A Patient Assistance Program recently launched for the drug Nuedexta is aimed at assisting people who have been diagnosed with Pseudobulbar affect (PBA). This program is aimed at getting these patients medication which treats this condition at no or a low cost.

 

PBA is a type of neurologic disease that in some cases occur in individuals with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). The condition causes unwanted episodes that include either laughing or crying that do not necessarily correlate with the person’s real mood. Even though the disease is not recognized as harmful, the episodes are in most cases embarrassing and upsetting, and these people often avoid going out in public or social situations due to them.

 

Under this patient assistance program, the eligible individuals that have ALS can receive a six-month supply of Nuedexta for free and can also qualify for an ongoing assistance that includes periodic verification in regards to eligibility.

 

This Patient Assistance Program forms part of the Avanir’s Nuedexta Patient Services for health-care providers and patients. People in search of treatment and financial support can make use of these services to access the Health Insurance Plan assistance, which includes the drug-benefit verification, co-pay, and financial aid, along with information about Nuedexta and pseudobulbar affect.

 

 

 

 

 

Nuedexta is a drug that decreases unwanted crying and laughing. The drug combines two different types of medications that include quinidine sulfate and dextromethorphan hydrobromide. The Dextromethorphan works in the person’s central nervous system to reduce how frequently person experiences unwanted episodes related to crying or laughing. To date, the exact mechanism of why this works is still unknown. Quinidine is what increases the blood levels of the drug Dextromethorphan in the way of interfering with how it breaks down within the body.

 

In 2010 Avanir reported on the phase three trial of Nuedexta, the previous versions were known as AVP923, Zenvia, and Neurodex. This trial included around 300 participants with the diagnosis of PBA secondary to MS (multiple sclerosis) or ALS. Investigators went on to find that this drug was able to reduce the number of episodes in association to crying or laughing when compared to the participants who were given the placebo. These investigators also concluded that the drug was well-tolerated and generally safe.

 

Individuals who have ALS and experience the pseudobulbar affect who are interested in the assistance programs can contact the Nuedexta Patient Services helpline on (855) 468-3339 from Monday to Friday between 9.00am and 7.00pm.