I'm loosin my insurance soon like in 2 weeks. I need to ween myself off my meds slowly as I won't b able to afford them. The meds I'm takin are. Meteporal 12.5 mg 2ce a day. Neurotin 600 mg 2ce a day. And plaquinel 200mg 2ce a day. I know I'm goin to b in agony but I have no choice. Does anyone kn how to ween off them without a bad reaction? Thanks to dr who say I'm not sick n even tho my labs come back pos for sjogrens. N ana n kidney problems I guess I didn't qualify for anything.. gotta love that.. I don't understand one tho they said I had ms markins but my spinal tap said I didn't have it. N one dr said I have had many mini strokes n 3 big ones. Lung issues(imflamation) neg on lupas test. Don't sjogrens mimic these things? I don't get it.. I'm at a loss. Any help is appreciated greatly.
You need to look up the manufacturers of each drug & apply for assistance. Plaquenil is made by Sanofi-Aventis & I know that they use a Patient Prescription Assistance program along with other companies. It's a lot to fill out & you may need the dr's office assistance. Depending on income, etc. you may qualify to get them free. Sometimes, like disability, you may have to submit the paperwork more than once to be approved. The website is http://www.pparx.org/ for the USA. Not sure if you are in another country what it will be.
Can you afford to get the least expensive generic version of each med in the meantime? Even if you have to cut the dosage or take it every other day, it would be better than doing without.
Depending on where you live, there may be other options.
I am in th us. In ohio. I dono where u r but I will check into that deffinately, just real scared to get the migraines again if they r causin the strokes. The dr said I'm set to have a massive one but he can't say when or y. So I'm totally confused n deffinately scared to death. I read on here that goin off the plaquinel can cause headaches.. thank u so much for ur help.
Please be careful doing this on your own. You really need a doctors recommendation to taper off the neurontin and metoprolol (if this is the one you meant). The beta blocker (metoprolol) especially...most taking this don't get off. Both of these will take some time (more then two weeks) to get off. The Plaquenil does not list it needing to taper but some have problems reducing their dose, so use caution.
I would inquire about drug assistance through manufacturers like GeorgiaGirl replied.
If you have had confirmed strokes why aren't you on a blood thinner? The doctor is asking to be sued if he's telling you that you are set to have a massive one and not treating you for it. I think you need another opinion...someone you will HELP you and treat your conditions. Can you get on Medicaid and see another doctor?
I am in GA. Definitely check out that website. If you are approved, they usually ship a 3-month-supply each quarter to your doctor and you pick it up there. At least that's how it used to work.
You may also want to see if there is anything in your town or county that helps people without insurance obtain necessary medications. Many non-profits work together, so even if you don't know exactly who to call they might can direct you to the right place or number. If nothing comes up in a google search, try calling a local homeless shelter, women's resource center or health department to start.
You may also be eligible for Medicaid; and there are insurance pools for those of us who were so foolish as to develop an autoimmune disease.
That's the insurance I had. Was state insurance.. dr told me to apply for disability n I have but haven't heard nothing about it lately. So like I said I didn't kn what to do for meds. I'm sure my dr (primary) will let it slide until I can see if I can get insurance back ) a mth was suppost to go back in 6 weeks n he wanted me to see a kidney neur somethin dr. Never heard of this one b4 as I have ellilite cells n 1+ protien in an urinealisis. Along with low capasity I think it was. I don't kn what to do about that. I just feel lost n fallin apart. N as for the dr lettin me go after sayin I was setup for a massive stroke n lettin me go yeah I agree, but when I told my primary phy. He had a licenced practicing dr female who said she had sjogrens; tell him it's only dry eyes n mouth I didn't look like anything else was wrong. Even after I told him about the stroke issue. So u can see I'm at a loss. My only hope now is the cleveland clinic. My primary is tho at least checkin into the kidney thing altho I won't b able to go to this dr.. don't ya just love not lookin sick n practicing drs that kn everything.. on a good note I made him mad I took him imformation I found from a sjogerns dr in pa. And another dr in indiana. Bet he won't tell me she knows more now. It had a lot in it I learned a lot from it.
Sounds like you really need to see a couple doctors. Hope you can get Medicaid. You sort of indicated that is what had, but I don't understand how you would 'lose' it...unless you made too much money to qualify. Can you clarify this? I may just be brain dead and not reading it right...LOL
How long ago did you file for disability? It does take a while to get approved.
Please don't abruptly stop your meds. That will cause problems with the beta blocker and neurontin for sure. The generic of these should be far less expensive as well.
Also, it would be much easier to read your posts if you write it out (vs text talk). Your posts from a couple months ago were much easier to understand/read. Thanks
there are all kinds of programs for people w/o insurance..like what was mentioned above def contact the drug manufacturer and see if they can help-a lot of time they will give you the meds for free... your pharmacy should be able to give you the contact info of the manufacturer if you cannot find it yourself... you could also ask the pharmacy or your doc for other programs..there are a lot out there.. dont give up.. good luck!!
i didn't stop the meds but i gained a new problem my urinalysis is showing protine blood n the Dr called Cleveland clinic and got me in to a rumatory, urologist , heart and lung Dr. thats all the main ones i needed. they have a program that helps pay Dr bills.. now i go tomorrow to a lady who's gonna help me get the medicines on a program. i have been out of commission so to speak i couldn't do much of anything I'm still really sick. had double ammonia that wouldn't go away then my left kidney started. it's been rough sorry i didn't post sooner I'm moving a bit today but not well. yes i was on state medical and they took me off it, said we made too much and the hospital don't understand it they said we should have qualified. sorry about the text form of typing i was starting to feel bad when i posted last. things are looking up but it's still going to be a bit before i can see all the Dr's i need to and i fear they may try to redo all the test and prolong it so i have gathered everything i can get medical wise on the test and scans already done to try to prevent it. I'm hoping they will figure out why my urinalysis is this way i hurt so bad it's like labor pains all over, and no i dint have a gullbladder...haha ( Dr's keep saying thats the problem) thanks to everyone for their support threw this you really help me remember i could get better with hope. i remembered comments from others who bloged i read and remembered it when i was at my worse. with depression that hit me this kept me going along with my grandkids. again thanks for your support and sorry i didn't reply sooner i was really sick.
Whatever you do please do not stop the metoprolol. If you are at risk of stroke stopping this med could raise your blood pressure and trigger another one.
Glad at least you are now set up to see another doctor and hopefully get the help you need.
You need to appeal the state medical program denial ASAP. In Ohio there are a number of disability advocacy organizations. http://www.disabilityresources.org/OHIO.html Look under the independent living heading and find the one closest to you; they should be able to direct you to someone who can get you back on it.
It might also be kind of fun to contact a local reporter, and tell your story. See if the taxpayers think that paying for your comatose self to be maintained after your massive stroke is a cost-effective proposition. (Not meaning that that will happen to you; giving the worst-case scenarios does tend to get their attention, though.)
Also contact your elected officials about this.
I hope you have someone who can do this work for you, so you can try to heal.
Hugs, Sharon
Also - some of these drugs may not be as high as you think they are going to be without insurance...I just lost my insurance and my neurontin at Target pharmacy was only like 9 dollars : ) I was sooo relieved none of my meds are expensive. Best wishes!
i called the pharmacy like u had said n i found most are reasonable but i have 2 that are quite expensive. the meteporolol and neurotin is just a few dollars if i but a 3 months supply @ wallmart didn't know we could do that. I have thought about calling a news station but i don't want to embarrass my kids. so that i can't do...lol I'm hoping that i can get in to the rumatory Dr and he can find something other than the plaquinel it's too expensive and if i can't find a program i might be in trouble with that, besides I'm loosing my hair by the hand full i have read on here it can do that. again thanks for all your help i was so lost in what to do i was paniced.
I'm pretty sure Plaquenil is available in generic form. Check Target, Walgreen's or WalMart for cheap prices. Costco is even cheaper.
To apply call toll-free 877-296-HOPE (4673),
or go to http://www.prescriptionhope.com
to learn more about the program.
or www.needymeds.org
You really need all your meds, but going without the Metoprolol is going to cause you misery. This drug is to lower blood pressure and maybe given for other reasons.
It blocks a drug that can "speed up" your body. When the Metoprolol is stopped, even with a taper, the body starts to have agitation, rapid pulse, uneasiness and just in general feeling really wired. It is hard on the body and the blood pressure can go up and down.
Please try to find a place to get this drug first and formost. You need the other drugs also and I hope that you are successful in your search. Be sure to go to social services at the county and bug them to help you. Irish
I have three stages of dealing with problems:
1) Ask, trying to be clear about the problem.
Usually gets the "I don't want to be bothered with this" response, up and down the line from professionals to clerical staff.
2) Think about that response and call back, with some idea of what problems they may have with my [reasonable] approach.
Usually gets the response: It's someone else's job and that person isn't available, or i'll research it and get back to you, or Give me your mailing address and we will send you a form to fill out.
3) Get angry, emphasizing that you've gone through channels and nothing has happened. Sometimes, ask to talk to a supervisor.
This often works, though not immediately.
The really sad thing is the time it takes. Sometimes you might get a friend or a spouse to make one of the series of phone calls.
And I don't remember the details very well, unless I take notes and keep track of the notes! I'm going to start a daily problem solving notebook.
If you do that, take it with you to all interviews and review hearings and any other person to person discussion.
How awful to have to learn to do this while being sick!
Much success with a dysfunctional system,
Soycoffee
On Neurontin
There are two important things to know about Neurontin:
1) It is a medication in the class of anti-seizure meds, that has been proven for fifteen years to work well to relieve the pain of peripheral neuropathy. BUT as an anti-seizure medication, it is difficult and dangerous to drop it completely, especially if you are trying to do it in a hurry. It would also be very dangerous to try to take Neurontin every other day to reduce the cost. Neurontint/gabapentin works best with a steady supply of the drug in your system.
2) Neurontin now has a generic equivalent, called "gabapentin." Gabapentin costs much, much less than Neurontin.
I've been on Neurontin/gabapentin for more than ten years, and had the same neurologist all that time. He's told me about the drug, through the years, and I've noted and logged all his bits of information. I have been on high dose, and tapered down, with the use of methyl b12, but never gotten off it completely.
Much success in finding the help and resources you need,
Soycoffee
I don't have prescription coverage either. I found out through my pharmacist that there is a no cost program to help people without coverage. I didn't have to do anything he activated it and now I pay a co-pay. It's a little more than with insurance but I didn't have to give up any of my meds.
It's called United Networks of America. Most pharmacies, including the ones in supermarkets have it.
It's in every state. I hope this helps.