Aa
How is the medicine shipped? Monthly...Weekly...
As you may know I have yet to start tx but from the different questions that I glance at I came across one that is unsettling. First of all how does the medicine get to you? Is is shipped? Shipped weekly? Am I going to be on the phone ordering this everyweek? Once the paper work/authorizations are approved will they be shipped every time automatically? You know guys, is it me or does anyone else think it's funny that the insurance companies will quickly approve Viagra when a perscription is presented, but for life threatening diseases..."we didn't get your paperwork...we did this....we didn't get that....blah, blah, blah.... I guess I just want to know ahead of time what I can do to take the bull by the horns to minimalize these concerns?
My medications are shipped FedEx from Curascripts. Mine come in 8 week supplies. I take Pegintron, which is slightly different than Pygasis, but both are interferon. Curascripts calls and reminds if you are running low and has a staff of nurses that answer question. Interferon is supposed to be refridgerated and I left one out all day one time and called them. They gave me a detailed answer about how long the drug lasts at 95 degrees and 105 degress and it was many days. Anyway, that is my experience.
I pick mine up at my local pharmacy once per month.
They've been doing fine on having it when I need it. But I always put in for it a week ahead, before I actually need it. Just in case some kind of snag happens.
E
They've been doing fine on having it when I need it. But I always put in for it a week ahead, before I actually need it. Just in case some kind of snag happens.
E
My insurance company gave me no problem. You may want to contact a case managemer from your insurance company. Mine has been a great advocate and can speed things up. My Peg, neupegen and procrit com monthly on ice via fed ex. They will also call ahead to remind and ok the date. If you just turn in a presrciption they probably will question it due to the cost and want documentation that you do in fact have the virus. Although I'm not sure why anyone would want the stuff if they did'nt need it. Please consider the case manager ahead of time. Worked for me. Best wishes
I pick mine up at the Walgreens store I frequently use. They always tend to know what my refill period is and generally have it on hand when I need it.
The exception has been for my Procrit, but that's because the dosage has been bouncing around so much that it's never clear whether to stock the 10,000, 20,000, or 40,000 vials and in what quantity.
The exception has been for my Procrit, but that's because the dosage has been bouncing around so much that it's never clear whether to stock the 10,000, 20,000, or 40,000 vials and in what quantity.
I get my medicine on one month supplies from a pharmacy that delivers it directly to my door. I don't know where you live but I a in Los Angeles... it called Modern Health, they deliver in the greater Los Angeles area. I call to get my shots refilled when I do the 2nd to last shot. I do this because I once had a defective redipen and was forced to use another one. It scares me to think that if I only have one and it turns out to be defective that I would be short a shot. So I always have at least two. Anyway you will figure a routine that is comfortable for you. Good Luck!
if you get it from a pharmacy they "overnight" it to the pharmacy the day after you present the prescription.
Of all of the pharmacies I looked into = none keep the Interferon or Epogen (Procrit) or the "expensive" drugs in stock.
That is why its crucial to order in ADVANCE.....because it all hinges on the person doing it in a timely manner AND that the insurance doesn't cause a problem.
In the 54 weeks I've been on treatment it's NOT been at the pharmacy when I've gone to pick it up SEVERAL times.
You can't count on it and should do it a week in advance - or at least two days BEFORE you need to pick it up so it has an extra bit of lag time.
Of all of the pharmacies I looked into = none keep the Interferon or Epogen (Procrit) or the "expensive" drugs in stock.
That is why its crucial to order in ADVANCE.....because it all hinges on the person doing it in a timely manner AND that the insurance doesn't cause a problem.
In the 54 weeks I've been on treatment it's NOT been at the pharmacy when I've gone to pick it up SEVERAL times.
You can't count on it and should do it a week in advance - or at least two days BEFORE you need to pick it up so it has an extra bit of lag time.
My insurance, Aetna, requires authorization and certification in advance for the full term of the treatment (24, 48 weeks). Then, their own 'specialty' pharmacy ships it once a month in a cooler pack. They keep track of the re-fill process, but I called after the last of 4 to make sure the refills for the next 4 weeks were not overlooked. Worked out ok, after the initial approval process.
I have Aetna too - they are the ones who screwed me up SEVERAL times. And yup I had authorization for the 48 weeks as well.
Of course now I hate them with the heat of a thousand suns as I battle away for my 72 week treatment! ;)
Of course now I hate them with the heat of a thousand suns as I battle away for my 72 week treatment! ;)
Rocker: I get mine parachuted in by helicopter once a month.
----------------------------------------
I find it less expensive to pick them up at the local bar.
----------------------------------------
I find it less expensive to pick them up at the local bar.
Mine is sent UPS monthly directly to my door. I call for my refills when I have 2 shots left so that by the time it gets to me I still leave room for mix-ups although so far they have not messed up but then I am just taking my shot # 11 tonight.
Get hold of a supervisor at the insurance company, tell them your concerns and find out their procedures. If you can get the supervisor's direct extension and build a relationship. If you become proactive and shepard the process, there shouldn't be any problems or surprises. On the other hand, if you expect your doctors office to do the leg work, be prepared for some of the problems you read about here.
For example, if the insurance company says they need certain paperwork, get a fax number from the supervisor and give it to your doctors office. Tell them you want it faxed, not mailed. Then follow up on BOTH ends to make sure everything is done and received timely.
I also got my drugs through the mail and it's a good system. Meds arrive one month in advance and they call you a couple of days before. I marked my callendar to call them in case I didn't get the call. The main thing to keep track of is for how many weeks your drugs are authorized. Then, make sure you start the renewal process a few weeks in advance.
It would be great if all this happened automatically, but nothing seems to work like that these days.
Put in a little time and you should be just fine with your drugs.
-- Jim
For example, if the insurance company says they need certain paperwork, get a fax number from the supervisor and give it to your doctors office. Tell them you want it faxed, not mailed. Then follow up on BOTH ends to make sure everything is done and received timely.
I also got my drugs through the mail and it's a good system. Meds arrive one month in advance and they call you a couple of days before. I marked my callendar to call them in case I didn't get the call. The main thing to keep track of is for how many weeks your drugs are authorized. Then, make sure you start the renewal process a few weeks in advance.
It would be great if all this happened automatically, but nothing seems to work like that these days.
Put in a little time and you should be just fine with your drugs.
-- Jim
...Of course now I hate them with the heat of a thousand suns...
Great line, I hope you don't mind if I use it sometimes. I'll give you creit when I do.
Great line, I hope you don't mind if I use it sometimes. I'll give you creit when I do.
Be sure to save those empties. I hear refiller shops (just like the injet refiller places) are springing up across the suburbs.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Hepatitis C Community
Learn about this treatable virus.
Getting tested for this viral infection.
3 key steps to getting on treatment.
4 steps to getting on therapy.
What you need to know about Hep C drugs.
How the drugs might affect you.
These tips may up your chances of a cure.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
