Hi. I've recently lost my COBRA insurance after my husband was laid off a few months ago and we can no longer afford the COBRA payments. I desperately need my Evoxac. So far, the cheapest I've found is at Costo for 90 pills for $314.50. That is quite a chunk of money for me right now. I did go on the manufacturer's website, but my income had to have been below something like $25,000 last year. Well, my husband made much more than that last year, so I cannot submit that tax return from 2011 which they require. Does anyone know of anyplace else I can get this even a little cheaper? I did some research and a place called Prescription Giant kept coming up, but, having never heard of them I am leery. I'm not even sure if it can still be bought in Canada cheaper. I'm sure this is an issue for more people than just me. We are caught in the middle--made too much last year to qualify for help, but not enough now to actually be able to pay for these drugs! Does anyone know of any place that may be even a little cheaper? Thank you all so much for your help! If you feel more comfortable, please feel free to PM me. Thanks again!
Janny, this is a problem many of us have. Sometimes it's because of a layoff and not being able to afford COBRA or living on social security as me and my husband do. We do have insurance to go with our Medicare fortunately, but we are paying higher and higher $$ for co-pays and deductibles. Just this year, so far, I am amazed at how both have gone up. One RX, I get my RX filled and at the end of 30 days, they will not fill it for 12 more days. If I want to pay cash for the next one I can, otherwise I wait 12 days for renewal of this med by insurance. What's that? You either need a med or you don't.
Since I've had SJS about the time we retired, I've checked some of the drug companies and we were not eligible for anything with both our ss incomes. I don't want to post an amount on here but we would be not considered destitute. Or the very poor, but never made it to being able for any help. Lucy
Janny, ask about pilocarpine. I forgot about that. It goes by the name of Salagen and I think it comes in generic and is much cheaper than Exovac. I had a brain freeze for a moment. Lucy
Yes, Salagen / pilocarpine is about $138 for a 90-day supply, cash price. I found it very effective in restoring the ability to salivate; it is available for under $30 ($10/month) on some state assistance plans for seniors. Low incomes *now* may qualify, but would be hard to negotiate.
Lucy,
Is your prescription written for the right amount for 1 month, (or 3 months if you get the 90 day supply)? I know on one of my prescriptions my doctor increased the dosage but didn't write a new prescription for the new amount and I ran into the same problem as you. I had to get a new script from my doctor for the increased amount. The pharmacy can usually refill a prescription about a week before the old one is due to run out.
Just a thought.
Nancy
In Canada Salagen for me at 5mg x6/day is $360! How come it is so much cheaper in the States? I wonder what Evoxac is here?
I am sorry you are having troubles.
4Kids,
Probably because you said you were getting Salagen, not the generic, Pilocarpine. Check to see if the generic is available in Canada....you'll save a bundle.
Yes, I recommend checking out pilocarpine (Salagen). I take it and am very happy with it. I can adjust the amount I take from 4 to 6 a day. I don't take them at night (it would require taking one in the middle of the night to get though the whole night). But normal people are supposed to produce less saliva during the night anyway (probably to be a protection against choking on your sown secretions, inhaling them into the lungs).Quote from: soycoffee on February 27, 2012, 11:06:58 PM
Yes, Salagen / pilocarpine is about $138 for a 90-day supply, cash price. I found it very effective in restoring the ability to salivate; it is available for under $30 ($10/month) on some state assistance plans for seniors. Low incomes *now* may qualify, but would be hard to negotiate.
pharmacychecker.com shows evoxac $266.95 for 100 at costco.
Eye Am Dry and Soy Coffee--great suggestion! I have heard about the pilocarpine, but never gave it a thought as to being a cheaper alternative. Thank all of you so much. It means so much to me right now. I am going through a terrible time. Isn't it funny how everything will hit at the same time? As soon as the COBRA ended, that's when my duct plugs (which were life-savers) fell out, too. So, now it's back to the eyedrops and gel 24/7. Oh, did I mention that both my kids just moved out, too, so I'm dealing with empty nest syndrome and my Dad just found out he has to have a cancer biopsy? I wish my Mom was still alive to talk to. Sorry to unload all of this at once, but it's just one of those days when I think I need a good cry and some compassion. Funny how we hear things in the news, etc. about people having a hard time paying for meds, etc., but it doesn't really hit home until it happens to us! I've always been very financially comfortable most of my life and never dreamed we'd both lose our jobs at the same time!!! I have a whole new outlook now for all of those out there who are struggling. Gonna definitely check the pilocarpine. Thanks again everyone!
Oh, Janny, my eyes are now wet enough, thanks to Restasis, to fill with tears at your post. Go ahead and cry, "cry your eyes out."
I don't know that the price I quoted would cover the amount that you would take -- I take fewer tablets of pilocarpine because a. I have to eat a big meal so as not to get reflux, and b. I can only handle that big meal once a day. So I either take a second pill and a ranitidine tablet, or go without that second pill, because it's working so well after the big-meal pill. Saves some, but consider that it is not the full tooth-saving effect you may want or need.
Let us know each time the downsizing gets to you. A good number of us are un(der)employed jobwise, and employing various smart strategies to work the system and survive.
Just saying where you are is a big big step, so I'm proud that you did that. It's what I would say to my daughter, any daughter deserves to hear it.
{{{hugs}}}
Soycoffee
Soy, you just made my day just to know there are such sweet and caring people like you out there. Yeah, it can all be hard, but I'm just thankful for the good times there are. Last Sunday I went shopping with my grown daughter who is so sweet to me and even offered to buy me a bottle of Evoxac! Of course, I said no. But, God did give us the small, sweet things to be ever so grateful for. I wish you nothing but the best--and if you ever needa shoulder to cry on, hey, here I am....