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Posted 4/27/2010 4:47 PM (GMT 0)
I've basically stopped taking my meds because I can't afford to keep taking them. It's bad for me I know, but things are already tight as it is. A couple of my meds are cheap enough for me to take but the Pentasa, forget it. I can't afford 500 a month for it. The new insurance I'm moving to (high risk pool) doesn't cover any of my CD for 6 months, including meds. I'm going to try and see if the makers of pentasa will get me on a program to lower the cost. my GI really wants me on remicade and I would too, but that will have to wait until after the 6 months.

I can keep taking my imuran (maybe) and omeprazole, but the others are out. I see my GI on Thursday and it will probably be the last time I see him in a while, will be seeing my PCP until the 6 month wait is over. I'm not sure I can keep taking the imuran though as I have to get my blood checked every 2 weeks. Anybody have suggestions?
Posted 4/27/2010 8:58 PM (GMT 0)
You could ask if your doctor can give you samples. Usually they have samples in the office and then the reps bring in more periodically. If you explain the situation maybe they can hook you up until your 6 month wait is over.
Posted 4/27/2010 10:00 PM (GMT 0)
If I had to pay full price for Pentasa, I wouldn't take it either. It's of questionable benefit anyway. I truly don't think it's worth paying for.

Stay on the imuran and consider blood tests every month instead of every two weeks.
Posted 4/27/2010 10:07 PM (GMT 0)
You may wish to consider getting your meds from Canada. You can reduce your cost to about $175 per month for Pentasa
David
Posted 4/27/2010 10:46 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the suggestions

For those who get their meds from canada, where do you go?
Posted 4/27/2010 10:51 PM (GMT 0)
I am still getting samples from the doc, she is trying different meds. So I can not give you specifics, but the cheapest was a place in Winnipeg. My brother in law is a CPA in Winnipeg and I asked him and he confirmed they are ligit and safe.
On my med plan, it would cost me about the same to source in US, so I will go to Canada and hope my insurance company will not raise my rates when I have to buy.
David
Posted 4/28/2010 4:03 PM (GMT 0)
You should look into needymeds.com and cdfund.org

They might be able to assist with copay assistance or even free drug- its worth looking into!

Hope this helps:)
Posted 4/29/2010 4:55 PM (GMT 0)
I have taken a lot of meds over the past 5 years or so and they have all pretty much failed me.  My Dr. just started me on Humira - he had actually given me the choice between Humira and Remicade and after talking to a lot of people who have taken both, I decided to start the Humira.  Anyway, they also have a program called the Humira Protection Plan.  This is a co-pay card and it applies to people with or without private insurance.  I have really good insurance but this card brings it down to $5 per shipment of medication.  I just paid $5 the other day for a 3 month supply (6 shots)..............this plan is good for the first year and my understanding is that at the end of the year, you can just renew it.  You might want to ask your Doctor about Humira and this program OR look further into the Remistart if you want to do Remicade.

If you want to call and ask about the Humira Protection Plan just so you know what your options are, the number is: 1-888-486-4723.

Good Luck!

Posted 4/29/2010 5:39 PM (GMT 0)
My reply echos DCS54B's.  I've enrolled in the Humira Protection Plan ... and my months supply costs just $5.00.  Not sure how much of the Humira's cost it will cover when we roll over into 2011 and I start my deductible again.  But every little bit helps. 

I've also noticed a few of the pharmecitucles advertise; "If you need help affording XYZ medication, call XYZ Labrotories."  It wouldn't hurt to ask your doctors for any samples, and then place a call to the maker of the prescribed drug and ask if they offer any assistance. 

It's a tough choice to decide weather to take your expensive medication ... or buy groceries for the week. 

kia  

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