PROVIGIL USERS, PLEASE HELP!!!

[Emmie]

Okay friends, I've just now caught my breath enough to write this post! I'm in total shock.

From reading some posts I noticed a few people are taking Provigil for fatigue, and they report great results with it.

Well, I decided to ask my psychiatrist to prescribe it for me, which he did. My prescription of 100 pills is ready for pickup, so I called to get the price.

I am prepared to pay cash, since my insurance is going through some changes right now, and my medicines aren't covered at the moment. (That problem will be resolved soon and I will again have prescription coverage).

ANYWAY, the pharmacist told me over the phone that my 100 pills is $400.92. I had to ask him to repeat it, because I couldn't believe what I heard!! BUT, the price is correct. He explained that since the medication is relatively new, there is no generic form of it yet. So I will pay the brand price.

Well, I do need this medicine and will pay for it if I have to... but I'd like to know if you guys have ever heard of such a price for pills. Are there any other steps I can take before shelling out $400.92? I don't want to find out later that I could have paid less and then be regretful.

Help please!

Love,
- Emmie :love:

[Emmie]

Hmmm, 12 Views...

Even those who don't use Provigil and would like to comment, I would love to hear your thoughts on this subject. Thanks.

[BrendaM]

I don't use it, but when will your insurance kick in to cover meds? If you can, I'd wait till then if it's not too far away.

[Clare.T]

Shop around on line to see if you can get it cheaper. However there are many disease related conditions and the disease itself which might be causing undue fatigue and it's important to get checked for these and to consider better disease modifying medications. This drug is after all affecting the CNS and body in some way to produce the energising result.
If it is being used simply as a way to continue over activity and stress it may not in the long run be helping the lupus much.
Rest, relaxation, stress reduction and life style adaptations are importyant tools in living with lupus. Fatigue results from inflammation and immune system activity. It is hard to see how taking a stimulant can in the long run help.

For what it's worth.

Clare

[Valynt9]

That sounds about right. 60 pills of celebrx for me would have been $124 (we finally convinced the insurance I had already been through all the other things they wanted me to use instead). The 1oz bottle of clobex would have cost me $87 (my derm said forget that and gave me samples).

[cloey]

HI
Its crazy what they can charge you for medication. I pay $110 for 6 Imetrex (migrain meds)...the thought of it gives me a migrain ;)

[joannemc]

Hi ,I do use Provigil and I couldnt pay that price but it does sound about right meds these days are so outragious(sp) ! Can you ask your dr for a prescription for 30 or 60 for now, some drs will do that, tell him or her why!! You can also check with different pharmacys for prices. Let us know!! :thumbs: Hugs.......Joannemc

[Amanda Davidson]

I've got to admit I'm gob smacked. In the UK we complain about having to pay just under ?7 per prescription, and we complain because the National Health Service is restrictive and slow, but that amount of money is ridiculous. Is there no legislation in the US preventing extortionate amounts being placed on medication?

Perplexed,

Amanda

[Heartful02]

Emmie, Clair makes a good point. My husband takes it b/c he has a high stress job and doesnt get much sleep. Can you believe that is a viable reason? Anyway, my mil also takes it (how my hubby found out about it) to fight the fatigue caused by Topramax and a friend of mine with MS takes it because her disease is advanced and she cant stay awake without it. The price is about right, keep in mind that the less you get, the more expensive they are per pill.

If you can, call your dr and ask for a box of samples (or2), explain about your insurance and maybe you can hold off filling it. The samples is the only reason my mil can take it, she cannot afford it. They are in boxes of 7 pills.

I cannot take it because of the CNS involvement and heart troubles. Be careful, when your body tells you to rest, please do. On days when you dont have alot pressing, dont take any at all.

Blessings, Robin :wave:

[Maia]

Amanda,

Actually, there is no procedure in place to restrict the prices on prescription drugs in the US. We pay through the nose here - in fact not even for Medicare (senior citizens on public medical assistance) will the government add a clause to negotiate for lower prescription prices! It's insane...

[joannemc]

Robin,,,,Is that true? The less you get the more you have to pay! Thats crazy!!

[meg4340]

[B][COLOR=red]

Hi Everyone :wave:

First, let me say that I am on Provigel, love it, and hope it keeps working for me. I don't take the medication at least a couple of days a week. On those days I rest and watch TV and recuperate. It does help me function soooo much better. As I've heard said, it is a "false energy"...i.e. it's not treating our disease, just the fatigue and brain fog. So, you have to be careful and not overdo, get your rest, etc.

Now, I hope I don't get off on a soapbox here, but....here goes. I think $400 is extremely ridiculous for medication, but coming from the other side of the coin, so to speak (my hubby works in pharmaceuticals), let me try and explain the drug company's point of view. It takes YEARS, and i mean YEARS for a drug to go from the "idea" phase to the pharmacy. There are major hurdles to pass...the FDA, for one and major, major billions of dollars on research and development. A drug is first introduced with a patent so the drug company can recoup and make money off the drug. After the patent expires, the drug goes generic and ANY company can obtain the formula and make the drug....SO, it becomes cheaper. The companies that are producing the drug generically did not incur the orginally phenomenal costs. Drug companies are businesses and they are in this to make money as well as provide optimal health resources.

The United States leads the world in research and development of new drugs. Although there is no "price ceiling" on these medications, we have to wonder if we would be willing to give up some of our advancements in medicine to have this ceiling on prices. Our healthcare is very accessible and drug companies offer millions every year in "patient in need" programs and "people's free pharmacy" and "vouchers". Also, take into account, that like a doctor, drug companies must defend lawsuits constantly.....even after FDA approval. This also drives up drug costs.....and all other health costs, as well.

Our Medicaid program that offers health care to indigent patients works on a "formulary" basis. All drugs that medicaid covers must be approved by the formulary committee and added to the "list". This is the same in our Veteran's Administration system.

Also, we must remember that when insurance was first instituted, it was done for strictly catastrophic reasons. It didn't cover well check ups, immunizations, pregnancy and medications....the public, over the years has demanded coverage on these things...and the insurance has had to begin covering that as well....thus higher insurance costs.....it is a vicious circle.

But, I still believe we have one of the best healthcare systems in all the world. Should something be done about ridiculous medications prices? Absolutely. But, do we want that at the expense of research and development? Not me!!!

Oh, well, I'll get off my soapbox. Hope this doesn't upset anyone. Just my point of view and limited knowledge on the subject.

As for the original question, I would ask for a 200mg prescription (you might be on a 50 or 100mg dose)...then half or quarter the pills. I would also start with a one month supply to be sure that this drug is going to work for you and that you have no adverse side affects. And, the sample idea is a great one too!!!! Take care and keep us posted :flowers:

[Emmie]

:hello:

I appreciate the replies and everyone who took the time to share info and give suggestions. I read each post twice. Even though my thread was about pricing and pricing only, I will still keep in mind all the volunteered advice regarding use of the medication itself. You all are super.

I resolved to just get a few pills for now, in order to gauge whether or not the medicine helps with this lethargy associated with my depression. My post did say that this was prescribed by my psychiatrist, not my lupus rheumy.

Much love and many blessings, :love:
- Emmie

P.S.: Meg, you can get on your soapbox anytime...your writings about the pharmaceutical industry was quite informative.

[Maia]

I agree regarding the costs to develop pharmaceutical drugs, I just don't understand why the citizens of the United States are the main ones being forced to "foot the bill" for all the research and development. We also seem to foot the bill for almost every other cause in this world too, and many of our citizens can't afford it any longer.

[CaliGirl]

Emmie,
So far I am blessed that my doctor gives me samples monthly. She did tell me they are extremely expensive and my insurance will not cover it. Hopefully she will continue to be as generous at least until they come out with a generic that will be covered. Try asking for samples. Plus I make them go far since they come in 200mg tablets, she said to take half and it does work wonders for me. I do take them on extreme fatigue days though...not everyday. Good luck. Brenda :luck:

[meg4340]

Maia...

While we do "foot the bill" for most research and development, some drugs are developed in other countries first. But, even to get them approved here requires months and months of FDA testing and meetings.....all to be sure we are safe and they are free from lawsuits. Example...Ambien (sleep med) was developed in France...when France wanted to launch in the U.S., it teamed up with Searle/Pharmacia to have them promote the drug for 5 years. Ambien has now reverted back to its parent company in france. There are many countries doing research and development, but the US has more access to funding, etc.....so we do probably contribute the vast majority of it.

there's my 2 cents worth lol

[Emmie]

Originally posted by CaliGirl@Apr 30 2004, 01:15 AM
Emmie,
So far I am blessed that my doctor gives me samples monthly.? She did tell me they are extremely expensive and my insurance will not cover it.? Hopefully she will continue to be as generous at least until they come out with a generic that will be covered.? Try asking for samples.? Plus I make them go far since they come in 200mg tablets, she said to take half and it does work wonders for me.? I do take them on extreme fatigue days though...not everyday.? Good luck.? Brenda :luck:
Hi, Brenda,

Thanks for your reply. I'm glad for you that your doctor realizes the outrageous price of this medicine, and gives you samples. Like you said, hopefully she'll be able to continue.

As a side comment on the USA (oftentimes) bearing the brunt of expense, it brought to mind the high cost of housing, food, goods, services and living expenses in general. Americans are charged as if each citizen has a money tree growing in our backyards. As if the leaves were dollar bills and we can pick as much as we want, whenever we want. :lol: Just a little joke, but it seems that way sometimes. Hmmm, could that be one of the reasons we have such a high rate of crime here...so many people robbing and killing for money? Just a thought.

[nicole7]

I just happened upon this thread while researching provigil here. I did not read through the entire thread but I don't see how it can hurt to add info even if it's already been mentioned. I know this is an old thread but...
Anyway...when I was not yet covered by my drug plan...a situation I find myself in again now in fact. My family dr. was empathetic and gave me samples of as many drugs as he had on hand that would help me out. The other thing he did was ensured that I asked for the generic form of any medication available at my pharmacy that I couldn't obtain from him. I also know of a friend who met a pharm. rep. that sometimes helps him out with meds.
I hope this helps someone.
N