Pharma meds out of pocket costs

[Guest guest]

Hi Guy,

As another guy rapidly approaching the situation your facing, I called Novartis

last week regarding how I can possibly afford meds during retirement. I'm from

the U.S., live in New Jersey, and have been taking Tasigna of over a year now.

I'm employed and my insurance company lays out over $7k a month for this one

prescription!

Medicare Part D looks to cost around $850 a month for this one script. I was

lead to believe from my conversation with Novartis PAP that almost all

applicants on limited retirement income would pay no more than $300 a month if

enrolled in their program rather than going the Medicare route. Is this

changing? I'm very interested in this topic, it is causing a lot of anxiety as

my wife and I attempt to plan retirement.

Thanks, and god bless.

Ralph Bruno

>

> Hello Fellow CML Sufferers,

>

> Let me introduce myself - Guy, an old guy. I have been treated with gleevec

since 2005 when I was first diagnosed. Lots of problems at first but my body

seemed to get used to the side effects. I would like to say to all those with

rashes and itching that cortisone did no good at all for me. At one time it was

feared I was allergic to gleevec. A friend advised me to ask my onc. if I could

take atarax (an anti-histamine) and zantac (acid reducer - using it for itching

is evidently well-known even though it is not the primary purpose.) This

combination worked wonders for me and you can even buy zantac over-the-counter.

A friend told me that atarax is even used on children. Please don't take this

without asking your doc, I'm just telling you how I got rid of my rash and

itching.

>

> One thing I don't see addressed much by the group is how you get help with the

price of gleevec. I take 90 tablets a month and up to now Novartis has provided

them. They have given me notice that they have a change of policy and they are

going to discontinue providing them to me. I have applied to PSI and am

anxiously waiting. I do have supplementary medicare ins. but I will have to pay

33% of the retail price. I just wondered if you have any suggestions.

>

> This is a great worry to my wife and to me.

>

> I have been reading your mail and am struck by the great kindness you show to

each other. I don't know about any rules you have to join your group. Please

let me know. I love Lottie's cheer-me-ups. Her joke about the " hearing " has

gone to England and France and the little Chinese drummer boy will bring joy far

and wide.

>

> Guy

>