What is Tecfidera ® (dimethyl fumarate)?
*Based on prescriptions. Tecfidera ® (dimethyl fumarate) is a prescription medicine used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults.
How can I get financial help with Tecfidera?
Financial & Insurance Assistance. When treatment cost may be a concern for your patients, Biogen is here to help them start and continue on TECFIDERA. We will work with your patients based on their individual needs. Biogen Support Services offers different financial and insurance resources to help manage the cost of TECFIDERA, including:
What is Tecfidera used to treat?
TECFIDERA is a prescription medicine used to treat people with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. Do not use Tecfidera® (dimethyl fumarate) if you have had an allergic reaction (such as welts, hives, swelling of the face, lips, mouth or tongue, or difficulty breathing) to TECFIDERA or any of its ingredients.
Is there a generic version of Tecfidera?
A generic version of Tecfidera is available, see dimethyl fumarate prices. Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) is a member of the selective immunosuppressants drug class and is commonly used for Multiple Sclerosis.
Does dimethyl fumarate have copay assistance?
Dimethyl Fumarate (dimethyl fumarate - generic equivalent of Tecfidera) No patient assistance program available at this time.
How do people afford MS medication?
There are some national foundations that provide help for people with MS. They include NeedyMeds, The Patient Access Network Foundation and Chronic Disease Fund. Social Security Disability Insurance is available for people who are unable to work, but are entitled to receive disability benefits.
How do you get MS meds without insurance?
Use the NeedyMeds site or call 1-800-503-6897 to find all available programs for a medication (brand-name or generic) or condition. Access to the site is free and requires no registration. MS Navigator Tip: In some cases, drug discount cards can help to lower out-of-pocket costs at the pharmacy.
How much does Tecfidera cost per month?
Tecfidera launched in 2013 with a list price (i.e., Wholesale Acquisition Cost, or “WAC”) for a one-month supply of ~$4,500. That's 60 capsules per month at around $75 per dose.
Does insurance pay for MS drugs?
The cost of multiple sclerosis (MS) drugs and services is covered by various sections of original Medicare, Part D, and Part C, or Advantage, plans.
Is MS medication covered by insurance?
As a part of the ACA, insurers can no longer deny coverage to those with pre-existing medical conditions, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), or enact lifetime or annual benefit caps to those enrolled in their plans.
Do MS patients pay for prescriptions?
MS is not in itself a medical condition for which you are automatically exempt from paying charges. Prescriptions are free if, at the time the prescription was dispensed, you: are under 16.
What is the generic for Tecfidera?
Dimethyl Fumarate (Tecfidera, Generic)
What are the major side effects of Tecfidera?
Flushing/warmth, redness, itching, and burning feeling of the skin may occur. Taking this drug with food may reduce flushing. Stomach/abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may also occur.
Does Tecfidera cause weight gain?
Weight gain may be due to taking Tecfidera with a high-fat or high-calorie meal or with MS itself limiting a person's ability to exercise. Weight loss may be due to gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or vomiting which may occur with Tecfidera.
Can you drink alcohol on Tecfidera?
Although there is no direct interaction between alcohol and Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate), you should not drink excessive quantities of alcohol while you are taking Tecfidera, because it may increase the risk of side effects such as inflammation of the stomach (gastritis), especially in those with a history of stomach ...
How much is Tecfidera a year?
Tecfidera, the newest pill treatment to enter the market, is also priced in the range of $62,000 per year. To help you treat and manage this condition, we'll send you treatment updates, self-care tips, and inspiring stories.
How expensive is MS medication?
On average, the medicines cost $70,000 per year, according to a 2017 study. Some prices have increased fivefold from when the drugs were first approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Even with insurance, says Ewing-Wilson, patients can be left on the hook for anywhere from $3,000 to more than $50,000 a year.
Does MS qualify for Medicare?
People with multiple sclerosis can qualify for Medicare coverage before age 65 if Social Security determines that they are permanently disabled and they have received Social Security disability benefits for 24 months.
Are MS drugs covered in Canada?
Yes. You can use the Trillium Drug Program (TDP) to help pay the difference between the cost of some drugs and what your private benefits cover. Remember you will need Exceptional Access approval to be reimbursed under the Trillium program for those drugs not listed on the Ontario Public Drug Programs Formulary.
Does Medicare pay for Tysabri?
It is important to note that medications given intravenously or by infusion, including Tysabri®, Novantrone, and any type of IV steroid, are not billed under Medicare Part D. These are billed through Medicare Part B because they require the services of a physician.
What is Tecfidera used for?from drugs.com
Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) is a member of the selective immunosuppressants drug class and is commonly used for Multiple Sclerosis.
How much does a free drug card save?from drugs.com
The free Drugs.com Discount Card works like a coupon and can save you up to 80% or more off the cost of prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs and pet prescriptions.
Is Tecfidera a generic?from drugs.com
Prices are for cash paying customers only and are not valid with insurance plans. A generic version of Tecfidera is available, see dimethyl fumarate prices. This Tecfidera price guide is based on using the Drugs.com discount card which is accepted at most U.S. pharmacies.
How should I take Tecfidera?from drugs.com
Take Tecfidera exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
What other drugs will affect Tecfidera?from drugs.com
Other drugs may interact with dimethyl fumarate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Can you stop Tecfidera abruptly?from drugs.com
There does not appear to be any rebound disease repercussions associated with stopping Tecfidera abruptly, unlike some other MS drugs such as Tysabri or Gilenya. Studies have shown the majority of patients taking Tecfidera discontinue or switch to another treatment within two years. Continue reading
Does Tecfidera suppress the immune system?from drugs.com
Yes, Tecfidera does suppress the immune system. Although experts are not sure exactly how Tecfidera does this, Tecfidera has been associated with reductions in lymphocyte counts, and several serious opportunistic viral infections, such as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and herpes zoster, as well as uncommon fungal and bacterial infections. Continue reading
Is Tecfidera the same as Vumerity?from drugs.com
Vumerity and Tecfidera are administered in the same way and used to treat the same condition, multiple sclerosis (MS). They also have the same active metabolite, which means that they have the same therapeutic effect - work the same way - in people with MS.
Can you use Tecfidera while pregnant?from drugs.com
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of dimethyl fumarate on the baby. Tecfidera is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
What happens if you are allergic to Tecfidera?from drugs.com
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Tecfidera: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
What is Tecfidera used for?from drugs.com
Tecfidera is indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults.
How often should I take Tecfidera?from drugs.com
The efficacy and safety of Tecfidera were demonstrated in two studies (Studies 1 and 2) that evaluated Tecfidera taken either twice or three times a day in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The starting dose for Tecfidera was 120 mg twice or three times a day for the first 7 days, followed by an increase to 240 mg twice or three times a day. Both studies included patients who had experienced at least 1 relapse over the year preceding the trial or had a brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan demonstrating at least one gadolinium-enhancing (Gd+) lesion within 6 weeks of randomization. The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) was also assessed and patients could have scores ranging from 0 to 5. Neurological evaluations were performed at baseline, every 3 months, and at the time of suspected relapse. MRI evaluations were performed at baseline, month 6, and year 1 and 2 in a subset of patients (44% in Study 1 and 48% in Study 2).
What is the chemical name of Tecfidera?from drugs.com
Tecfidera contains dimethyl fumarate which is also known by its chemical name, dimethyl (E) butenedioate, (C 6 H 8 O 4 ). It has the following structure:
How much dimethyl fumarate is in Tecfidera?from drugs.com
Tecfidera is available as hard gelatin delayed-release capsules containing 120 mg or 240 mg of dimethyl fumarate. The 120 mg capsules have a green cap and white body, printed with “BG-12 120 mg” in black ink on the body.
How long does it take for Tecfidera to stop flushing?from drugs.com
Within 4 weeks, the recommended dose of 240 mg twice a day should be resumed. Discontinuation of Tecfidera should be considered for patients unable to tolerate return to the maintenance dose. The incidence of flushing may be reduced by administration of Tecfidera with food.
What are the side effects of Tecfidera?from drugs.com
The most common side effects of Tecfidera include: flushing, redness, itching, or rash. nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, or indigestion. Flushing and stomach problems are the most common reactions, especially at the start of therapy, and may decrease over time.
How long does it take to take Tecfidera?from drugs.com
Temporary dose reductions to 120 mg twice a day may be considered for individuals who do not tolerate the maintenance dose. Within 4 weeks, the recommended dose of 240 mg twice a day should be resumed. Discontinuation of Tecfidera should be considered for patients unable to tolerate return to the maintenance dose. The incidence of flushing may be reduced by administration of Tecfidera with food. Alternatively, administration of non-enteric coated aspirin (up to a dose of 325 mg) 30 minutes prior to Tecfidera dosing may reduce the incidence or severity of flushing [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )].
What is Tecfidera used for?
Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) is a member of the selective immunosuppressants drug class and is commonly used for Multiple Sclerosis.
How much does a free drug card save?
The free Drugs.com Discount Card works like a coupon and can save you up to 80% or more off the cost of prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs and pet prescriptions.
Is Tecfidera a generic?
Prices are for cash paying customers only and are not valid with insurance plans. A generic version of Tecfidera is available, see dimethyl fumarate prices. This Tecfidera price guide is based on using the Drugs.com discount card which is accepted at most U.S. pharmacies.