Bleh. Just found out that insurance will not pay for Tinidazole/Tindamax because it is not in their formulary. Go figure.
Just wondering if anyone knows what might take it's place in this protocol? LLMD is a bit wishy/washy and it would be nice to be able to 'suggest' an alternative medication.
Tindamax (Not covered and $150 out of pocket for 2 pill2 a day, ouch!)
Bactrim DS (covered)
Ceftin (covered)
Azithromycin (covered)
Thanks,
Hugs!
Edessa
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Flagyl / Tindamax is included in lyme treatment to address the cyst form of lyme. Known as a "cyst buster" in informal conversation.
GSE, grapefruit seed extract is the one that most go to as a natural cyst buster.
I like ALLICIN for it can address biofilm. But I'm not sure about the cyst form. The coating around the cyst may be much more complex than biofilm. It's not at all the same thing so not sure if the same methods always address both.
Andrographis and Berberine hold some promise against biofilm &/or cyst "cloak" (my word) - as does Gotu Kola - from what I can gather in my reading.
A LL ND would know best. I know there is at least one LL ND in MN. Also talk to your area lyme support groups for their experiences with any LL NDs in state. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- When considering herbal / nutritional / adjunct methods:
if at all possible - because each person & each case is different - it's best to consult with an ILADS-educated LL ND (lyme literate naturopathic doctor) (or similar) who has completed four years of post-graduate medical education in the field of herbal and nutritional medicine -
- and someone who is current with ILADS' research & presentations, past and present, and has completed the ILADS Physician Training Program (see: www.ilads.org )
Many LL NDs incorporate antibiotics (depending upon the licensing laws in their state). Some LLMDs and LL NDs have good working relationships.
When possible, it's great to have both a LLMD and LL ND and even better when they have a long-standing professional relationship.
(Be aware that those in some categories can have zero or various levels of formal herbal &/or nutritional education, perhaps even just a short course. Do ask first.)
Links to many articles and books by holistic-minded LL doctors of various degrees who all have this basic approach in common:
Understanding of the importance of addressing the infection(s) fully head-on with specific measures from all corners of medicine;
knowing which supplements have direct impact, which are only support and which are both.
You can compare and contrast many approaches.
BASIC HERBAL EDUCATIONAL & SAFETY links, etc. -
Posted by Abxnomore (Member # 18936) on :
You should contact a few compounding pharmacies and see what they charge. It may well be cheaper and more affordable.
If not, try a Canadian or out of the country pharmacy. Pfizer manufacturers Tinidazole for consumption abroad, not in the U.S., under the name Fasigyn. It's the same thing as Tindamax and what everyone used before Tindamax came on the market.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Flagyl is the usual.
Posted by Energy2Heal (Member # 2010) on :
The suggestion to go with a compounding pharmacy is a good one.
I was just prescribed Tindamax and it was not covered (even with prior auth paperwork) and was over $1000.
I got the compounded version for about $120.
Posted by ktkdommer (Member # 29020) on :
I have had the insurance denial before. Pharmacy just needs to send preauthorization to doctor and they need to send in more information before approval.
Insurance did this on high doses of valtrex. Denied. Sent over prior auth, doc submitted more info and it was approved.
I would call pharmacy and then insurance on MOnday before making a decision to pay more.
Posted by seibertneurolyme (Member # 6416) on :
Flagyl is an older med than tindamax and usually cheaper. But it does have a slightly worse side effect profile. Peripheral neuropathy is the major side effect to be aware of with flagyl.