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cant afford prescriptions (Read 2067 times)
barilleboy
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cant afford prescriptions
Jun 4th, 2013 at 8:55pm
 
I'm going through a horrible cycle right now. I went to my neurologist and got a script for steroids, oxygen, and sumavel dosepro. The steroids and oxygen I could afford, but the sumavel is $687 for 12 injections!! I lost my job a month ago and have no insurance. The nurse gave me 4 free samples of the sumavel but I only have one left. Im getting 6-8 kip 9-10's a day. Any ideas on how I can get my sumavel script without paying almost $700 because the shots really help? Im desperate!!
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slpierce1988
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Re: cant afford prescriptions
Reply #1 - Jun 5th, 2013 at 12:44am
 
Did your neurologist not prescribe a preventative? If not, call her and ask for one (verapamil works for a lot of people, and I don't believe it is expensive without insurance). The steroid, which I'm assuming is prednisone, should be used while the preventative builds up in your system.

I take 720 mg verapamil per day (mind you, I'm not advocating any particular drug because everyone's body is different). Without it, I would be injecting myself at least 3 times a day (I get the vials and use 1/3 of the total dose, or 2 mg, per shot in order to make it last longer...kills the pain just the same, and doesn't make me feel like I'm having a heart attack!). With the verapamil, I'm able to tolerate the pain enough to where I only have to inject myself between 3-6 times a week.

If you are on a preventative and still having this problem, I'd always have that O2 handy. I use to doubt it's powers, but I'm just now realizing how handy it truly is.
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wimsey1
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Re: cant afford prescriptions
Reply #2 - Jun 5th, 2013 at 8:34am
 
Tell us about your O2 setup--regulator, mask, etc. This can and should be your front line go-to-every-time abortive with trex as your distant backup. It could well be you are trying to abort with an inferior method or equipment. I find when I slam a double Monster and hit the O2, I can usually abort in under 5 minutes. But I am using a regulator at 25lpm with a nonrebreather mask. Are you? blessings. lance
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nani
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Re: cant afford prescriptions
Reply #3 - Jun 5th, 2013 at 9:36am
 
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Check those out.
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marsik_thestrong
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Re: cant afford prescriptions
Reply #4 - Jun 5th, 2013 at 11:43am
 
I don't know if you can use sumatriptan generic instead of sumavel dosepro. If you can and if it works for you, ask your doctor to give you an alternate prescription.  I've just posted where you can get coupons for imitrex generic.

Please see a link below.  I did a quick search for you and there are a few walgreen pharmacies in Las Vegas where you can get 10 vials 6mg strength for $340. So for $720 you'll get 20 vials. It is savings...

Also, if you get vials instead of auto-injector pens you'll be able to figure out and use your own dose that lets your CH go away.  I experimented a little. First time it failed and I had to take the rest of the medicine.  Last time I tried, I used only 0.34 out of 0.5 of medicine and took care of the CH. Again, savings.

Here is the post for goodrx.com

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marsik_thestrong
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Re: cant afford prescriptions
Reply #5 - Jun 5th, 2013 at 11:45am
 
Also, I've just found a manufacturer's coupon on goodrx.com for sumavel.

Please see link below.
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« Last Edit: Jun 5th, 2013 at 11:45am by marsik_thestrong »  
 
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marsik_thestrong
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Re: cant afford prescriptions
Reply #6 - Jun 5th, 2013 at 1:55pm
 
Also, check out dept of human services in your state.  The programs I think differ state by state but you may be qualified, since you are unemployed now and I assume don't have income but unemployment.

I suggest going to the local office and talking to someone. Bring your receipts to show your prescription prices, doc visit payments, etc.

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Ask for a spend-down program if you are not qualified for medicare based on your income.  The program might be called something different in your state. I'm in Illinois.

I got approved for one as I showed them the receipts and prices for CH medication. My spend-down amount is $800 a month - it is a lot. But once I reach it/spend that much in medical services/prescriptions and provide the receipts, all medical cost (doctor,hospital, medicine) in that month are paid by medicare.

It took long time to convince the DHS agent that I can't afford my medication and I need help.  My husband got laid off and both of us really struggling finding a job, although constantly looking. So unemployment benefits is what we get for the two of us and my almost 2 year old daughter.

So if you really need help, don't give up when talking to a DHS agent and insist if there is any way they can help.

Hope this helps.

BTW, the job market sucks nowadays. I have an MBA and business experience and cannot get a job. My husband had a great job but got laid off and cannot land a job with his great experience either.  Hope the economy gets better soon. I know there are more needy people than I am so going to the government for ask for help is something that I've never done. But I got into a surval mode when I saw how much I have to pay for prescriptions and did what I had to do. 

Good luck!

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Imitrex4Breakfast
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Re: cant afford prescriptions
Reply #7 - Jun 5th, 2013 at 11:36pm
 
The manufacturer has a patient assistance program that will GIVE YOU up to 60 FREE DOSES PER MONTH *** With the requirement that you at least apply for disability or temporary disability. You're doctor or neurologist must be the one to get you into the program.

Goodluck

I4B
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coach_bill
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Re: cant afford prescriptions
Reply #8 - Jun 9th, 2013 at 11:13pm
 
You can also look to the bar on the left and click on clusterbusters.

Coach Bill
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boy i cant wait till it's my turn to give him a headache. paybacks a bitch
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