This month, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first medicine designed to prevent migraines — Aimovig. Experts believe the new drug will bring about a new era in treatments for people who suffer from this severe form of headache. Millions of Americans suffer from migraines that last for hours or days, and a small percentage have migraines so frequently and intensely, they cannot work and require long term disability insurance benefits. Migraines can also be accompanied by excruciating side symptoms, like nausea and vomiting, difficulty speaking, and sensitivity to light and noise.
Aimovig is the new drug made by Amgen and Amgen. It is a monthly injection with a device that is similar to an insulin pen. Aimovig works by blocking a protein fragment called CGRP, which instigates and perpetuates migraines. The companies Lilly, Teva, and Alder all have similar medicines that are in the final stages of study, or awaiting approval from the FDA.
The migraine-combatant drugs had previously been used to treat other diseases, like high blood pressure. The drugs were largely ineffective due to negative side effects and temporary benefits. Clinical trials of the new migraine medicines revealed that subjects taking the new drugs reported no more side effects than those taking a placebo, though. The side effects caused by extended use and among people with chronic diseases has yet to be determined.
Amgen said Aimovig should be made available to patients before June. It is expected to have a yearly prescription cost around $6,900.00. It is not clear at this time what major insurance companies will provide policy coverage for Aimovig prescriptions.
Aimovig Could Change Lives & Cure Disabilities
Dr. Amaal Starling, a migraine specialist at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, said, “The drugs [like Aimovig] will have a huge impact. This is really an amazing time for my patient population and for general neurologists treating patients with migraine.” With all due respect to the doctor, this is an understatement. Aimovig has been shown to dramatically make migraine symptoms less severe, and it can reduce their occurrence by 50% or more.
Uncounted numbers of people live with migraines so severe that they become disabling. Some people are able to secure long term disability benefits that help them make ends meet, as the migraines make holding gainful employment impossible. Unfortunately, many more people have intense, frequent migraines but cannot get needed disability insurance benefits. They might not have their health condition taken seriously by employers and insurers, or they might be making crucial mistakes during the application process. Others still may not even know that long term disability insurance could be made available to them for this reason.
If you suffer from migraines and need help getting long term disability benefits, come to Dabdoub Law Firm. Our long term disability lawyers have been helping clients all around the country secure the benefits they deserve for more than 20 years. We have recovered millions of dollars in disability benefits on behalf of our clients, and we are prepared to walk you through your insurance claim, appeal, and lawsuit, if necessary.
Contact our law firm to schedule your free consultation with our team of disability lawyers.
