Re:Multiple sclerosis has a common viral culprit, opening do...
by Broken_Hippo on Sunday August 14, 2022 @06:18AM
(#32458057)
Many if not most countries have preferred front-line treatments, usually decided by a combination of overall costs. These costs will include things like actual monetary cost, how closely you need to be monitored by your doctors (blood tests and stuff), how severe side effects are, how much the reduce disability in the long term, the ability of patients to stick with it and things like that.
Re:Multiple sclerosis has a common viral culprit, opening do...
by refurb on Sunday August 14, 2022 @07:15AM
(#32458318)
Right. And some countries choose to have first-line treatments that prioritize lower cost over efficacy of therapy. It's great as a taxpayer, not so great at a patient.
Re:Multiple sclerosis has a common viral culprit, opening do...
by rj9000 on Sunday August 14, 2022 @09:43PM
(#32464984)
Some countries prescribe Rituximab as quasi off-label for MS. Basically same drug for all intents and purposes as Ocrevus.
I think Sweden uses Rituximab openly for MS. In the US I've heard some neuros prescribe Rituximab if insurance won't cover O.
It's not available if you have early, MRI-active primary progressive MS. PBAC decided not to reimbursement ocrelizumab for that.