Xolair-Genentech Changes - Not Better

[Guest guest]

My pulmo, after 16 months of successfully injecting myself at home sent

out the decree that I had to go to an infusion center/clinic for Xolair.

I am getting closer to quitting Xolair for several reasons although

quitting is not on the top of my list.

Genentech declared (NOT the FDA) that there could be no more home

injections because apparently some home injectors hadn't handled the med

properly and there had been some sort of problem. In reading the

Genentech rep message boards I noticed Xolair was referred to as " a

piece of crap. " That seems to be largely because it is (1) overpriced

(2) Only Mich & TX pay easily (apparently Medicare) for it (3) doctors

often will not accept the assignment - i.e., pay for and accept delivery

(4) patients cannot take 3-6 hours or more to go to a clinic for

injection (YES, PEOPLE ACTUALLY HAVE TO WORK FOR A LIVING - DUH!) (5)

most patients have about a 40-50% improvement.

The danger of driving to a clinic 44 miles (round trip) is greater than

the risk of reaction. (I've been on Xolair for 16 months at home with

no problems - no record of anyone on it that long who has had

anaphylaxsis) So is the danger of picking up disease from other

patients. So is the danger of quitting because of increased cost and

inability to hold down a job at the same time. The danger of more

damage to my lungs because of a lack of suitable alternative is very

serious. Genentech needs to be taken to task on this one. I would

like the citizens (govt insurance) to know that they are paying extra so

that Genentech can throw their weight around ... the insurance is now

paying for a clinic visit as well as the drug. $$$ extra

A double whammy. No wonder we have run-away health care costs.