary depending on your policy, with most people reporting paying anywhere from as little as $15 to more than $5,000+ if they didn’t meet their deductible for the year.  As there are thousands of policies, it’s hard to tell you exactly what you should be paying, so to be certain, we recommend you talk with your pharmacy and health insurance company to know what you will be responsible for.

In this Spokesman.com article, for instance, the writer, Joe Graedon, talked about his niece Cindy who had multiple sclerosis and would take one 20-milligram injection of Copaxone each day for close to $4,600 per month.

How to save on Copaxone

Manufacturer assistance program:  The official manufacturer of the drug, Novartis, offers the Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation, a patient assistance foundation that is dedicated to helping people save money on their prescriptions.  To be eligible, however, you will need to meet certain eligibility requirements such as being a U.S. resident, meet the income requirements mentioned on the page and have limited prescription coverage.  If you do qualify, you could pay as little as nothing for your prescription.  To see if you qualify, follow this link, fill out the application or call 1-800-277-2254 to start the process.

Additional assistance programs:  Whether you do not qualify for the manufacturer assistance program or want to search for help elsewhere, effectively increasing your odds of lowering your prescription costs, there are other programs willing to help you pay for the costs as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.  Just like the manufacturer assistance program, other requirements may be a factor such as having a specific diagnosis or health insurance policy, for example.  Some popular assistance programs to check out include the Good Days Patient Assistance Program and  PAN Foundation Patient Assistance Program, to name a few.

Visit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society:  The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has a financial assistance program and support to help you find out various ways to save on medication if you cannot afford it, even with health insurance.  To learn more, you can speak with a navigator at 800-344-4867 or visit their official website.

Health insurance:  Of course, check with your health insurance policy to see if they cover the prescription, which, as mentioned, they should at least cover the generic version.  Either search your insurance company’s drug database or call directly to see what you may be responsible for.

What is Copaxone?

As a subcutaneously injected medication, it is used to help reduce the flare-ups of the elapsing-remitting form of multiple sclerosis, and while the exact mechanism is unknown at this time, some studies found online indicate it works by modifying the immune process that is known to be responsible for MS, essentially working by suppressing the white blood cells, thereby reducing the white blood cells attacking the nerves and migration. In the end, this suppressing can help reduce the flare-up of MS and MS lesions.

Copaxone side effects

Commonly seen side effects may include redness at the injection site, itching at the injection site, an injection site mass, nausea, chest pains or flu-like symptoms.  More serious side effects, which need immediate medical attention, can include a shortness of breath, swollen lymph nodes or tissue death.  As always, with any adverse side effects, it’s important to contact your doctor immediately.

How effective is it?

According to the clinical studies cited by RXeconsult.com, the efficiency of the medication found that, in the first trial, 56% of the patients who received 20 milligrams per mL of Copaxone daily didn’t experience any exacerbation in comparison to the 28% from the placebo group.  In the second trial cited, 34% of the patients who received 20 milligrams per mL of the medication didn’t experience any exacerbation in comparison to the 27% from the placebo group.  In the third trial, 49% of the patients who received 20 milligrams per mL of the medication didn’t experience any exacerbation in comparison to the 24.7% from the placebo group.

In the fourth trial, as cited by the same website, patients who received a 40-milligram dosage per mL three times per week, 33.1% of the patients who received the medication didn’t experience any exacerbation in comparison to the 50.5% from the placebo group.  Lastly, in the fifth trial, doctors measured the lesions found during a nine-month period, with an average of 11 lesions found for those who took the medication in comparison to 17 in the placebo group.

Tips to know

The higher 40 milligrams per mL dosage was approved by the FDA for relapsing-remitting MS on January of 2014.

The injection comes as two dosages:  20 or 40 mg per mL, with 20 mg per mL being the most common option.  The 20 mg per mL dosage is indicated for subcutaneous use only and is prefilled, administered once daily, while the 40 mg per mL dosage, also a subcutaneous injection, is used three times a week, about 48 hours apart.

This medication should be stored in a refrigerator, at about 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit; however, if unable to store in one, it can be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days.

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How Much Does Concerta Cost?

Concerta, a prescription-based drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), can also be used to treat narcolepsy.  By activating the areas of your brain that are responsible for focusing and paying attention, Concerta is the brand name of the generic medication, methylphenidate, and is primarily designed to help control constant activity related to ADHD such as fidgeting and impulsive actions commonly found among certain forms of ADHD.

Available in both generic and brand name versions, we compared the prices of your options by calling a few of the nation’s most popular pharmacies.

How much does Concerta cost?

The cost of Concerta will depend on a few factors, including the quantity/dosage, the pharmacy you choose, which type (generic vs. branded) and your health insurance.

Unless your doctor notates prescribe as a “brand only – no substitutions” or in the case of Concerta, “OROS only”, all pharmacies will give you the generic version, Methylphenidate ER, 99 percent of the time.  According to GoodRX.com and the FDA, however, Concerta and generic products are not interchangeable, simply meaning they are no longer recommended as substitutes if your doctor prescribes Concerta.  At the time of this publishing, Actavis methylphenidate ER tablets are the ONLY generic equivalent available for Concerta.

Also, if you’re already on Concerta and do not want to risk switching to a generic, then your doctor may not take the risk since many people find the generic often does not work as well since generics will not use the patented OROS delivery system Concerta uses.  Do keep in mind, though, that some insurance carriers will only cover the generic versions only as many policies claim you must accept the generic if it’s available.

As there are multiple options, refer to our chart below for the average cost without any type of insurance coverage:

NOTE: These prices are accurate at the time of this publishing and can greatly vary depending upon the factors mentioned above.  Use this as a reference point only.

How to save on Concerta

Prescription assistance:  The official manufacturer of the drug offers a prescription assistance program for those who meet certain eligibility requirements, regardless of if you have health insurance or not.  To see if you qualify, visit the company’s official website for more information.

Savings cards:  GoodRX.com, for example, and other prescription coupon-based websites allow you to print savings cards directly from their website for free.  All you need to do is search for the prescription drug you need, the pharmacy you want to use and the type of dosage/quantity you need.  With this information, print the free coupon and present it at your pharmacy as you would with your health insurance card.  This savings card cannot work in conjunction with your health insurance, so if you find the savings card is cheaper than your health insurance, it would be better using this option instead.

Private insurance:  If you have a health insurance policy, check with both your health insurance policy and pharmacy to see what you would be responsible for as most policies do cover the medication.

Drug overview

As noted in the table above, Concerta is only available as an extended-release tablet, meaning the capsule will slowly release a certain amount of medication throughout your body for the duration of the day, and in most cases, your doctor will ask you to take one dose per day to help manage your symptoms.  According to Healthline.com, the standard dosage starts at 10 to 20 milligrams per day, but this dosage greatly depends upon various factors, including your age, how well you respond to the drug and if you have any underlying health issues.

The medication can be taken either with or without food and needs to be swallowed whole with a full glass of water unless specified.  As with any prescription drug, always follow your dosage chart as per your doctor; never take less, too much or stop taking it without your doctor’s permission.

Concerta side effects

Common side effects for Concerta, according to the FDA, include headaches, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, irritability and/or excessive sweating.  More serious side effects, which require immediate medical attention, can include chest pains, a shortness of breath, numb body parts, fainting, violent thoughts, hallucinations and/or slowed growth found in children.  This is not a full list of side effects, and as always, talk with a medical professional immediately if you experience any side effects while taking the drug.

Tips to know

At the time of this publishing, three companies make the generic for Concerta:  Trigen Laboratories, Mylan and Impax Laboratories.

To know, for certain, you have the branded Concerta brand capsule, it will have the words “alza” on it, as seen here.

What’s the difference between Concerta and Adderall?  MedicineNet.com and WebMD.com both created an in-depth article explaining the key differences.

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How Much Does Cellulaze Cost?

Cellulaze, a laser cellulite removal procedure created by Cynosure, Inc., was approved by the FDA in early 2012.

This minimally invasive procedure uses a laser that is designed to target any bulging pockets of fat causing the cellulite to form in the first place.

How much does Cellulaze cost?

The costs of the Cellulaze treatment procedure will depend on the size of the area that needs to be treated, type of anesthesia used (local vs. general), the doctor you choose and your geographical area, and based on these factors, the costs of the procedure can range anywhere from $2,500 to $7,800, an average we found while compiling the many quotes we found online via people who had the procedure done in the past.  As it is considered to be a cosmetic and elective procedure, health insurance companies will not cover the procedure, meaning you need to be prepared to pay out of pocket 100%.

To budget properly, a small treatment area, about less than a size of a piece of paper, can cost about $2,500, on average, while a full treatment option of the buttocks or thighs, for instance, can cost upwards of $5,000 to $7,500+.

Robert M. Lowen, MD, a Mountain View, California, plastic surgeon, stated this his practice would charge anywhere from $4,000 to $9,000, with the costs based upon the time required to treat and the degree of the cellulite.  A treatment area that is the size of a piece of paper, for instance, could cost $4,000 bilaterally, while the second area could be about $2,500, according to his response.

How does the Cellulaze procedure work?

Before the procedure is even considered, your doctor will first want to see what kind of results you’re expecting and answer any questions you may have to see if this is the right procedure for your specific situation as well as take a glance at your medical history.  If he or she deems you are considered a candidate for the procedure, then your doctor will set up a future appointment, where they will first mark the areas of cellulite for you to confirm, followed by starting the procedure the day of.

During the actual procedure, the area in question is first numbed via an anesthetic and is then followed by inserting a small laser tube beneath the skin in order to heat the lumpy pockets of fat, followed by cutting through the fiber bands that are responsible for pulling the skin, which are causing the dimples in the first place.  From there, the laser heats the skin to trigger new collagen growth, effectively leading to better elasticity and thickness in the future.

Healing and the risks are known to be minimal, almost always performed in an outpatient setting and will take less than one hour to perform per thigh-sized area.  Since the size of the incision is so small, it will require no stitches and minimal scarring will be noted after the procedure completes.

The expected results, after the procedure completes, can take anywhere from six to 12 months to see improvements, according to Dr. Stevens via Realself.com.

As for the recovery period, your doctor may ask you to take it easy for the next 24 to 48 hours, with strenuous activity avoided for the next week, all while wearing a compression garment for close to six weeks to help with the bruising. For most, patients will be able to return to work and normal activities within the week.

Cellulaze side effects

Side effects are known to be minimal; however, as with any procedure, side effects can exist, including swelling, bruising and/or soreness at the affected site.  This risk of infection, as an anesthesia is used, can present itself as well. However, these side effects generally subside a few days after the procedure completes, allowing patients to resume normal activities.

Tips to know

The results will not be considered permanent, with most people seeing spots gone for up to a year or more, all depending on the individual patient.  If the dimples/cellulite comes back in the future, usually by avoiding a healthy lifestyle, then you should be prepared for more treatments if the dimples come back.

Good candidates for the procedure are for those who are not deemed overweight and only have moderate cellulite on either the hips, thighs and/or buttocks.

It’s best to choose a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who has had experience with this procedure in the past.  Be sure to ask about their experience, how long they have performed the procedure and what their credentials are.

Since the incision is less than 1/16th of an inch, according to Dr. Zubowski, no stitches are required, meaning the scarring is minimal.

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How Much Does Cellfina Cost?

Cellfina, created by Ulthera, Inc., is a nonsurgical procedure designed to remove unwanted cellulite and is considered to be a minimally invasive procedure that will require no general anesthesia or surgery.

Only using a microblade technique, designed to target the cellulite primarily found on the thighs and buttocks, the FDA cleared this procedure in late 2015.

How much does Cellfina cost?

The cost of the Cellfina procedure will depend on a variety of factors, including your geographical region, the doctor you use, the size of the area/number of dimples you need treated, often the largest factor.  Other factors can include the facility where it’s performed, the type of anesthesia and the credentials/experience of the professionals you use.

Based on these factors, the average costs, from the doctors and patients we found online, reported it could range anywhere from $3,000 to more than $6,000+ for the entire procedure.  As it is considered a cosmetic procedure, almost all health insurance policies will not cover the procedure.

According to Diana L. Elias, MD, a Saint Petersburg plastic surgeon, she noted the procedure would cost $3,000 to $5,000 at her Florida practice, but the fee would greatly depend upon the severity of the dimpling, while another plastic surgeon based in Toronto stated he would charge a flat $4,500, regardless of how many dimples you have.

How does Cellfina work?

The device is designed to target dimple-type cellulite, and as mentioned, the FDA cleared it in 2015; however, the FDA only cleared the procedure for the buttock and thighs.  The procedure can only be performed by a qualified physician.

The technology is based upon a procedure which is known as a subcision, a method that is also used to help treat wrinkles and scars.  This type of technology uses an extremely small device, the size of the needle, and will treat the connective bands of tissue beneath your skin, the parts of your body which cause the cellulite dimples to form.  As these connective bands pull some of your skin in, according to Healthline.com, it can cause your fat to bulge, creating the cellulite you see.

During the treatment, your doctor will first mark all of the cellulite marks he or she wants to remove by circling them with a marker so you can confirm before the procedure begins.  Then, after you confirm the markings, a numbing solution will be administered, followed by using the Cellfina device, which will insert the microblade beneath your skin.  When beneath the skin, this is when your doctor will use the subcision technique, as mentioned prior, in a fanning motion to eventually release the connective bands beneath your skin to help cause your cellulite to snap back into its natural form.

For most professionals, they can perform about 20 to 25 dimples per hour, and the results, depending on your circumstances, can be in as little as a few days to as long as three or more years.   One study, for example, mentioned 98 percent of the patients who had the procedure saw improved results after two years.  Most patients will only need one session.

The recovery period, depending on the patient, usually allows for the patient to return to work 24 to 48 hours later, with very minimal downtime.  Up to two weeks after the procedure, your doctor will ask you to wear a compression-like garment such as yoga pants to help speed up the recovery process.

Cellfina side effects

As for the actual procedure, most patients report feeling a suction-like feeling, but it comes with very little discomfort.

After the procedure, the most common side effects reported can include tenderness, soreness, bruising and/or minor pain at the injection site.  Most of these side effects will subside after a few days, but as always, talk with your doctor immediately with any concerns you may have if the side effects feel uncomfortable and/or will not go away.

Cellfina vs Cellulaze

Cellfina vs Cellulaze, both, are considered to be minimally invasive and can offer long-lasting results for up to three years; however, there are some differences between the two.

Cellfina, for example, will work by cutting the fibrous band beneath the surface of the skin and is considered to be less invasive than Cellulaze.  It also has a minimal downtime, and in most cases, many can see results in as little as one to two weeks.

Cellulaze, on the other hand, will use a laser that is designed to be inserted beneath the skin to help cut the fibrous bands, all while heating the skin to make it tighter.  This procedure, in comparison to Cellfina, is more invasive, can take longer to see results can cost about 20 to 30 percent more.   However, on the plus side, it can treat larger areas.

Cellfina reviews

The only credible website we could find with a handful of reviews was Realself.com, with 75% of the 60+ saying its worth it.  Top reviewers talked highly about, claiming they tried everything with little to no results and Cellfina was the only procedure that showed promising results, even after being apprehensive about it.  Some negative reviews, albeit rare, did note they were waiting for the results, but did not like the feeling afterward or the bruising noted.

Tips to know

Cellfina is recommended for those who are between 20 and 60, maintain a steady weight and have minimal skin laxity.  As with any procedure, a doctor will help determine if you’re a candidate and explain what the procedure can do for you.  Be sure to ask your doctor about any questions and/or concerns you may have in regards to the procedure.

In 2016, the FDA issued a recall, as initiated by the manufacturer, due to a nonsterile vacuum tube included in the kit.  Any affected customer received a notification because of this.

The procedure will not leave any marks after it’s performed as there are no incisions, only small needle-sized marks.  While it may leave dark spots on the skin, this is often due to the bruising and will generally go away after a few weeks.

Cellfina is not known to produce permanent results, but studies do show it can last up to three years, meaning you may need maintenance visits in the future.  Your results will vary, however.

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How Much Does Avonex Cost?

Avonex, approved by the FDA, is known to help decrease the number of multiple sclerosis attacks and even slow down physical disability in those with relapsing forms of the disease.  Not known as a cure, it comes in the form of a pen syringe and is available via prescription only.

How much does Avonex cost?

The cost of the Avonex pens will greatly depend on your health insurance coverage, the pharmacy you choose and the quantity prescribed.  With no generic available at the time of this publishing, the costs can range from as little as $6,900 for a one dose pack of four pens of 30 micrograms to as much as $26,000+ for a four-dose pack of the same dosage without any type of insurance or financial assistance.

Granted, these are prices for those without insurance, and while most health insurance companies cover the drug today, you may still be responsible for hundreds, if not thousands of dollars since most have to meet deductibles and co-pays before the costs could go down.  A portion of Medicare plans will cover the drug, with the co-pay reported to be in the $1,584 to $7,808 range, according to GoodRX.com.

The NPR talked with a woman from Oregon who was prescribed Avonex, and even after her insurance coverage paid most of it, they still had to pay close to $10,000 a year for the prescription.

How to save on Avonex

The $0 co-pay program:  The official manufacturer of the drug, Biogen, offers the Avonex $0 Co-Pay Program, a program which is designed to help patients pay as little as $0 for their prescription.  To qualify, however, you will need to register to confirm your eligibility and have no income requirements and no enrollment time for eligible patients, according to the official company’s website.

Patient assistance programs: A variety of patient assistance programs, aside from the typical state and federal programs, are available online to help offset the costs of the medications, even if you have insurance or a decent income.  The Above MS Program, HealthWell Foundation and Good Days Patient Assistance Program, for example, are all programs designed to help you out financially.  To see if you qualify, like the co-pay program mentioned above, you will simply fill out a form and with this information, a representative of the company will contact you with more information.

Health insurance:  As mentioned above, check with your health insurance and your local pharmacy to see what you will be responsible for with your insurance coverage.  As there are thousands of policies on the market, it can be hard to offer a definite price as to what you will be responsible for.

Drug overview

Avonex will come either as a prefilled autoinjector pen, prefilled syringe or as a powder, which will need to be mixed with sterile water before it’s administered.  The website, however, claim that nine out of 10 patients prefer the prefilled syringe option as you can use it with a simple click.

Before prescribed, your doctor or a trained health professional will give you the medicine and will then show you how to administer the medicine at home, including which part of the body you can use as each method will require a different sit.  Like a shot, the pen is injected as shot under your skin or into a muscle.  If injecting yourself, always follow the dosage scheduling as planned and do not change any dosing unless otherwise stated by your doctor as using too much can greatly increase your risks for side effects.

The established treatment plan, as per the company, will be once a week.

Avonex side effects

The most common side effects reported include redness, pain or swelling at the injection site, and if these effects worsen or last longer than expected, then you should contact your doctor immediately.

Other side effects report people feeling flu-like symptoms, headaches, fatigue, chills and muscle aches when first taking the medication, according to WebMD.com.  Usually, these symptoms will subside and will improve as the months go on; however, if the side effects become worse or do not improve, then you will, again, want to seek medical advice immediately.

A serious allergic reaction, while rare, can include a serious allergic reaction, rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness or trouble breathing.

This is not a full list of side effects, with more information found here in regards to what you can expect when using the medication.

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How Much Does Ampyra Cost?

Ampyra, a potassium channel blocker prescription drug, is designed to help patients suffering from multiple sclerosis and a slower rate of walking speed, one of the most reported challenges of having MS.

Marketed as the only drug designed to increase an MS patient’s walking speed, each tablet contains 10 milligrams of dalfampridine, designed to help conduct nerve signals by improving the ability of the nerve fibers that were damaged by demyelination due to MS.

How much does Ampyra cost?

The costs of Ampyra, as with most medications, will depend on the pharmacy you use, your health insurance policy and the quantity prescribed.  As there is no generic version at the time of this publishing, your only choice will be the branded tablets.  Since there are a few quantities available, we included the average prices we found when we called local pharmacies such as CVS, Walgreens, Costco, Sam’s Club and Walmart.

As for health insurance policies, it appears most policies, including Medicare, will cover it, but the coverages will greatly vary as policies differ with co-pays and deductibles.  Even if covered, you could still find yourself paying hundreds or even thousands, especially if you didn’t meet your deductibles for the year.

According to the Multiple Sclerosis News Today, the out-of-pocket costs can be around $500, a reason why the author stopped using it.

How to save on Ampyra

Manufacturer coupon:  The official manufacturer of the drug does offer a free 60-day trial for patients, but in order to take advantage of the offer, there are eligibility requirements you must meet.  For one, your healthcare provider must determine you are a candidate for the prescription.  If qualified, patients on any government-funded program, such as Medicare or Medicare, are not eligible, nor are patients who had a prescription in the past 12 months.  This information is only accurate at the time of this publishing and is subject to change.  For those who are interested, you can follow this link and look for the downloadable PDF you can take to your doctor for more information.

Patient support services:  Aside from the coupon option, the manufacturer also offers a patient support services link that can help cover out-of-pocket costs of the medication.  To learn more about the program and see if you qualify, you can follow this link or call 1-888-881-1918.

Patient assistance programs:  Even if you have health insurance, you may find a hard time affording the prescription.  For this reason, there are assistance programs out there that are designed to help those on limited incomes or those with limited or no health insurance at all.  The PAN Foundation Patient Assistance, for example, can help you pay as little as $0 out of pocket if you qualify.  To see if you qualify, like the manufacturer coupon above, you can follow the link for more information to enroll.

Coupons via third parties:  Popular prescription coupon websites, such as GoodRX.com, can help you save money, even if you do not have a health insurance policy or even adequate policy.  Working a lot like health insurance, you simply search the drug you need, the pharmacy you want to use, and then, if a coupon is available, you can print it and take it to your local pharmacy, showing it just as you would a health insurance card.

Ampyra side effects

Via multiple clinical trials, the most commonly reported side effects include urinary tract infections, insomnia, dizziness, headaches asthenia, back pain, multiple sclerosis relapses, flu-like symptoms, constipation, indigestion and/or throat pain.  These were the most commonly noted side effects and not considered to be a full list; to see all of the side effects, refer to this FDA guide.  As with any side effects noted by any prescription drug, always talk with your doctor immediately for any concerns you may have.

Tips to know

Ampyra, available as an extended-release tablet, is often recommended twice a day, about 12 hours apart, but as with any prescription drug, closely follow your doctor’s orders.  Never take more, less or stop without your doctor’s permission.  It can be taken with or without food, but should always be swallowed whole.

The drug is said to work by blocking the tiny pores on the surface of nerve fibers, known as potassium channels, as doing so may help improve the ability of these nerve fibers that were damaged by demyelination due to MS.

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How Much Does Aubagio Cost?

Aubagio, a prescription drug that treats multiple sclerosis, can help decrease the number of flare-ups.  While the exact mechanism is unknown, it is said to block the production of white blood cells, which then limits the over activiation of the body’s immune resonse, effectively limiting the flare ups often caused by MS.

Not known to be a cure, Aubagio is only available as a prescription drug at this time.

How much does Aubagio cost?

The cost of Aubagio will depend on your health insurance coverage, the pharmacy you choose and the dosage.  From our research, the costs are quite high, when in comparison to other sclerosis drugs, with 28 tablets of 7 milligrams retailing for close to $6,700, while 28 tablets of 14 milligrams retail for about the same, according to the pharmacies we talked to (Costco, Walmart, Kroger, CVS and Walgreens).  A one-year supply, according to the Knowledge Ecology International, will cost you $79,237.34 per year in the United States, in comparison to 11,244 after tax in France.

As for health insurance coverage, it seemed to be a mixed bag as your results will be greatly dependent upon the health insurance policy you currently have.  GoodRX.com, for example, noted Medicare may cover it, with Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans covering it.   If covered, the average co-pay reported by GoodRX was in the $1,478 to $7,508 range.  The same can be said about private insurance coverage, so be sure to talk with your health insurance company to know for certain your restrictions and coverage.

How to save on Aubagio

Savings card via the manufacturer: Like so many manufacturers on the market, the maker of Aubagio does offer a savings card/financing assistance plan for those who qualify.  If you do, the co-pay program allows you to pay as little as $0, even if you have commercial insurance, regardless of your financial status.  To know if you qualify for the program, the company highly encourages you to sign up via the official website.

Prescription coupons:  These coupons can be used for almost any prescription drug currently on the market, including Aubagio in some cases.  GoodRX.com, for example, offers a coupon you can print out and take into your local pharmacy, and working just like insurance, you simply present the card and you only pay what the website claims.  If the coupon is cheaper, which can be the scenario in some cases, you are encouraged to use this instead of your policy.

Support programs:  If you do not qualify for federal or state assistance, then you may be approved via a patient assistance program such as Genzyme, the PAN Foundation or Good Days Patient Assistance Program. Usually, patients with either no insurance, no insurance coverage for the drug or limited incomes can often qualify, making the prescription drug either free or subsided.

Drug overview

The drug is not a cure; rather, it’s a medication designed to treat the relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, known to slow some down the disabling effects.

One dosage, either 7 mg or 14 mg, will be taken orally once a day, with or without food.  Always follow the dosage as per your doctor’s instructions.  Never stop, take more or less than specified.

Aubagio side effects

As per the FDA, some side effects may occur, with the most common being diarrhea, nausea, abnormal liver tests, hair thinning, paresthesia or flu-like symptoms.  Serious side effects, while rare, can include, a reduced blood cell count, high potassium blood levels, kidney problems, breathing problems and/or high blood pressure.  This is not a full list of side effects.  For a full list, refer to this FDA list.  As always, with any side effects, always talk with a medical professional immediately with any concerns you may have.

Tips to know

At the time of publishing, Aubagio is one of three oral medications approved by the FDA for treating relapsing MS.

The medication can stay in your system for up to two years after you even stop taking it, the main reason your doctor could use activated charcoal, for example, to help remove the medicine much faster.

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How Much Does Afrezza Cost?

Afrezza, a prescription-based drug used to treat diabetes mellitus, including diabetes type 1 and diabetes type 2, is only available as a branded name drug at the time of this publishing.

As a man-made rapid-acting inhaled insulin that is breathed through your lungs, it’s designed to help adults control their high blood sugar, working about 15 minutes after usage, according to the company’s official description.

Today, it’s known as the only rapid-acting insulin available that can be inhaled, saving you about 1,000 needle sticks per year.

How much does Afrezza cost?

The cost of Afrezza, like purchasing any prescription medication, will be based on a variety of factors, including the pharmacy you use, your health insurance policy and the quantity prescribed.  With a variety of options available, we included the average costs in the table below that we found via popular pharmacies such as Costco, Walgreens, CVS and Sam’s Club, to name a few.

From the research we did, it appears that most private insurance companies, including Medicare, will not pay for the prescription, meaning you will have to pay out of pocket; however, as we will talk about in our next subheading, it does not mean you cannot save money as there are ways to save.  The FAQ, however, did note that it is available on 70% of private insurance plans, with the average cost reported to be $45 a month.

How to save on Afrezza

Prescription savings card:  Instead of using your insurance policy, consider using a free prescription card to save on the costs.  GoodRX.com, for example, offers coupons for just about any prescription drug that is currently available on the market.  The time of this publishing, for example, we saw costs that were a pinch less than the numbers indicated in the table above, for example.  Working just like an insurance policy, all you need to do is print the card for the pharmacy you plan on using and present the card as you would your insurance card to help save.

Savings card via the manufacturer:  Like many manufacturers, the official manufacturer of the drug offers a savings card for those who qualify.  According to the description of the savings card page, it appears you can pay as little as $15 for each prescription depending on your current insurance coverage, with the maximum benefit based upon your NDC.  Reading the fine print, it will not be valid for those on any state or federally funded program or where prohibited by law.  To see if you qualify, follow this link, fill out the form and see if you can save on your next prescription.

Larger supply:  As with most prescription drugs, the larger your supply is, the more you can potentially save, and since you know there’s a good chance you will need this prescription for longer than 90 days, then you may want to ask your doctor for a longer fill to help save on the costs.

Private insurance:  Seeing it’s a relatively new drug, health insurance providers still need to approve it in their system, but it doesn’t mean yours will not cover it today.  Check with your insurance company to be certain if the prescription drug is covered.  As stated above, the FAQ does note the avearage private insurance carrier will only pay $45 a month.

Drug overview

The cartridges come as three doses:  4, 8, and 12-unit cartridges, and to use, you will select the cartridge for your dose, load the cartridge, inhale and discard the cartridge after use.  Refer to the video we found online below to see how it works.

To use the drug, it will be inhaled through the mouth and will generally be taken before a meal, unless otherwise stated by your physician.  As with any prescription drug, always follow the prescription label closely and ask questions about any concerns you may have before starting.  Before the prescription, your physician should show you how to use the medicine and adjust the dosages for illnesses and activities.  Never adjust unless your doctor specifies.

The device can be used for up to 15 days after the first use; after that, you should get a new one and throw the old one away.  Between uses, it must be stored at room temperature, around 36 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit.  Any unopened foil cartridges, however, should be stored in the refrigerator and must be used before the expiration day.  If you fail to refrigerate the cartridges, then it should be used within 10 days.

According to Diatribe.org, before you receive your prescription, you will be asked to undergo a breathing test, known as a spirometry test, to verify if your lungs are healthy enough for the prescription.  Those with asthma or chronic lunch disease will not be approved for the drug, for example, while it is also not recommended for those who smoke or recently stopped.

Afrezza side effects

The most common side effects, as reported by the FDA, include low blood sugar levels, coughing and/or a sore throat.  More serious side effects, which would require immediate medical assistance, could, while rare, include heart failure, low potassium in your blood, severe allergic reaction, diabetic ketoacidosis, lung cancer and/or decreased lung function, to name a few.  This is not a full list of side effects; refer to the FDA link for more information.  As always, any side effects should be immediately reported to a medical professional.

Tips to know

The FDA approved the medication for adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol and driving heavy machinery while using the medication.

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