posted
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 |
God bless your family, lyme x 9
Posts: 399 | From Texas | Registered: Apr 2005
| IP: Logged |
bettyg
Unregistered
posted
hi Dad, thanks for listing everything for other newbies who haven't had ivs like me!
A suggestion for you: copy the link above and paste it in 2 posts, both in MEDICAL:
1. Treepatrol's newbie links so he can add it in an area dealing with rocephine.
2. On rocephine link featured at the very top of page 1 where it shows the cost of this IV! These go hand in hand, and it will give other newbies info on RX plus your long list of supplies. Thanks Dad for doing this.
IP: Logged |
posted
I am surprised you are using only a 20ml syringe. Usually rocephin is diluted more than this. Or maybe I don't understand what you are saying here.
Posts: 8430 | From Not available | Registered: Oct 2000
| IP: Logged |
I did as you suggested and copy/pasted the entire supply list to both the newbie link and the Rocephine link
Lou,
I double checked and we are using a 20ML (3/4 oz) syringe to both reconstitute the dry-powder rocephin (2Grams) and to push the mixture through our daughter's PICC IV line.
This is the same size syringe we received premixed from the first supplier.
FYI- We also have to push 100mg of benedryl 30 minutes prior to the antibiotic push. My daughter has experienced a slight allergic reaction to the Rocephin, i.e., itching, minor rash, etc.
Maybe we ought to think about reducing the mixture, that might be what is causing her reaction.
What has been your experience with the mixture?? Is it something more diluted??
Posts: 681 | From California | Registered: Oct 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
Well, I did it by gravity drip method from a hanging saline bag. Am a little foggy now on size of bag, but I swear it was 100ml. I have a central line, not a PICC.
Sometimes if a person has problems with a drug, the solution is to dilute it more or infuse more slowly. There are bigger syringes than the one you are using.
Then again, if this works for you, just ignore me!
Posts: 8430 | From Not available | Registered: Oct 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
Thanks again Lymedad for all the info. I have
still been mulling over your reply when you told
me push,instead of drip or pump, homeball or any
of the other options. And yes 15 minutes sounds
awesome for a push like I do my Glutathione. But
2 Dr's I spoke with wanted me to do a 250ml
normal
saline bag with 2 grams since the Rocepin is so
caustic. Best wishes. Lyme x 9
Of course I never may get Rocephin I just had one
of the docs call saying he has changed his mind.
It seems he doesn't like my negative IGeneX.
I HAVE A POSITIVE PCR FROM MDL FOR PETE'S SAKE!
Did he want to retest me, NO! It is from 1/05.
Sounds like IDSA guidelines ----ing it up to me. Insurance has already approved the whole thing.
Posts: 399 | From Texas | Registered: Apr 2005
| 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/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[group hug]](graemlins/grouphug.gif)
![[cussing]](graemlins/cussing.gif)
----ing it up to me. Insurance has already approved the whole thing.
Printer-friendly view of this topic