We tried to save some money and had me try other meds last month. This resulted in the runs from hell (must have gone over 30 times to the bathroom in a day, this went on for 4 weeks).
My doc wants me back on bicillin LA. Has anyone found a discount pharmacy recently?
I'm going to use the GoodRX coupon if that's the best price out there. $750 per month is outrageous, but it's the best I've found.
Insurance won't cover a dime.
I need the actual stuff, not imported alternatives or animal meds.
Thanks.
Posted by surprise (Member # 34987) on :
Have you called Costco to see their price?
When we had Kaiser HMO who covered ZERO medications, it was Costco that had the best price.
P.S. You can use their pharmacy without being a member.
Posted by Judie (Member # 38323) on :
Unfortunately, it's just as expensive at Costco. Posted by GretaM (Member # 40917) on :
Judie-is IM rocephin an option for you?
Posted by Judie (Member # 38323) on :
Last month, my doc and I decided to try IM Rocephin/actigall because Bicillin is so expensive.
It's what caused my stomach go crazy for 4+ weeks. Running to the bathroom 30 times in a day is unbearable.
(I was taking extremely high count probiotics. Not even cholestyramine got it under control.)
Here's my older thread on it. I've been dealing with this since then. These past couple days are my first semi-normal days in the bathroom.
My husband picked the bicillin up at the pharmacy tonight and the gal ringing him up was in disbelief over the price.
It's just insane, but it's what's working for me.
Now planning for next months supply...
Posted by susank (Member # 22150) on :
Judie - you are doing 2 injections per week of the 1.2mu?
That seems to be the usual dose.
I have never quite understood what the levels are supposed to be in the blood/tissues for B-LA to be effective.
Would the levels be so different doing one injection per week vs two?
That would surely save some money.
I have researched the "level question" and really found no answers.
I got the impression though that more injections per week served more to keep the drug in the system longer - more than raising the levels.
Anyone know?
Posted by Judie (Member # 38323) on :
Yep, 2 injections. I don't think I'd have enough in my system if I just did it once a week.
I've wondered (since the drug needs to be refrigerated) if it just breaks down or gets less effective quickly because of heat from the body.
Dr. B says, "This is an intramuscular depot injection, and although doses are relatively small, the sustained blood and tissue levels are what make this preparation so effective."
And
"Benzathine penicillin- Surprisingly effective IM alternative to oral therapy. May need to begin at lower doses as strong, prolonged (6 or more week) Herxheimer-like reactions have been observed.
Adults: 1.2 million U- three to four doses weekly. Adolescents: 1.2 to 3.6 million U weekly. May be used in pregnancy."
It looks like I'm under dosing according to this.
I know of a doc who does doxycycline IV 7 days a week for patient because the sustained dose is what he's witnessed being helpful.
![[Frown]](frown.gif)