HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Aciphex..........cost an arm and a leg!

Support Forums
>
GERD & Acid Reflux
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 8/4/2006 1:58 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all,

   Recently I had knee surgery.  I was doing horribly with pain and stiffness for about a week afterwards, probably because I can't take NSAIDS.  I tried taking pepcid before an Aleve, but it led to GI problems quickly.  I realized that I somehow HAD to take the NSAIDS, and remembered how well Aciphex worked for me several years ago.   I got an Rx for Aciphex, and hubby picked it up and brought it home.  Unfortunately, it wasn't on our Insurance's network list and 30 pills cost almost $180!!!   I wish hubby had refused to get it........but I really needed it if I was going to take getting over this pain seriously.

   I called the insurance company to beg for help and they said no.........and asked why didn't I try protonix?  I don't think that drug was even on the market, when I was treated several years with Aciphex.  Plus.....it would take a couple months of trying several different meds (on the insurance co's list), to know if one was going to work or not, and I need help NOW with the heathy recuperation of my knee.

   Has anyone found that protonix works just as well as Aciphex?  I know that we all have different reactions to different drugs........but was wondering what the general response is to protonix?  Wasn't it taken off the market once.......oh....maybe I'm thinking of Propulsid.  Anyhow...... what do you all think of Protonix?

    I'm unfortunately screwed with this $180 med.  Maybe I can sell it on eBay?  hahaha

   Aciphex company does give a $30 rebate, which I will send in.   

    Has anyone ever called a drug company and begged for a price break??

   Thanks for your help!

Posted 8/5/2006 9:05 AM (GMT 0)
No never called because we have a copay for meds. They are either $10, $20, or $35, or not covered period. My doc started me on Prevacid, but my insurance didn't cover it, so he called in Nexium. I think I would have preferred Protonix as that is what my husband is on. I'm doing okay on the Nexium, but the side effect of edema of the legs/feet is driving me crazy.

Even the fluid pill of Bumex isn't doing but so much good.

No, Protonix was never taken off the market, that was Propulsid you are thinking of because I was on it, but in a way happy it was taken off because it was making my FMS worse and I didn't realize it.

I would try the Protonix at least. Good luck!

Hugs,
Faye
Posted 8/5/2006 12:35 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Faye.
Posted 8/5/2006 11:16 PM (GMT 0)
Cathy, Google Protonix once you get your Rx and sign up for their rebates/options and newsletter and you can get up to $30 rebate for every Rx you get until around October 2006. This goes for Nexium too. Probably the other PPI's do this too. Is worth it to check it out. Protonix people sent my husband a nice book of recipes and info on GERD.

Hugs,
Faye
Posted 8/6/2006 1:04 AM (GMT 0)
THanks Faye,
I do have a coupon for $30 off Aciphex....which is nice. That means I only paid $144 for it! Glad to hear the other companies are doing this too.
Posted 8/6/2006 5:03 PM (GMT 0)
I am going nuts on the Medicare Plan D. It is the PITS. The aarp has a supplemental drug plan I think.
Posted 8/6/2006 5:30 PM (GMT 0)
Joan, I am 56 and I dread going on Medicare. I love being on my husband's insurance from his work. The government just seems to have a talent to make something that should be simple, totally complicated like they have done with the Plan D.

My husband is 53, so I'll have to wait until he retires to get any SSI, because I never worked long enough for enough credits. I'll try to wait as long as I can to get on Medicare.

Hugs,
Faye
Posted 8/6/2006 6:38 PM (GMT 0)
:-)  hi just wanted to say that when i was starting ppi's they prescribed protonics, and i got terrible insomnia very quicly, so be watching out for that if you start it, it is a rare side effect but it did happen to me.
Posted 8/6/2006 6:47 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks dreamgirl,
I think there are different PPIs, that are better or worse for different people. I just wish the insurance companies realized this and were a little more flexible. Sorry for your insomnia. I'm sure some insurance people would say that that's just not a side-effect........but it is for you! good like with that.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply