DISEASE MODIFYING THERAPIES FOR MS

Avonex (interferon beta-1a) produced by Biogen Idec Canada  for further information regarding Avonex please call MS Alliance at: 1-888-456-2263 or visit their website: http://www.biogenidec.com/ Assistance with treatment costs varies among provinces and private insurance companies.  For more information on reimbursement, contact: 1-800-268-7582

Betaseron (interferon beta-1b) produced by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals for further information regarding  Betaseron please contact MS Pathways at 1-800-977-2770 or visit their website: http://www.betaseron.com .  Much of the cost can be reimbursed through private or group health plans and through provincial drug programs for individuals who meet the prescribing criteria.  In addition, a program called Bridging the Gap is available to provide financial help for people with insurance or government program co-payments or deductibles.  For more information, call 1-800-977-2770

Copaxone (glatiramer acetate) produced by Teva Neuroscience for further information regarding Copaxone, please contact Shared Solutions at: 1-800-283-0034 or visit their website:  http://www.mswatch.ca    Much of the cost can be reimbursed through private or group health plans and through provincial drug programs for individuals who meet the prescribing criteria.  In addition, a program called Copaxone Assistance Program is available to provide financial help for people with insurance or government program co-payments or deductibles. 

Rebif (interferon beta- 1 a) produced by EMD Serono Canada Inc. for further information regarding Rebif, please contact the Multiple Support Program at: 1-888-677-3243 or visit their website: http://www.mslifelines.com  Much of the cost can be reimbursed through private or group health plans and through provincial drug programs for individuals who meet the prescribing criteria.  In addition, a program called the Multiple Support Program is available to assist persons in obtaining funding for Rebif therapy.

Tysabri (natalizumab) produced by Biogen Idec Canada Inc. for further information regarding Tysabri, please contact the Canadian Tysabri Care Program at 1-888-827-2827 or visit their website:    http://www.tysabri.com  Private and group health plans may provide some coverage for people who meet the prescribing criteria.  Financial assistance through the Canadian Tysabri Care Program may be available to people who cannot afford the drug.

For individuals who do not qualify for Private Drug Benefits and need assistance with funding these therapies, assistance may be available through the Ontario Drug Benefit Program (ODB)  if their drug product is listed in the Ontario Drug Benefit Formulary and if they meet the application criteria for ODB.  MS treatment drugs such as Avonex, Betaseron, Copaxone, and Rebif are  NOT listed on the ODB Formulary.  Therefore persons with MS must have their doctor complete a “Section 8 “ application for special coverage.   If an individual does not meet the ODB criteria once a Section 8 approval is given, they should apply to the Ontario Trillium Drug Program for assistance to meet drug cost.   A Section 8 approval must be given before patient applies for ODB or Trillium Drug Coverage.  For information on ODB, “Section 8 “requirements visit the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care website: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/pub/drugs/section16.html   or call: 1-866-532-3161.  For information on Trillium Drug Coverage, visit the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care website:  http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/drugs/programs/odb/opdp_trillium.aspx  or call: 1-800-575-5386