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Ins. Co. Cancels Fentora coverage with no warning . . .

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Chronic Pain
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Posted 1/10/2015 6:43 PM (GMT 0)
I have been RXED Fentora along with OXYCODONE IR 30 mg for pain for over 4 years and with the Oxy IR this was the perfect combo for me. I have CP due to pain caused by Cancer therapy so I am allowed to pretty much pick my pain med options. After 4 years of hit and miss I found this combo and have stuck with the same dosage strength throughout. The reason for change was financial, Fentora costs around $12,000 a month for my dosage so that was that. My oncologist and I decided to give OxyContin a try so I am now on #60 Contin 120mg/day. It does relieve the pain but the side effects of dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue make it hard to drive and do my errands.

Mostly this is just a warning for others on this site who have been getting the red carpet treatment most of us Cancer patients receive in regard to their pain meds, the Ins. Cos. are cracking down so make sure you have a backup in mind . . . Q

PS: the W/Ds coming off the Fentora were not to bad as there is some crossover on mu receptors with Oxycodone. While it wasn't a breeze . . . Mainly flu like joint inflammation . . . It was nothing to worry about. Some people say that withdrawing from a fentanyl based product is the hardest but I have done this with the patch and no Oxy to help as well as the Fentora and did not get too stressed out, just sick for a week.
Posted 1/10/2015 7:03 PM (GMT 0)
Well, this isn't a big surprise Q, I have been wondering when they would lower the hammer. The almighty dollar is what its all about with those companies with deep pockets. In todays environment this is just not a big surprise at all.

I do hope you can maintain a decent comfort level with the current meds. Does the dr think these side effects will subside over time? Keep us posted on how you are doing with the new meds.
Posted 1/10/2015 7:35 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Susie,
Yah, we feel that the SEs will lessen over time . . . I'll just curtail my driving until they do. The pain flares during the time I was off the Fentora and waiting to be approved for the OxyContin were pretty bad, which once again convinced of the need for some sort of palliative. Since I have Hep-C my choices are limited . . . No NSAIDS or any thing that will affect my liver beyond what the opiates already cause. I've tried a lot of other med-less techniques like yoga and meditation but no luck there . . . Q
Posted 1/10/2015 10:57 PM (GMT 0)
I'm sorry to hear that you had to have a disruption in your routine and I hope that you still continue to feel 'ok'. It's sad to me that they'll turn their backs on the folks that need them most. It's not surprising at all, I'm sure countless bean counters were involved in making that decision, but it is disappointing. I'm sorry. I know how priceless is it is just to FIND something that works, let alone find it then not be able to afford it.

:/
Posted 1/10/2015 11:13 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks BTL,
That is pretty much all it was, a disruption with a minor bit of WDs thrown in. I think that the level of OxyContin I was Rx'ed will keep things in hand. Just a heads up to the Cancer folks on this forum that have not had to face very many disruptions in they're med routine . . . It would seem that we are no longer on the A list . . . Q
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