I talked my doctor into giving me a prescription for Imitrex injections instead of the Maxalt but my insurance company doesn't want to pay but for a small % of it. Has anyone had any success in convincing them to pay for it? I did get a few samples and they work especially well for those night time attacks.

A not uncommon issue here. Getting your doc to write to the insurance company often helps. Explore the OUCH site (left) for some material on this question.

Well I have read and read, for a common issue there aren't many answers out there. I guess I'm just screwed. That stuff costs $311.00 here and we live on a budget that won't allow to much of that. Thanks for your help Bob.

Anna,

I called the insurance co. myself.  I begged and pleaded and was approved.  I guess I got a hold of the right person at the right time.  I hope you are as lucky!

It may be of no help right now but, When you are out of cycle, continue to get your script filled as often as your are allowed.  That way you'll have quite a bit on hand for your next cycle.  Assuming you are episodic, of course.

PF wishes,

Jeannie

Get your doctor to write a request for you and be persistent. Insurance companies make money by saying "NO!" But folks here have had success....
===========If the worst possible outcome--you  can't get enough, talk to your doc about trying this abortive. It's cheaper on a per dose basis.
-----

Headache 2001 Sep;41(8):813-6  

Olanzapine as an Abortive Agent for Cluster Headache.

Rozen TD.

Department of Neurology, Jefferson Headache Center/Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate olanzapine as a cluster headache abortive agent in an open-label trial. BACKGROUND: Cluster headache is the most painful headache syndrome known. There are very few recognized abortive therapies for cluster headache and fewer for patients who have contraindications to vasoconstrictive drugs. METHODS: Olanzapine was given as an abortive agent to five patients with cluster headache in an open-label trial. The initial olanzapine dose was 5 mg, and the dose was increased to 10 mg if there was no pain relief. The dosage was decreased to 2.5 mg if the 5-mg dose was effective but caused adverse effects. To be included in the study, each patient had to treat at least two attacks with either an effective dose or the highest tolerated dose. RESULTS: Five patients completed the investigation (four men, one woman; four with chronic cluster, one with episodic cluster). Olanzapine reduced cluster pain by at least 80% in four of five patients, and two patients became headache-free after taking the drug. Olanzapine typically alleviated pain within 20 minutes after oral dosing and treatment response was consistent across multiple treated attacks. The only adverse event was sleepiness. CONCLUSIONS: Olanzapine appears to be a good abortive agent for cluster headache. It alleviates pain quickly and has a consistent response across multiple treated attacks. It appears to work in both episodic and chronic cluster headache.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Olanzapine has a brand name of "Zyprexa" and is a antipsychotic. Don't be put off by this primary usage. Several of the drugs used to treat CH are cross over applications, that is, drugs approved by the FDA for one purpose which are found to be effective with unrelated conditions--BJ.

Hey Anna,

I have Blue Cross.  They have an override form that had to be filled out my my Neuro.  It was called a "Quality Care Dosing Override".  I sent that in with a letter of medical necessity.  It did the trick.

I now have access to 24 injections a month.  Not that I use that many.

Your insurance company should have a similar program.  Call them up and ask them.  Be persistent and don't take no for an answer.  If the person on the phone is still stalling you, ask to talk to their manager.

Here is another useful link: START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

Good luck...

-Dennis-

I had to try a couple of other abortives first and say they didn't work or made my ch worse in order for my insurance to be willing to pick up and pay for and allow imitrex.

My old insurance (Sagamore Plus) would spring for four boxes a month. Now I have Cigna and they only pay for two boxes a month. Now that I am having a cycles instead of the occasional breakthrough, I have to decide how much pain I can put up with to make the imitrex go further. I've been having a steady Kip 1 - 2 for the last three weeks but I can live with it. I see my doc tomorrow and maybe a letter and documentation to the new insurance comapny will help.

Dennis,
Glad you posted about Blue Cross - that's new insurance for me since my last cycle.  My old insurance only paid for 2 prescriptions a month.