LymeNet Flash: How much/month does IV cost??

This is topic How much/month does IV cost?? in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by janet thomas (Member # 7122) on :

Best guess please, won't hold you to it. Thanks

Posted by lou (Member # 81) on :

Think you might say which drug you are comtemplating using. Makes a difference. Some are generic, some aren't. Some require once a day infusing, others are twice a day.

Posted by Nancy-OH (Member # 3567) on :

The cost to the drug companies is approx $80.00 per two grams.

I used one gram twice per day and my cost or my insurance's cost was $200.00 per dose or $400.00 per gram. PLUS all the supplies required.

Posted by Nancy-OH (Member # 3567) on :

Ooops, forgot to mention that was for IV Rocephin.

Nancy

Posted by janet thomas (Member # 7122) on :

I don't know which drug or dose-see dr tomorrow and will go im bicillin or iv

is iv that much better- mostly neuro symptoms

will be spending my retirement funds

after 8 months on orals, worse in some ways (neuro)

thanks for your help

Posted by laserred (Member # 6796) on :

I'm on IV Rocephin Push Infusion (I use the Walgreens Home Infusion Pharmacy, which is 6 hours from here, they mix the Rocephin, that was my LLMD's choice)

Surgery for the Hickmann : done at the hospital...over $5,000. (about a 4 hour stay)

Rocephin @ 2 Grams = 1 x per day. $237/00 a day (started first 2 weeks @ 1 Gram per day...I think that was at(????)$167.00 per day, not sure tho)

Skilled Nursing Visit (to change dressing): 1 x per week = $115.60 per visit (separate charge)

Plus the In-Home Common Stock charges, which are delivered (by overnight medical express) each week with the Rochepin, Saline Flushes and Heparin. (I'm sure the I-H CS charges are being applied seperately.)

We still don't know how much, if any, of the meds or necessary needs are going to be covered by our insurance, but it was a necessary tx (in my case).

Honestly, 4-5 months ago, I was sure I was destined for a wheel chair, OOhhhh, the pain...pain...pain, among other issues, as you all know to well.

But for the last couple days, I haven't even had to take my pain meds.
(Shhh...I hate saying that, cuz it'll jinx me, I haven't even told my husband that yet. )

I take oral LD meds also(at this time..Biaxin, Qunine Sulfate, Soma and pain meds "sometime" ) from my regular pharmacy.

I also, take (2)Thyroid meds, of which, I believe, I am Hypothyroid due to LD.

I have noticed some other improvements, but that's another thread.

Hope the $$$$$ info helps,
~laserred~

[This message has been edited by laserred (edited 19 June 2005).]

Posted by janet thomas (Member # 7122) on :

Thanks everyone

Posted by tickedntx (Member # 5660) on :

If the IV meds prove too expensive for you, you might ask your doctor about IM Bicillin L-A injections. I was advised that they are working almost as well as IV Rocephin, and are a fraction of the cost. If you are uninsured, I believe that the 1.2mu/2ml injections are between $34-40 each. I am dosing weekly, though I have seen some here are dosing up to 3x/week.

Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :

Janet,

have you checked into the needy med program through Roche Pharmacuticals?

"IV Rocephin antibiotic for Lyme and co-infections:
If you are on Rocephin, Roche Pharmaceuticals manufacturers it, and their phone number
is (973) 235-5000. Call and ask about their patient assistance program. Tell them how
serious your situation is and ask if the forms can be processed ASAP.
Rocephin is prohibitively expensive, sometimes up to $200 a day. If you cannot afford
this but you need Rocephin, the generosity of Roche Pharmaceuticals has made FREE
Rocephin not only possible, but very simple.
1. Call Roche Pharamceuticals in Nutley, New Jersey. Ask for a "Needy Meds
Application" to be sent to you.
2. Upon receipt, fill out the form with your doctor. The form consists of only a few lines
and should take no longer than 5 minutes tops. No files or papers must be sent- ONLY
this simple form. Your doctor should send it off.
3. Usually, from the time the form is sent to arrival of the drug at your Doctors office will
take 3 weeks. The usual shipment is of 3 months of Rocephin. You may refill at will with
the same simple form.
IV supplies can be gotten cheaply if you comparison shop."

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