Guest guest Posted July 4, 2002 Report Share Posted July 4, 2002 Just to add a side note on availability. Believe it or not, Carnitor is now on the Preferred Drug list for Merck-Medco Mail Order Pharmacy! And that's supposed to be the largest mail order pharmacy in the country. I was shocked, but pleased to discover that when our health insurance switched over in May. Usually the Preferred Drugs lists are commonly used, reasonably priced drugs, and Carnitor is neither as far as I know. But I'm just glad I got it so easily this time and for a very low co-pay. Once in a while, things go our way! Barbara > > , > > Thank you for the info. Does that mean I could get a prescription > for > > Carnitor? > > > > Thanks, Robin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 4, 2002 Report Share Posted July 4, 2002 Barbara I have been getting mine from them for about three years. Merck-Medco is now Medco Health and there new e-addy is medcohealth.com laurie > > Reply-To: > Date: Thu, 04 Jul 2002 16:44:08 -0000 > To: > Subject: Re: Carnitor > > Just to add a side note on availability. Believe it or not, Carnitor > is now on the Preferred Drug list for Merck-Medco Mail Order > Pharmacy! And that's supposed to be the largest mail order pharmacy > in the country. I was shocked, but pleased to discover that when our > health insurance switched over in May. Usually the Preferred Drugs > lists are commonly used, reasonably priced drugs, and Carnitor is > neither as far as I know. But I'm just glad I got it so easily this > time and for a very low co-pay. Once in a while, things go our way! > > Barbara > > > > >>> , >>> Thank you for the info. Does that mean I could get a > prescription >> for >>> Carnitor? >>> >>> Thanks, Robin > > > > Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements contained herein > are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of this e mail is > entirely responsible for its content. List members are reminded of their > responsibility to evaluate the content of the postings and consult with their > physicians regarding changes in their own treatment. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 5, 2002 Report Share Posted July 5, 2002 Robin, Dr. Korson prescribed me a prescription for Carnitor. Sheila Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 5, 2002 Report Share Posted July 5, 2002 Thanks Shiela, I'm going to seeDr. Korson on the 18th, and I'll ask him for the prescription. Thank you, Robin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 5, 2002 Report Share Posted July 5, 2002 Ann Marie, Because my " symptoms " are kind of mild (and I am dealing with other issues that make knowing what ailment is causing what symptom), I may not be the best to ask. I can tell you that I have been feeling a little bit better (less tired lately). I have not had any bad side effects, the only thing would be loose stools (not diarrhea). It really is no big deal (actually makes things a bit easier-ha-ha). The way I am looking at it is...it is not hurting me to take the Carnitor. I have looked up info on Carnitor and it can be beneficial to the body, so I figure I will continue on it for now. I am fighting to see if they will accept my script for CoQ10. I actually have it in an appeals process right now. I have the Dept manager and the human resource person on my side....so I am keeping my fingers crossed. The only reason I was denied, was because it is an " over the counter drug " and my insurance will not cover any drug that is over the counter. That was the ONLY reason they listed. Well...they cover Motrin, which is also over the counter and Zantac, which is also over the counter. I think I have a legitimate arguement. Keep your fingers crossed. Sheila Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 5, 2002 Report Share Posted July 5, 2002 Sheila The dosage of the Motrin, etc. is higher for the prescription than over the counter. You might try having your doctor prescribe a specific strength of Co Q that is not available over the counter instead of so much a day. It might not work, but then the reasoning (using Motrin for example) would be there. laurie > From: Smz143@... > Reply-To: > Date: Fri, 05 Jul 2002 13:44:53 -0400 > To: > Subject: Re: Carnitor > > Ann Marie, > > Because my " symptoms " are kind of mild (and I am dealing with other issues > that make knowing what ailment is causing what symptom), I may not be the best > to ask. > > I can tell you that I have been feeling a little bit better (less tired > lately). I have not had any bad side effects, the only thing would be loose > stools (not diarrhea). It really is no big deal (actually makes things a bit > easier-ha-ha). > The way I am looking at it is...it is not hurting me to take the Carnitor. I > have looked up info on Carnitor and it can be beneficial to the body, so I > figure I will continue on it for now. > I am fighting to see if they will accept my script for CoQ10. I actually have > it in an appeals process right now. I have the Dept manager and the human > resource person on my side....so I am keeping my fingers crossed. > The only reason I was denied, was because it is an " over the counter drug " and > my insurance will not cover any drug that is over the counter. That was the > ONLY reason they listed. > Well...they cover Motrin, which is also over the counter and Zantac, which is > also over the counter. > I think I have a legitimate arguement. > Keep your fingers crossed. > > Sheila > > > Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements contained herein > are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of this e mail is > entirely responsible for its content. List members are reminded of their > responsibility to evaluate the content of the postings and consult with their > physicians regarding changes in their own treatment. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 5, 2002 Report Share Posted July 5, 2002 Laurie, I did give them a copy of the prescription. The doctor wants me to take 200mg twice a day. The total cost for the script at CVS is $122.00 a month, and I would be taking 4 pills a day. Is that not considered prescription strength? Sheila Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 5, 2002 Report Share Posted July 5, 2002 Sheila, Carnitor as opposed to L-Carnitine is a Rx and each tablet is 330 mg. Smz143@... wrote: > > Laurie, > > I did give them a copy of the prescription. The doctor wants me to take 200mg twice a day. > The total cost for the script at CVS is $122.00 a month, and I would be taking 4 pills a day. > > Is that not considered prescription strength? > > Sheila > > > Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements contained herein are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of this e mail is entirely responsible for its content. List members are reminded of their responsibility to evaluate the content of the postings and consult with their physicians regarding changes in their own treatment. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 5, 2002 Report Share Posted July 5, 2002 Oh, the subject matter still said Carnitor. Chatter away Sheila, that is how we all learn and help each other. Smz143@... wrote: > > Oh, sorry ... > > I was referring to what Laurie had posted to me about the CoQ10. > I should have been more specific. > > Boy, am I a chatterbox today. > > Sheila ) > > > Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements contained herein are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of this e mail is entirely responsible for its content. List members are reminded of their responsibility to evaluate the content of the postings and consult with their physicians regarding changes in their own treatment. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 5, 2002 Report Share Posted July 5, 2002 Oh, sorry ... I was referring to what Laurie had posted to me about the CoQ10. I should have been more specific. Boy, am I a chatterbox today. Sheila ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 5, 2002 Report Share Posted July 5, 2002 Sheila That would be prescription strength I would think. I guess what I getting at was to have the prescription written as one gelcap twice a day and then specify 200 mg. gelcaps. I don't know if this would work or not. I take 240 mg four times a day. I also use the Q-gel, so it would mean taking even more of the other types. It is very expensive. laurie > From: Smz143@... > Reply-To: > Date: Fri, 05 Jul 2002 14:06:09 -0400 > To: > Subject: Re: Carnitor > > Laurie, > > I did give them a copy of the prescription. The doctor wants me to take 200mg > twice a day. > The total cost for the script at CVS is $122.00 a month, and I would be taking > 4 pills a day. > > Is that not considered prescription strength? > > Sheila > > > Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements contained herein > are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of this e mail is > entirely responsible for its content. List members are reminded of their > responsibility to evaluate the content of the postings and consult with their > physicians regarding changes in their own treatment. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 5, 2002 Report Share Posted July 5, 2002 as far as i no it the same the carnitor just more strong -- but it come in a liquid and IV if you have a central line for access -- i'm suppose two start it and we is aim for IV because i am have great swallow issue. Eileen best thing of do is cheeck with your docs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2002 Report Share Posted July 6, 2002 Eileen, Please try to remember to hit reply so we know what post you are answering . Gme240@... wrote: > > as far as i no it the same the carnitor just more strong -- but it come in a > liquid and IV if you have a central line for access -- i'm suppose two start > it and we is aim for IV because i am have great swallow issue. > > Eileen > > best thing of do is cheeck with your docs. > > > Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements contained herein are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of this e mail is entirely responsible for its content. List members are reminded of their responsibility to evaluate the content of the postings and consult with their physicians regarding changes in their own treatment. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2002 Report Share Posted July 6, 2002 i am hit reply not sure what you mean?? EIleen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2002 Report Share Posted July 6, 2002 I am not sure if it is the pills itself or the bodies reaction to the carnitine. Maybe someone else can help with this. When I mentioned the odor problem others had to my GP she said that makes sense because body builders who take a lot of carnitine often have a fishy odor about them. I only experience the odor once. I stopped taking the pills then. I also tended to stop taking them because of the difficulty swallowing them. Anyhow, I believe it has been mentioned that if you take the CoQ10 and the Carnitor together they work together and you do not get the smell. I am sure someone else can help out more on this as I have learned almost everything from people on this list. Janet Sample Re: Carnitor My two boys take it in pill form. It is easily snapped in half with your fingers HOWEVER, you have to take it right away as it will disintergrate quickly. Don't know anything about how the liquid tastes. The pills have a fishy odor....but it doesn't bug the boys. Carol Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements contained herein are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of this e mail is entirely responsible for its content. List members are reminded of their responsibility to evaluate the content of the postings and consult with their physicians regarding changes in their own treatment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2002 Report Share Posted July 6, 2002 The liquid tastes kind of like cherry but not very much. It is ok. I had the diarreha problem when I first started taking the liquid. I think I posted it awhile back, but be sure to find out from the pharmacist. It is more concentrated than the over the counter brands per tablespoon. My doctor did make a mistake on the prescription amount of how much to take each day. The pharmacist caught it when we tried to figure out how much she needed to order for a months supply. Re: Carnitor Hey Ann-Marie: I think the liquid form is flavored...what flavor, I don't know. I have heard that if you are taking too much Carnitor for your body to handle you can have a side effect of diarreha and you can actually get a fishy smell to your body. I have only heard of these side effects with kids. Fortunately, my kids have had neither problem. Neal, my youngest, says the pills smell like a Bass! The whine a little about the other vitamins which are compounded because there is a vitamin taste but they chase it down with a swallow of o.j.. Basically, I think my kids will complain about anything!!!! Both kids have noticed that they feel better on the meds. However, we are in the middle of a heat wave here (in Philly) and they are both pretty lethargic right now. I kept Neal home from riding camp today because of the heat. Good luck with the Carnitor. I'm anxious to start taking it myself but I'm waiting for my labs to come back next week and a decision on getting a biopsy before I start taking it, along with the other vitamins. CarolMedical advice, information, opinions, data and statements contained herein are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of this e mail is entirely responsible for its content. List members are reminded of their responsibility to evaluate the content of the postings and consult with their physicians regarding changes in their own treatment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2002 Report Share Posted July 6, 2002 Yes, they are the same thing. Carnitor is a brand name and the only kind of carnitine mine and I believe almost all insurance companies will cover. The Carnitor come in 330 mg tablets that are what you describe. It also comes in liquid form. I am quoting here--Each 118 ml container of Carnitor (Levocarnitine) Oral Soluton contains 1 g of levocarnitine/10 ml. It has artificial cherry flavor. There is also an injectionable form--I think Figgy had experience with that. But my GP said that I would be very sore if I had to inject that much every day. All the info on the sizes of that was in the pamphlet for the pills so I do not have it. On the pamphlet insert that is on top of the liquid bottles it says it should be consumed slowly and spaced equally throughout the day. It can be taken alone or in other liquids. It is not that bad to travel with. I just get it in the little i think 4 inch tall or so bottles. It fits on one of the refrigerator shelves. When we went to Michigan for a 4 day trip I just put it in the cooler. The first time I got the liquid I went to pick it up at the drug store and it was in a very tall, dark amber colored plastic bottle--looked like a booze bottle. The second time I got either 6 or 8 in a pack of the little short bottles all wrapped in plastic with my perscription stuck to it. The third time (I get a months supply at a time for insurance reasons). The third time I went at a different time of the day to the drug store. I saw one of the guys taking all these little bottles and pouring them into the big bottle. I then informed them that I like the little bottles better because they fit better in the refrigerator and are easier to take with me when I travel. Only the opened bottle needs to be refrigerated. I am not sure if it even needs to be though or if it is just to make it taste better. Anyway, if I take my 1000 mg 4 times a day like I am supposed to one of the little bottles only lasts me a couple of days. I really do not know for sure though because I am not very good at taking it--but much better than I was at taking the pills. Well, enough from me. Janet Re: Carnitor Hi I have a question....Are L-Carnitine, and Carnitor the same drug ?? I take L_Carnitine (or Was)...but I can't swallow them anymore They are sooo big. I can't put them with my other pills in my daily pill box, because they kind of dissolve, and they smell like fish. I'm suppose to be on 4000 mg/day and now that I can't swallow them , I wonder if anyone else has any ideas ?? I know I'm getting weakness in my throat, because when I feel tired it's hard to swallow alot of things. Any ideas ???Thanks,robin Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements contained herein are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of this e mail is entirely responsible for its content. List members are reminded of their responsibility to evaluate the content of the postings and consult with their physicians regarding changes in their own treatment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2002 Report Share Posted July 6, 2002 My symptoms are also " mild " compared to others on the list and my mothers and sisters. When I take the Carnitor and the CoQ10 I do have more energy. Recently I discovered thru the help of Laurie and others that my nine year old son needs to have the CoQ10. He has been taking 30 mg per day of the Q-gel although for his body weight he needs about 200 mg per day going on the 5 times your body weight in kilos formula. I am going to have him take it 2 times a day. He was having problems with stomach aches and constipation even after changing his diet and taking laxatives. Laurie had mentioned she had had problems as a youngster and so did her son. I decided to try it and my GP approved it. Once he started taking the Q-gel on a regular basis for a couple of weeks he did not have a problem. Now, he is not in school. I am not home when he wakes up and he forgets to brush his teeth and take his pills. I started putting a notes for him on the computer, television, etc. Anyhow, if he goes for more than 2 days without taking his pills he gets the stomach problems back. So, I believe they are helping. He has not officially been tested or diagnosed yet. Re: Carnitor > Ann Marie, > > Because my " symptoms " are kind of mild (and I am dealing with other issues that make knowing what ailment is causing what symptom), I may not be the best to ask. > > I can tell you that I have been feeling a little bit better (less tired lately). I have not had any bad side effects, the only thing would be loose stools (not diarrhea). It really is no big deal (actually makes things a bit easier-ha-ha). > The way I am looking at it is...it is not hurting me to take the Carnitor. I have looked up info on Carnitor and it can be beneficial to the body, so I figure I will continue on it for now. > I am fighting to see if they will accept my script for CoQ10. I actually have it in an appeals process right now. I have the Dept manager and the human resource person on my side....so I am keeping my fingers crossed. > The only reason I was denied, was because it is an " over the counter drug " and my insurance will not cover any drug that is over the counter. That was the ONLY reason they listed. > Well...they cover Motrin, which is also over the counter and Zantac, which is also over the counter. > I think I have a legitimate arguement. > Keep your fingers crossed. > > Sheila > > > Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements contained herein are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of this e mail is entirely responsible for its content. List members are reminded of their responsibility to evaluate the content of the postings and consult with their physicians regarding changes in their own treatment. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2002 Report Share Posted July 6, 2002 My military insurance pays for Carnitor thru Merck-Medco which just changed their name to Medco Health? (I just got an email). Anyway, if my lousy (but essential) insurance pays for it with a little fighting almost any insurance should. I do get my prescription locally at Walgreens each month just because I haven't had the prescription written up for the military 3 month supply yet. I love getting my insulin pens and stuff thru the mail though. Re: Carnitor > Just to add a side note on availability. Believe it or not, Carnitor > is now on the Preferred Drug list for Merck-Medco Mail Order > Pharmacy! And that's supposed to be the largest mail order pharmacy > in the country. I was shocked, but pleased to discover that when our > health insurance switched over in May. Usually the Preferred Drugs > lists are commonly used, reasonably priced drugs, and Carnitor is > neither as far as I know. But I'm just glad I got it so easily this > time and for a very low co-pay. Once in a while, things go our way! > > Barbara > > > > > > > , > > > Thank you for the info. Does that mean I could get a > prescription > > for > > > Carnitor? > > > > > > Thanks, Robin > > > > Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements contained herein are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of this e mail is entirely responsible for its content. List members are reminded of their responsibility to evaluate the content of the postings and consult with their physicians regarding changes in their own treatment. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2002 Report Share Posted July 6, 2002 Janet Once you get the three month scripts, it is easy to use Medco Health. It costs me 1/8 what it would at the drug store and I can order it on-line. They will even contact your doctor for new scripts for some of the maintenance drugs like thyroid meds. It does take a while to get the first batch, but then not to long after that. I ordered a refill on line last Wed. and got it today. laurie > > Reply-To: > Date: Sat, 6 Jul 2002 13:10:19 -0500 > To: < > > Subject: Re: Carnitor > > My military insurance pays for Carnitor thru Merck-Medco which just changed > their name to Medco Health? (I just got an email). Anyway, if my lousy > (but essential) insurance pays for it with a little fighting almost any > insurance should. I do get my prescription locally at Walgreens each month > just because I haven't had the prescription written up for the military 3 > month supply yet. > > I love getting my insulin pens and stuff thru the mail though. > Re: Carnitor > > >> Just to add a side note on availability. Believe it or not, Carnitor >> is now on the Preferred Drug list for Merck-Medco Mail Order >> Pharmacy! And that's supposed to be the largest mail order pharmacy >> in the country. I was shocked, but pleased to discover that when our >> health insurance switched over in May. Usually the Preferred Drugs >> lists are commonly used, reasonably priced drugs, and Carnitor is >> neither as far as I know. But I'm just glad I got it so easily this >> time and for a very low co-pay. Once in a while, things go our way! >> >> Barbara >> >> >> >> >>>> , >>>> Thank you for the info. Does that mean I could get a >> prescription >>> for >>>> Carnitor? >>>> >>>> Thanks, Robin >> >> >> >> Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements contained > herein are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of this > e mail is entirely responsible for its content. List members are reminded of > their responsibility to evaluate the content of the postings and consult > with their physicians regarding changes in their own treatment. >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 7, 2002 Report Share Posted July 7, 2002 Eileen, What e-mail program are you using? Gme240@... wrote: > > i am hit reply not sure what you mean?? > > EIleen > > > Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements contained herein are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of this e mail is entirely responsible for its content. List members are reminded of their responsibility to evaluate the content of the postings and consult with their physicians regarding changes in their own treatment. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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