How much do you pay for your chronic pain meds?

I am really surprised that you haven't been put on the pain pump yet as that is usually the step after needing so many other medications...If I remember you are on the 200mcg patch every 48 hours and then the 800mcg is it fentora oral meds or the lollipops?

Is there a reason they have not wanted to put you on that? It seems it would be so much easier for you...

I haven't had health insurance for years and I just filed for disability last month so hopefully will get on Medicaid and then Medicare after a period of time.

And yes, there are some companies that offer prescription programs for their meds.

As well as other state assistance that varies by each state.

My Dr. was happy to work with me on switching from Oxycontin to MSContin as it has an inexpensive generic.

And it's not about cheaper meds not working better than others...It's all about the dosages and that is up to the Dr. to make the right conversion. Although most times they will start low on a new medication and then tirate up due to cross tolerance.

I used to be on 120mg of Oxycontin a day but now on 90mg (or 75mg depending on the day) of the MSContin. The standard conversion should be something like 135mg of the MSContin but we just went on what works as each medicine works a tad bit differently in the brain and we can develop a tolerance to our meds....so when you switch....sometimes a lower dosage will work just fine.

It's really all dependent on the person and their pain issues and metabolism...So no two people are the same.

Many Drs. are happy to work with their patients if they are having trouble paying for their co-pays or out of pocket and finding the best solution.

The price of pain medication vary so much I am in Canada so have noticed sometimes I pay more ometimes less for items. My most expensive is Targin I ay 230 for 60 so good for 30 days.

I have a high-deductible plan ($1500), but my employer contributes $1000 towards it.

Prior to meeting my deductible, I pay full price, which would be roughly $125/mo for Oxycontin and $135/mo for Ultram ER.

After I meet my deductible, I pay 20%, so $25 and $27 per month.

Thankfully, my husband's employer provides amazing insurance at no cost to us. For pharmacy, our co-pay's are $5 for any generic and $25 for name brands. Only one of my current meds is not available as a generic, so that makes it all the more beneficial. I spend $40 a month on generics and $25 a month for the one that is not a generic. So $65 a month as of right now. It seems as if my meds change or have something new added each month LOL so the total changes month by month.

Jane, that is awesome!! I've always wanted to move to the UK, perhaps I should!!

I am on Medicare only right now, with a supplemental drug plan.

I pay $8 for 180 Loratabs a month
I pay $41 for 15 Fentanyl 75 patches a month
I pay $6 for 30 Ambien 10 mg a month
I pay $28 for 30 Tranzene 7.5 mg a month

So that is only a total of $83 a month out of pocket.

David

Actually it might have been from someone who has a similar screen name, sorry about the confusion, I've been having a pretty bad flair these last couple of days, so my mind has been acting up, so-to -speak. 8-)

 

       ..just a quick note!...I picked up 4 boxes of 25mcg patches....5 in each box...and it came to a total of $150 that the insurance paid for it. I do have probably better than average insurance...so my cost was $10 for all 20 patches.

      When I see what Betsey paid for 90 oxycontin...compared to the Fentanly patch I get...I'm thinking this may be a cheaper med for her...if approved by her PM.

    SE

 

 Yep..snowy...I'm well aware of your post...I read most all of them. LOL

      The ticket I saw said Insurance cost was $150...not sure what all that means...but I assume it is what was billed to them.

   SE

SE..LOL..I was thinking more that I hope Betsey and others see that there are other choices out there and am thankful you provided the info about the patches:) Wasn't trying to say that you should know I posted elsewhere...That's where my writing is not as succinct as it should be...haha

I was just curious if anyone has the cash/no insurance price for the patches and if it's the same as you quoted.

Iloveoliver...I agree...it's a good thread!

iloveoliver said...

My Fentora cost $20,000 every 16 days. But since I have Medicare part D and also I qualify for the "extra help" program I don't pay anything at all. My total is zero for my Fentora and patches. But I wonder what would my co-pay be if I didn't qualify for extra help

What "extra help" for fentora are you referring too? I switched from an insurance company that allowed me to have fentora to a new policy that didnt permit it. I applied for the cephalon patient assistance program but was denied because technically I had prescription coverage. Fentora was a life saver for me, no side effects at all, could function at 100% and great pain relief.

Of course I just got my stimulator and am hoping to greatly reduce the need for break thru meds but I thought you may have a suggestion as to a different assistance program.

Shell and iloveoliver...

I switched insurances too... the original was paying for Actiq and Fentora... my current one will not pay for it... I did the same thing - applied for the patient assistance program but was denied for the same reason as Shell (have rx coverage).

Anyway... Fentora/Actiq are excellent medications for breakthrough pain.... just wish it wasn't so darn expensive :(

--Tina