Re: Pulmonary Hypertension

[Guest guest]

Jack

Actually Tracleer is still the most common treatment for PH and is about

$3000. However, it is covered by most insurance plans and Medicare. The

problem is the Doughnut hole or those without insurance. The

manufacturer does have assistance plans.

Revatio (same as Viagra) is frequently prescribed now. It's cost is

between $900 and $1000 per month and is covered similarly to Tracleer.

Ilaprost in an inhaled product also prescribed.

The stronger treatments are 24/7 IV's through Flolan or Remodulin. Last

I knew Flolan was close to $100,000 per year but probably less now.

However, with insurance and assistance most who need it and choose to

try it are able to get it.

>

> I need some comments and advice on this. My 70 something neighbor

told me yesterday that her doctor told

> her that she did not have heart problems as she had previously been

told, but that she had pulmonary hypertension.

>

> She said that he told her they would have to insert a catheter into

her lung and inject the medicine. Then one that floored me: she would

have to take this medicine weekly and that it would cost $4,000.00 a

month, which would not be covered.

>

> After I picked up my lips from the floor, I said immediately, " Go see

another doctor. " I explained that to my knowledge that the more common

treatment was viagra, which was much cheaper and had the added benefit

> of sharing it with her husband. She had no idea what viagra was or

what it was used for, so I told her it

> helped to open up the blood vessels in lungs so that the blood could

flow more freely, reducing the hypertension. I decided the other usage

was beyond her comprehension.

>

> This couple have a very small income and $4,000 a month for medicine

has nearly paralyzed. She has no

> oximeter, so I have told her that I will get her one and will teach

her how to use it and record her sats so

> her doctor can see her oxygen needs. She was on ogygen, but the

doctor took her off. And this lady

> lives in a two story house and can barely make it to the top.

>

> I would like to hear from those of you who have HP that I can give to

her.

>

> Jack

> 79/IPF - UIP/dx06/05 Maine

>

[Guest guest]

Beth and Bruce, thank you for your always excellent advice. I will discuss this with the lady and accompany her to her doctor if necessary. Once I know what has been prescribed, I can help her with

contacting the appropriate company. Jack79/IPF - UIP/dx06/05 Maine

To: Breathe-Support Sent: Sunday, July 26, 2009 7:58:08 PMSubject: Re: Pulmonary Hypertension

JackActually Tracleer is still the most common treatment for PH and is about$3000. However, it is covered by most insurance plans and Medicare. Theproblem is the Doughnut hole or those without insurance. Themanufacturer does have assistance plans.Revatio (same as Viagra) is frequently prescribed now. It's cost isbetween $900 and $1000 per month and is covered similarly to Tracleer.Ilaprost in an inhaled product also prescribed.The stronger treatments are 24/7 IV's through Flolan or Remodulin. LastI knew Flolan was close to $100,000 per year but probably less now.However, with insurance and assistance most who need it and choose totry it are able to get it.>> I need some comments and advice on this. My 70 something neighbortold me yesterday that her doctor told> her that she did not have heart problems as she had previously beentold, but that she had pulmonary hypertension.>> She said that he told her they would have to insert a catheter intoher lung and inject the medicine. Then one that floored me: she wouldhave to take this medicine weekly and that it would cost $4,000.00 amonth, which would not be covered.>> After I picked up my lips from the floor, I said immediately, "Go seeanother doctor." I explained that to my knowledge that the more commontreatment was viagra, which was much cheaper and had the added benefit> of sharing it with her husband. She had no idea what viagra was orwhat it was used for, so I told her it> helped to open up the blood vessels in lungs so that the blood

couldflow more freely, reducing the hypertension. I decided the other usagewas beyond her comprehension.>> This couple have a very small income and $4,000 a month for medicinehas nearly paralyzed. She has no> oximeter, so I have told her that I will get her one and will teachher how to use it and record her sats so> her doctor can see her oxygen needs. She was on ogygen, but thedoctor took her off. And this lady> lives in a two story house and can barely make it to the top.>> I would like to hear from those of you who have HP that I can give toher.>> Jack> 79/IPF - UIP/dx06/05 Maine>

[Guest guest]

I also have PH. I'm taking Remodulin, tracleer, and revatio. For assistance with

Tracleer try caring voice coalition at www.caringvoice.org.

M. Morton

Sent from my iPhone