CaliforniaLyme
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 7136
posted
$683. a month compared to 3 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YES*)!*)! Wonderful news.
Many people will get better now who would have stayed sick- and perhaps the insurance companies will alter their attitudes toward us*)!!!!!!!!
[ 04. September 2006, 09:24 PM: Message edited by: Lou B ]
-------------------- There is no wealth but life. -John Ruskin
All truth goes through 3 stages: first it is ridiculed: then it is violently opposed: finally it is accepted as self evident. - Schopenhauer Posts: 5639 | From Aptos CA USA | Registered: Apr 2005
| IP: Logged |
Jill E.
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9121
posted
I believe the generic Rocephin is already available.
One of the Lyme patients in my city has cut her bill from thousands a month to about $700 a month by now using the generic.
Also, for those of us who must be gluten-free, IV medications are supposed to be naturally gluten-free so it's not an issue (according to what I learned from being involved in the celiac community).
I still always insist upon brand name medications when using oral antibiotics because it is much easier for me to find out the gluten status of a drug from a major manufacturer than from the generics. But that's a personal decision. The orals may contain starches, fillers or binders that are questionable depending on their source.
Jill
-------------------- If laughter is the best medicine, why hasn't stand-up comedy cured me? Posts: 1773 | From San Diego | Registered: Apr 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
I just unearthed this post and sent it to the top again so people would have some idea on cost. Yes, the patent is now expired and the generic is available.
I can't change the subject line because it is not my post and the author does not seem to be around lately.
Posts: 8430 | From Not available | Registered: Oct 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
The patent for ceftriaxone expired more than 6 months ago, so there should now be multiple generic manufacturers. The original branded generic was marketed and distributed by Watson, and manufactured by Lupin (India). There have been some CGMP issues (compliance issues) with another IV Lupin cephlosporin-I am not sure if the issues are isolated and whether or not they have been resolved.
You might want to have your provider check to see who is manufacturing ceftriaxone, and have the provider write the script for a specific generic brand. Tell them to check the generic brands to see who is actually manufacturing the ceftriaxone. Then, the provider can write for a generic brand that is manufactured in a well developed country/good manufacturing oversight.
If you have health insurance (including medicare and most medicaid), the reimbursement amount and out-of-pocket costs are the same for a drug that is manufactured in Canada as it for a drug that is manufactured in India, but Canada has better oversight than India, and their ports are safer and closer so there is less chance of product tampering. The FDA licenses foreign plants, but in many cases, such as with Indian manufacturers, does not have the capacity to routinely monitor manufacturing, and relies more heavily on India's oversight agencies and Indian drug manufacturers to comply with American quality standards and regulations.
Although finding a pharmacy, home health care provider or physician outpatient center that is willing to loose some of their profit by ordering you a more expensive generic drug (remember, they probably receive the same reimbursement amount no matter what their wholesale cost) can be problematic, I find that when I point out that this might improve outcomes and prevent adverse events and additional scrutiny, there are no further issues.
The cost of all IV drugs, including brand name drugs should have decreased considerably because of changes in the way these and all prescribed drugs are bought, billed, and reimbursed. The last set of changes in specialty-IV and IM drugs recently went into effect. Given that in some cases, reimbursement amounts for compliant warehousing, shipping and handling and dispense fees appear to have been removed from reimbursement amounts, it will be interesting to see whether or not providers will be able to afford to dispense and infuse these meds.
Current FDA regs allow generic drug bioavailability to vary by over 40% (20% above, 20% below), so having your previder write the prescription for a specific generic brand can help ensure a more consistent and desirable outcome.
nannie
Posts: 183 | From US | Registered: Feb 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Good info, nannie. How do people find out which generics are best? I wouldn't have a clue how to start.
Posts: 8430 | From Not available | Registered: Oct 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
TIPS FOR FINDING (AND KEEPING) THE RIGHT GENERIC BRAND; If your drugs are dispensed by a storefront pharmacy, the pharmacist may be able to assist you to find the best generic brand or, have your prescriber contact your pharmacist or a pharmacist that they know to help them find an acceptable generic brand.
State Pharmacy Boards are often another good source of information about different generic company versions of brand name drugs.
Unfortunately, the FDA website and FDA call service center are cumbersome and may be difficult to maneuver, so they are not a good first choice.
If you use a mail-order PBM like Medco, Express Scripts, or Caremark, have your prescriber contact a local pharmacist. You or your provider will probably waste time trying to speak to a PBM pharmacist, and chances are you'll be misinformed or disconnected.
Physicians also usually receive catalogues or have access to drug wholesaler catalogue(s), so they can access the names of the companies who are FDA approved to distribute a specific generic form of a brand name drug.
Once you have the names of these generic companies, if the brand is in stock at your pharmacy, you can ask the pharmacist to check the side of the manufacturer packaging to see where the drug is manufactured.
You or your provider can also contact the generic company and ask them where the drug is manufactured, and whether or not they manufacture the generic or outsource manufacturing.
TIPS ON WRITING THE PRESCRIPTION: Ask your prescriber to write DAW-Dispense As Written on their prescription, and have the prescriber write the name of their preferred generic drug on the pescription. Then, make sure that there is a copy of the prescription in your file.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR PRESCRIPTION IS NOT FILLED CORRECTLY: If the pharmacy does not fill the prescription with the generic brand prescribed by your physician, contact them. Also notify your prescriber. If the pharmacy refuses to dispense the script as written by the prescriber, contact your state Pharmacy Board, AG's office, bureau of insurance and/or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
If your prescription was filled by a mail-order pharmacy, contact the state board of pharmacy in the state where the prescription was filled and/or the FTC (interstate commerce, fair trade practices). Also notify your prescriber. Ask the oversight agencies to intervene and facilitate the immediate dispense of the prescription as written by the provider.
HOW AND WHY TO ACCESS PHARMACUETICAL COMPANY PACKAGING Pills and tablets are often dispensed in brown pharmacy bottles. In these instances, ask the pharmacy to fill the prescription in the pharmaceutical company packaging, or have the prescriber write this info on their prescription.
Target is not able to dispense in original packaging. In this case, ask them to put the pharmaceutical company packaging in the bag alongside your dispense.
Having access to the pharmaceutical company packaging allows you to quickly check and ensure that the correct brand was dispensed before you leave the pharmacy.
There may be overcapacity in the manufacturing sector or too many FDA approved pharmaceutical companies manufacturing their versions of a brand name drug. This can and often does lead to periods of overcapacity, excess inventory, and may lead to dispenses of soon to expire or expired drugs.
Having access to the pharmaceutical company packaging allows you (and/or your provider) to check the manufacturer expiration date and ensure that your generic drug is recently manufactured. If the drug is nearing its expiration date (shelf-life varies from drug to drug) the packaging looks odd or worn, return the drug and demand a new dispense. Follow the instructions above if the pharmacy your health insurer or your PBM refuse to assist you.
TETRACYCLINE AND INFUSED DRUG PRECAUTIONS: This is particularly important for patients on tetracycline drugs, as the tetracyclines can be nephrotoxic (toxic to kidneys) if used when expired and/or adulterated.
In addition, infused drugs may dissipate when aged and/or exposed to extremes in temperature or humidity. This can lead to variances between prescribed and dispensed dose per mL, and may also increase the chances of particulate matter.
Posts: 183 | From US | Registered: Feb 2004
| IP: Logged |
The compounding fees, handling and ship/delivery fees are all compliance fees that the provider cannot cut corners on, otherwise the dispense will be adulterated and the provider(s) can get into trouble. In some instances, providers are opting not to dispense or infuse these drugs, or, they are passing along the cost to the patient.
Reimbursement amounts for compounding, handling and shipping appear to have been removed from the amounts that are factored as part of insurance (Medicare/Medicaid etc.) reimbursement amounts.
It looks like in certain instances, if providers order from a select group of PBMs and drug wholesalers, the compounding and handling fees may be included, but the the provider or the patient then gets hit with a higher out-of-pocket handling and shipping fee.
Although it can take digging, if you infuse a high enough dose, you may be able to find a provider who is willing to include these costs as part of the pharmacy insurance reimbursement amount.If you don't have insurance, you can try to negotiate these amounts into the dispense price or infusion fee.
Posts: 183 | From US | Registered: Feb 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
In my earlier post, I stated that the first marketer and distributor of ceftriaxone, the generic of Rocephin, was Watson. This is not correct, it is Baxter.
Sorry about the mix-up.
Posts: 183 | From US | Registered: Feb 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
take ursodiol 300 mg 2x a day to protect your gallbladder Rocephin is VERY hard on it.
I need more months on it.you may get chills and get tired.some do not wanna eat. Me I gained weight.but I am, walking now but can't seem to get some doctors to realize it is lyme
-------------------- I feel like their's corruption with some Doctors about lyme disease Posts: 23 | From Westchester NY | Registered: Oct 2006
| IP: Logged |
-------------------- I feel like their's corruption with some Doctors about lyme disease Posts: 23 | From Westchester NY | Registered: Oct 2006
| IP: Logged |
I am hoping that someone on here has some good news for me. My moms insurance changed to pacificare hmo-they won't cover IV therapy without an "in-network" doctors script. In northern california there are no LLMD's "in network"- They also say like most insurances that they will only cover 30 days of therapy.
I was on Rocephin for a month and unforchunetly already had a gallstone that I was unaware of-which only made things worse. I switched to Clafron (IV) but after having my gallblatter removed developed an allergic reaction to the drug.
My question is-Are there any other IV meds I can go on that can help me?
If not how do I get Rocephin-and how do I manage all this cost-effectively?
I guess that is the question we are all searching-but there must be a way to get this drug-
I don't know how we get it cheaper- I was quoted almost $1200 per week.
I too am taking 2grams of rocephin per day-I have a central port in my chest-so I don't know what ur son has but I am learning the up-keep of that is expensive too-
I am at such a loss. I started IV and my life went almost back to normal. I was exercising, working, going out with friends etc. I've been off it for 3 weeks and I can barely get out of bed.
How is it that doctors can't see what an improvement this makes? They don't deserve to be called Dr.'s. In my last Lmye support group this woman said that she stopped calling those "dr's" who don't believe dr's. She calls them Mr. or Mrs. Name. LOL I thought wow how great-if u start calling them Mr. Mrs. instead because maybe they will wake-up and realize I'M NOT DOING MY JOB!
ne wayz enough venting for today-I gotta stay positive, right!!! )
Good luck Lindsay
Posts: 484 | From Burlingame, Ca | Registered: Sep 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
I did all of the research that was suggested in this thread. The lowest price I could find was approx $50 a day (2G Rocephin unmixed).
Since June 13th, we've been paying $96 a day and we're about to go broke, but the results we're seeing in our daughter are remarkable.
I finally found it here in Sou Cal at $43 a day from a pharmaceutical in Orange County. The cost includes all the necessary Saline and Heparin as well as dressing changes, etc.
I ordered a month's supply this morning and I will write more once we see how this one goes. OBTW - our health insurance, United Health Care of Calif, will not pay a cent beyond the 3rd week (21 days).
Posts: 681 | From California | Registered: Oct 2005
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by JeffM: Costco, Wal Mart and Rite Aid in this area are all selling the generic rocephin @ 16 a vial to $30 a vial.
Look on the internet, folks! Call you pharmacy! Call your insurance and prescription plan. That's all I did to find it.
good luck
Well, around here (NJ) Costco, Rite Aid, Ekerd, Wal Mart, Costco do not handle 2 mg powdered vials for IV. We found a local family pharmacy for $26 a vial and are checking costs for the saline, heparin but that I believe is over $10.
Prescription plan (Caremark) will not handle this, insurance company is less than useless.
So (unfortunatly) the question still stands - where did these prices come from?
Posts: 36 | From nj | Registered: Sep 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
I am still trying to get my Rocephin started. And
I would appreciate any input from those of you
that are experienced. Thanks in advance because
frankly I am worn out thinking about all the work
it is going to be. I need to tell you the reason I am going thru so much even though ins is willing to cover is because I may not have ins since my husbands division at work is being cut in the next few weeks. Also they probably wouldn't pay for as long as I need anyway.
Is it right?????
that you flush the PICC with saline. Then run abx. Flush again with saline. Then lock it with Heparin.
I know home health teaches all this but I am trying to understand it all.
I finally have found Ceftriaxone for $320 (2 gram vials) for 30 days.
It is made in Austria by Hospira.
I was so excited.
What I didn't realize was just how much the other crap is going to cost. I will list below what I found and what I have been told. Please let me know if you think I will need other items. Or if you can give me a better price then I have found.
250 ml normal saline bag $4.00 (Not a bad price but I am sure it isn't cheap to ship liquid)
20 ml sterile water $6.00 (to reconstitute the generic rocephin)
20 ml syringe and 21 gauge needle (for reconstitution)
syringes and needles (for flushes)
I'm guessing $2.00 a day for all I didn't get a price but I buy them for other injectables and IV pushes and they aren't much, but all add up.
Saline 10ml $3.69 (I was told this should be enough for both flushes?)
Heparin 10 ml $6.13
tubing with spike and adjust a flow clamp 84" $2.75 (I been told dial a flow is the way to go but I couldn't find one. Or what about a pump?)
IV stand rental $.75
Home health is going to cost me $7.50 per visit out of pocket. I figure after the first 3 they should only need to come once a week to change the dressing and do labs. $75 per visit if I don't have ins they will give me the contracted rate since I started with ins.
I know I need a dressing change kit once a week and caps but have been unable to get a price or source.
I just hate the fact that the infusion company is going to be billing the ins almost $5,000 a month or maybe more for this. No wonder they only want to pay for 30 days.
I get about $36 a day plus the dressing and caps. Which means it would cost me approx. $7.50 a day with ins depending on how much of the supplies they would reimburse for and $15 a day when the nurse came. Would it make sense for me to do this. And maybe keep ins paying longer?
But the homeball sounds so much easier. Okay not easy but tolerable with 4 kids with lyme. I just felt like if I bought all the stuff and did it myself the old fashioned way they (the ins co) would be more inclined to continue to pay. Since the generic rocephin is only $320 and they don't complain about $297 a month for B-12 injections. I think I will go crazy sitting for 90 minutes though.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks lyme x 9 and testing
I hope this makes sense.
Posts: 399 | From Texas | Registered: Apr 2005
| IP: Logged |
We were able to purchase the following Rocephin (Ceftriaxone) and infusion supplies from a pharmacy in Anaheim California.
The total cost is $1300 and the supplies are for 30 days.
Of course we had to provide a prescription from our LLMD and the pharmacy required a credit card payment up front.
Our health insurance company has already denied payment on these supplies more than three months ago.
I have to mix the antibiotic and sterile water, load all of the syringes and make sure everything stays sterile, but compared to the $760 per week cost of our previous supplier, it's well worth the effort.
Unfortunately I haven't received a cost per item breakdown on the supplies.
1. Ceftriaxone 2 Gram Vial Powder Form - 30 each
2. Sterile Water 20ML Vial - 30 each
3. Sodium Chloride 0.9% 30ML Vial - 22 each (10ML NaCL for each flush - 30 X 22 = 660ML total, enough for 66 saline flushes)
4. Heparin flush 30ML Vial - 5 each (5ML Heparin at end of each infusion - 30 X 5 = 150ML total, enough for 30 flushes)
5. IV 12'' extension tubing - 10 each (Change extension each time bandage changed)
6. Syringe 20 ML - 30 each (Used for reconstituting antibiotic and for infusion)
7. Syringe 10 ML - 90 each (Used for infusing saline and heparin)
8. Dressing Change Kits with Chloral Preps - 5 each 9. Alcohol prep pads - 200 each 10. Latex Gloves - 100 each 11. Sharps Container 8 Qt size - 1 each 12. 18gauge X 1'' needles - 30 each 13. Stat Lock dressing - 5 each
The procedure for infusing the antibiotic is always:
SASH
Saline - Antibiotic - Saline - Heparin
I'm certainly not a medical doctor, nurse or anything else other than a father with a daughter who needs my help.
I have had several extensive classes in first-aid over my 25 years in the military.
But to be honest with you, my daughter does her own infusions about half the time.
In addition, she's even been doing her own dressing changes. She's had the PICC line since June 13th and it still looks great.
When or if I get a complete itemized cost breakdown I'll share it with you.
I hope this has been beneficial for some of you. I do know the Rocephin has worked wonders for our daughter. She's gone from a stooped over zombie in great pain to at least a human being again.
We still have a long road ahead, but we can see the light ahead. Thanks to all of you on this board who have helped with your knowledge, encouragement and prayers, they're working.
LymeDad
Posts: 681 | From California | Registered: Oct 2005
| IP: Logged |
CaliforniaLyme
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 7136
posted
IV Rocephin cost me $50,000 CASH from an equity line on my house but it was worth every penny!!! Thank goodness it is cheaper now though!!!!!!!
I don't get what you want me to change Betty!!! re the posting!! SOrry!!! SIncerely, Sarah p.s. Yup Lou wasn't around my baby/toddler wouldn't let me come online would YELL at me!!! She has healthy lungs*)*!)!)!
-------------------- There is no wealth but life. -John Ruskin
All truth goes through 3 stages: first it is ridiculed: then it is violently opposed: finally it is accepted as self evident. - Schopenhauer Posts: 5639 | From Aptos CA USA | Registered: Apr 2005
| IP: Logged |
I've done tons of research and haven't been as successful as many of you in locking in a supplier that can be relied upon. I'm curious if you can share the actual places from which you are ordering.
I've managed by hussling to get my rocephin (a combo of brand and generic) for three months...but can't get more from the various places I've been buying it for different reasons with each source.
I feel like I'm always scrambling to find something...hussle hussle hussle. I'd love to know the actual sources from which you are purchasing to aid me in my search.
Also, my last batch is generic from India a brand called Apotex. I'm concerned about this batch. Since I've been using it I'm having pains that could be gall bladder. That might just be bc now its three months of rocephin...or perhaps its the standards by which this indian generic is manufactured. I'd love to find some generic from the developed world that is reasonably priced...but so far haven't. (Note I do take actigal--urodisol)
Many blessings to y'all.
Pomegranite
Posts: 309 | From CA | Registered: Nov 2002
| IP: Logged |
CaliforniaLyme
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 7136
posted
Oh- one hting I found useful was to go OUTSIDE the infusion company for supplies- most infusion companies mark stuff up like crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!! The local pharmacy supplied us for half the cost! ALSO if you get rashes from the dresses "burn bandages" can be altered around iV lines and are the least irritating dressings!!!!!!!!!!!
-------------------- There is no wealth but life. -John Ruskin
All truth goes through 3 stages: first it is ridiculed: then it is violently opposed: finally it is accepted as self evident. - Schopenhauer Posts: 5639 | From Aptos CA USA | Registered: Apr 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
Ok, here's something to make us all laugh! I'm new to this board, and when i read the title I intrepretred it to say "patient expired". I thought "Oh my God, they're selling his/her unused medicine." I was so relieved to see it was the patent that expired! Sheesh....i feel so silly! Debra
Posts: 2 | From MD | Registered: Jan 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
Hello everybody. I'm new to Lymenet, but not new to the lyme world. I'm also fairly new to the computer world. My question pertains to rocephin, specifically generic rocephins (ceftriaxone)so I'm hoping to be in the discussion for rocephin....anyhow:
My current regimen of rocephin, 1 gram, IM, two times a day, five days a week, plus 800 mg ketek per day, five days a week was doing GREAT. Then the pharmacy switched me to generic rocephin (ceftriaxone)from SANDOZ. I was still doing great. Great for me is when I can think-lyme disease has effected me cognitively, substantially.
Ok, so everything was great until the pharmacy started me on a new lot of ceftriaxone.
Question: Has anyone else experienced changes in the effectiveness of rocephin, or ceftriaxone, from lot to lot?
Secondly: Has anyone been on SANDOZ Ceftriaxone, specifically lot 142438? How are you faring?
Thanks
Posts: 107 | From maryland | Registered: Feb 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
OUCH! Is all I can say! I can't imagine doing it IM.
I can't answer about the Sandoz Cef. I use the Hospira from Austria. I pay $640 for 60 vials of 2 grams a month. But it is really the supplies that cost so much.
I do 2 grams twice a day IV, for 4 days on 3 off.
I also do 25 mg Methylcobalamine(B-12) IM daily.
And IV Magnesium 3 days a week, 400mg.
And 1200mg Glutathione IV push weekly.
Make sure you are on Actigal for your gallbladder. I don't like to take it since it really upsets my stomach.
As far as the Sandoz goes. I am a firm believer that a lot of 500mg Zithromax was not at all like the brand. I had about 50 pills but I was so sure it did nothing. (The big white pills) But it may have been all in my head.
I had our Naturopathic Doctor in WA test me on the brand and generic and they tested the same. So it must have just been me.
Is it in date and not cloudy? Where does it come from? Someone once told me that Sandoz and Hospira where partners or a conglomerate or something. But I don't know if that is true.
Can you get tested on it thru ART, EDS, etc? To see.
I know I can't take generic Zoloft there is something in it that makes me very aggitated. But I am fine on the brand and my dose is only 12 1/2mg daily so it isn't much but I noticed a huge difference.
Just my thoughts. Hope you can get some answers.Sorry I can't help with that Sandoz lot.
Best wishes, lyme x 9
Posts: 399 | From Texas | Registered: Apr 2005
| IP: Logged |
Thank you for your response. No I do not think that the difference you felt between the brand and the generic was in your head.
My physician assistant told me, concerning rocephin, that the generic (ceftriaxone)was 10% less effective than rocephin (the brand) itself. Furthermore, I saw an earlier posting in this dicussion that the FDA? (I can't remember what I read)that allowed a generic to be 20% less effective than the brand (20% above to 20% below).
I did my own "double blind" testing, between the effective batch of ceftriaxone, some of which I still had, and the newer batch that I felt was greatly inferior. Sure enough, within a short time, I knew I had given myself an injection from the good lot (I checked the label I had taken off in the dark before mixing the ceftriaxone).
You referred to ART and EDS for testing. Are these labs that test the efficacy of drugs? Could you please provide more information.
Thank you- We'll Win
Posts: 107 | From maryland | Registered: Feb 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
My LLMD doesn't have me do infusions in a 30 minute vial..I do them using a saline bag 250mls and mix that with the rocephin.
My home healthcare, Corum had been doing it, but now they are CUT OFF. My doctor is out of the country at the moment visiting her Daughter who is in some 3rd world country filming a documentary.
Hence my need of assisitance from all of you. Basically what you're saying is I can take her script to costco and they will give me the powered form of Rocephin?
I dunno I am confused about this whole process. I have seen such great results and I am thinking I could just switch back to orals. This is completely stressing me out and it doesn't help that my family doesn't and can't support me at all.
Posts: 484 | From Burlingame, Ca | Registered: Sep 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
I found a pharmacy in Los Angeles. They are the least expensive place I have been able to find Rocephin. I am getting 30, 2 gram bottles for only $336.00. This of course does not include any of my saline, dressing change kits or tubing or supplies in general. However, I spoke with Mark and he definately will accomidate to your financial needs the best as he can.
There is one other Los Angeles pharmacy that is much less expensive then most and they will also work to accomidate your needs.
Please e-mail me if you are suggling and I will be happy to share the pharmacy names and whom to speak with.
Thanks, Lindsay
Posts: 484 | From Burlingame, Ca | Registered: Sep 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
Wow, great info. Our infusion company recently informed us that we could switch to generic (Ceftriaxone) so my LLMD wrote the script, I think the manufacturer is Baxter (as someone else mentioned here) and its about $800 a month....howver, thats just for the Ceftraixone meds...my insurance is covering the saline, and supplies and nursing for the PICC line because I am under-going many other IV meds...still its a better price that what we were paying --4,500!
Posts: 29 | From New York | Registered: Aug 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
I'm on Baxter's generic Rocephin. I think it is about $57 per day. I'm unclear if this is before or after insurance.
-------------------- Mountaingirl
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson Posts: 138 | From West Virginia | Registered: Sep 2007
| IP: Logged |
A big smile to Jeff M. The infusion company he told me about can supply all my meds (ceftriaxone 2g - 8 doses a week) plus all my infusion supplies for $560 a month.
And the meds come pre-mixed!!!!
Wow!
This company specializes in helping people who have no insurance or whose insurance will not cover the costs.
Email me and I will share with you all the info.
They use Baxter or Hucksburry (not positive on the 2nd name) which used to be Abbott. All meds come from the U.S.
Only additional cost is overnight shipping.
There is hope!!!
Well in Wisconsin
Posts: 13 | From Madison, WI | Registered: Oct 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
I hope everyone remembers the risks associated with IV Rocephin. I learned the hard way and almost had my gallbladder removed. Please be careful.
-------------------- Bullsye rash: 1994, tx w/ ABT, Symptomatic:1999 Hospitalization: 2004 Equivocol results (specialy lab) resulting in chronic use of ABT, herbs, etc ever since. Severity of symptoms continue to worsen intermittingly. Posts: 140 | From maryland | Registered: Oct 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
Hi Smiles132002 and wellinwisconsin. I sent you private messages about Rocefin since I can't find your email addresses in your posts. To check the private messages you have to check your lymenet profile. Thanks! PepperS
Posts: 1 | From menlo park, calif | Registered: Nov 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
I have a question and I think this site will give me a better answer than anyone in the healthcare community.
After 5 1/2 years, I have finally been diagnosed with Lyme Disease after requesting and paying out of pocket for my own test from IGeneX, Inc. in Ca.
My problem is, encephalitis (CNS infection) occurred a couple of weeks after the initial tick bite. The lyme has burrowed into all area's of my body and are right now causing extreme eye pain and heart problems. My doctor is telling me that IV Ceftriaxone for 30 days is what she thinks we need to do at least initially.
However, she continued to tell me that it costs $86,000 for 30 days and that I would need to drive to the clinic daily for IV administration, and etc. Then she stated that at the stage I am in, it is often unsuccessul and insurance may not pay for it. Is this true? There has to be other options. At this point I am willing to do anything, I am scared of lossing my sight and am in extrardinary daily pain.
Any suggestions? Also, does this ever get better or do I need to dig my heels in for a lifetime of this? Best guess?
I greatly appreciate any assistance any of you can give.
posted
Hi Angie, My insurance covered the Rocephin, but not the doctor visits. You should call your insurance agency and find out yourself. Tell them the situation. That price is very high that you were told. Mine was only $1300.00 a week, but I had a "pic" line and a home nurse came and changed the dressing weekly. You should call your insurance company directly. Tell them it is a matter of losing your eyesight or worse. Good luck, Rich
Posts: 208 | From Hudson Valley, New York | Registered: Mar 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
I read the post about getting 2 gram bottles of rocephin for 336.00. Could you tell me the name of the pharmacy in California or elsewhere where it could be bought for less? My sister is there and she is desperately ill and needs Rocephin. Any information is greatly appreciated.
Lindsay
Posts: 19 | From Texas | Registered: Aug 2007
| IP: Logged |
sometimesdilly
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9982
posted
here is what i've found for generic roph:
-------
Generic Rocephin Approved by the FDA
8/8/2005
Orchid Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd.'s
Abbreviated New Drug Application for ceftriaxone for injection, 250 mg, 500 mg, 1 g and 2 g vials; 1 g and 2 g piggyback vials and 10 g pharmacy bulk pack. Ceftriaxone for injection is generically equivalent to Rocephin by Roche. Apotex will exclusively market the product in the US, with shipments starting immediately.
----------------------- Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted final approval for its Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for Ceftriaxone Injection 10 gram vials (Pharmacy bulk pack). Ceftriaxone is the generic equivalent of Rocephin(R) marketed by Roche.
Lupin had launched the 250 mg, 500 mg, 1 g and 2 g strengths of ceftriaxone vials.....
------------------
general info about taking roph- dated 2008. note- says no generic is available. (not sure why??)
It's a response to tickbattler. Her husband wants IV Rocephen (generic) and she wanted the cost and source of the med. She asked about mixing. _____________
Hi tickbattler,
How are you?
Yes, generic Rocephen is here! It's a whole lot cheaper, then when I took it, although my insurance company paid for that plus my home health care, too.
Your LLMD could know the source and price. Maybe you have other arrangements with an LLMD.
If you have to pay for all this yourself (I'm sorry you have to do that,) what about asking your home health care company? Call their pharmacist and others at the company.
If you haven't chosen a company yet, do call around for pricing information on Rocephen and the cost of their home health care.
You might start out by saying, "I'm looking for a home health care company and I'm calling for prices." Ask if they offer a discount, since insurance won't pay.
Whatever company has nurses who change your dressing must also provide Rocephen.
You can't buy it and then give it to a nurse and offer to pay him or her for care because that puts their livelihood in jeopardy.
That means that if your husband should get an infection, well, for one, the nurse had no control over the source of the med.
However, you may find a sympathetic family member who is a nurse and who is willing to learn the latest methods (as to the type of cathetar you will have: what type of PICC line, for example, or what type of bag?)
This family member may work under the radar, with you, once a week to change the dressing for the sake of your husband.
In that case, you'd be the one to provide the Rocephen. But even if you paid for their services, you'd still be asking them a big favor.
Perhaps this nurse is a neighbor who is retired? You might then enlist the help of a wonderful pharmacist, for advice. Someone close to where you live.
They'll question why the patient is buying generic IV Rocephen.
And this pharmacist could be someone who doesn't rely too heavily on using pharmacy technicians. That's a good thing!
Instead, will you visit a hospital once a week to have the dressing changed?
If so, they provide the generic Rocephen and you take it home (with an ice pack) to administer it yourself (or your husband administers it.)
This is exciting, because you are just about to get your Rocephen!
But mixing? I have no idea. Frankly, I would not get involved in any mixing. That's way too complicated, in my opinion.
Do you know that Rocephen must be kept refrigerated at all times, until ready to use?
Even when shipped, or even when you pick it up from wherever, it must have an ice pack and when you get it home, the ice pack must still be at least partly frozen. Then it goes in your frig!
I had home health care. When the nurse came once a week to change the dressing, sometimes she'd also pull blood from the PICC line, for testing, on the order of my doctor.
You or your husband would administer the med.
What does your LLMD want--pulsing or using it everyday? I pulsed using it 4 days in a row (twice a day) and 3 days not using it, per week.
I used it six months.
I bought extra alcohol wipes from WalMart (their equate brand is cheap) and used them to clean a plastic tray that me and my nurse used.
I also didn't spare any alcohol wipes when I cleaned the PICC line opening before I administered Rocephen.
It's important to keep checking for infection: redness or swelling.
It's complicated, I know. Keep checking around and you'll get it worked out. I wish you the best!
posted
After exhausting all of my savings on IV Rocephin and supplies, I have found a *fabulous* place that will deliver the meds and supplies (already loaded in syringes). Instead of $1000 a week which I have been paying, I am now paying $600-$700 a month!! It is absolutely a life saver. PM me if you would like more information, as I am happy to share!
Posts: 393 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Jun 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
I quess I can thank my lucky stars that my IV treatment was completely covered by insurance for over a year, IV and all. Guess those days are over huh? I know my old doc is fee for service now and does not take any insurance. Things sure do change in a few years.
Cathy
-------------------- There is light at the end of the tunnel. I went from existing to living again. You can too! Posts: 192 | From Myrtle Beach, SC | Registered: Mar 2004
| IP: Logged |
Marnie
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 773
posted
Though I am not a fan of abx., there ARE times when it IS absolutely needed. Lyme carditis is one.
You need to know this:
Kardiol Pol. 2008 Apr;66(4):420-5 Lyme carditis presenting as acute coronary syndrome: a case report.
``After 21 days of continuous antibiotic therapy with ceftriaxone (2.0 g/d) the patient recovered completely.''
Posts: 9424 | From Sunshine State | Registered: Mar 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
Can someone give me prices in the per gram form?
With and without script?
I'm seeing lowest $35-$40/gram w/o script. Thats if you buy a ****-load of it though.
My infusion co. sells it for $30/gram WITH SCRIPT.
Makes me wonder if its worth while to cut out the middle man? ie..the Dr., LLMD whoever.
Posts: 269 | From Valencia, CA | Registered: Aug 2007
| IP: Logged |
Thank you, Rich
Posts: 208 | From Hudson Valley, New York | Registered: Mar 2008
| IP: Logged |
momlyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 27775
posted
Tomorrow is a big day. I get to call my insurance company & prescription insurance and see whether they will continue to pay for my son's IV treatment at home.
They pre-approved 28 days... that ends tomorrow.
He has a few days of rocephin left because we had to stop giving it to him for a few days when his WBC was low.
Hopefully, I call the insurance and they approve continuing with IV rocephin at home. What if they don't?
The options I know about: 1.) http://infuserveamerica.com - $34 a day is the price on website(Thanks ktkdommer!) 2.)call current supplier for price quote on self pay 3.) call around for prices at walmart, costco, cvs and other pharmacies
Any other suggestions?
Cross your fingers and say a prayer that insurance says continue indefinitely.
-------------------- May health be with you!
Toxic mold was suppressing our immune systems, causing extreme pain, brain fog and magnifying symptoms. Four days after moving out, the healing began. Posts: 2007 | From NY/VT Border | Registered: Aug 2010
| IP: Logged |
Rumigirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15091
posted
Unfortunately, most insurances will only cover 28 days---period, the end!! Unless you are extremely fortunate. If they don't cover it, your LLMD should ask your insurance for a Peer to Peer review for you to try and get coverage.
If they still deny it, you can appeal it for up to 3 levels of appeal---and you should.
Unless you buy the vials of powder and supplies cheaply and mix it yourself, Infuserve is the least expensive and most reliable that I know of. If someone has a cheaper, but reliable, other source, please let us know!
But in that case, you would need all the other supplies, too.
One little know fact is that after your insurance denies any further coverage.you can buy it from Infuserve, or wherever, and Infuserve will submit it to your insurance company under Major Medical. And it's often paid that way, although you may have to get on the insurance company to process it correctly several times. The co's will tell you that it won't be paid that way, but in fact it often is.
Posts: 3770 | From around | Registered: Mar 2008
| IP: Logged |
momlyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 27775
posted
Thanks Rumigirl!
I just got off the phone with the home infusion company who has been supplying us and they quoted me $65 a day. They also said they would contact the insurance company to see what information they need to continue treatment... and then contact my LLMD to get the information to the insurance company.
So, the ball is rolling.
In the meantime, I am calling around for prices on self pay. I know I don't want to mix it up myself. No experience & I hear this is not safe.
Good to know that Infuserve will submit to ins. I am not sure what Major Medical is, but I am sure I will learn.
If anyone has any more suggestions, I am all ears.
-------------------- May health be with you!
Toxic mold was suppressing our immune systems, causing extreme pain, brain fog and magnifying symptoms. Four days after moving out, the healing began. Posts: 2007 | From NY/VT Border | Registered: Aug 2010
| IP: Logged |
posted
One problem people have had with ins cos in this situation is that sometimes they will tell you it will be covered if medically necessary. The patient assumes it will be covered then, and runs up a big bill. Then the ins co says it isn't medically necessary and the patient is stuck with the bill. This has happened to a number of people on this board.
So beware of lying ins cos.
Posts: 8430 | From Not available | Registered: Oct 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
I buy my ceftriaxone in Europe it is made from Austria or Slovenia and the price is from 7 Euros to 16 Euro per 10 vials of 1 gram powder.
Travel there once a year and get my meds cheaper.
I also buy IV catheter a pack of 100 IV caths 24 G for 7-10 euro if you have this inserted you can insert heparin and use one IV catheter up to 7 days.
So no need to poke your self everyday like me and you need just one tenth of the amount of heparin compered to central lines PICS and other forms.
Also purchase 20 ml normal saline one box have 50 vials of normal saline a price i think is 5 euro.
I have good veins so insert one IV catheter a day mix my rocephin with 20 ml of normal saline for each gram rocephin and take 2 Gram rocephin over an hour.
No need to hang bags just attach a syringe with mix to IV cath and just push slow ore 0.5 ml at a time and then pause for little bit.
I take B-complex with this mix to.
Posts: 482 | From Nebraska | Registered: Feb 2010
| IP: Logged |
momlyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 27775
posted
Wow! I would think the trip to Europe would cancel out any savings on the abx! I sure would like a vacation, but not sure who would administer the abx while I'm gone!
I am afraid of doing a push... going with the method I am comfortable with. - pre-mixed bags.
Decided to go with infuserve. $646 for 28 days - includes 2g rocephin per day already mixed in saline... plus all the supplies, saline syringes, hepron flush, iv lines, dressing changes, alcohol swabs, etc.
We were doing a gravity drip, with IV pole, but we will do the pump method which was explained to me today as safer because the flow can be controlled better.
Ordered it today.
Thanks for all the help.
Ordering the Lyme Times insurance edition so I can start my appeals process with the insurance company.
Wish me luck.
-------------------- May health be with you!
Toxic mold was suppressing our immune systems, causing extreme pain, brain fog and magnifying symptoms. Four days after moving out, the healing began. Posts: 2007 | From NY/VT Border | Registered: Aug 2010
| IP: Logged |
Rumigirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15091
posted
The Lyme Times Insurance Issue is worth it's weight in gold!
The only problem is: from my experience, the insurance co's don't read a word that you, your LLMD, or the studies you send say! But you have to appeal. You might get lucky.
Posts: 3770 | From around | Registered: Mar 2008
| IP: Logged |
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/