Hepatitis Social Community
Hang Onto Your Neupogen (or Epogen)!
About This Community:

This forum is for hepatitis patients, family members, loved ones, friends or anyone with an interest in hepatitis, to have open social conversations about any topic they choose, with the exception of religion and politics. Please note that our standard “Rules for Posting in Public Areas”, which are found in our Terms of Use , also apply in this community. If you are newly diagnosed with Hepatitis or you have questions or information to share about current treatments, research studies, clinical trials, or other medical issues pertaining to Hepatitis, please post it in one of our Hepatitis Communities ( Hep A , Hep B , Hep C or Hep-autoimmune ).

Font Size:
A
A
A
Background:
Blank
Blank
Blank
Blank Blank

Hang Onto Your Neupogen (or Epogen)!

Hi everyone!  Just to give you a bit of advice, so you don't do the same stupid thing I did:

A couple of weeks ago when I did my last shots (I'd also been doing Neupogen 1X weekly for my very low WBCs) I was so happy about it all that I made a ritual out of the event and tossed my last vial of Neupogen in the trash.  I finished off my week's worth of Riba, then two days ago did my CBCs and the rest of my bloodwork; turns out my WBCs were the lowest they've been (1.1) and the Dr wanted me to give myself a shot of Neupogen.... oops.... "Um, well, I kinda threw it away..."  So I had to make another town trip and spend 15 dollars on a single dose of Neupogen.  If you have any of your rescue meds left over when you're done, hang onto them, because it takes a while for the Riba to work its way out of your system.

Other than that, I'm doing fine; life is good, and I'm getting caught up with all the work around here that I haven't been able to do.  Lots of weed-whacking and mowing, but little by little, as I have a ways to go yet before I get my muscle tone back as well as my energy level.  There is definitely life after treatment!  Oh, what a glorious difference!  

Aloha, Michelle
Related Discussions
7 Comments Post a Comment
Blank
146021_tn?1237208487
Glad you're feeling better, sorry you wasted your meds.
As a suggestion to all who don't want the meds and want to dispose of them, maybe check with the dr as to how to dispose of them. I have expired riba in my cabinet, and really don't want to throw this stuff in the trash. I don't know, but the rain cycle here in Texas lately makes me wonder if my trash will find it's way into my drinking water.
Any other suggestions.
Mauilady, I don't think your neupogen is toxic, just raised a question in my head about all the other meds.
Bug
Blank
208237_tn?1190189205
   Great advice, but I will do same ritual when I finish. Its a good mental trick I have used in past when I want to quit one thing or the other .  (But not da' Kine ,thats sacred. lol)    Just thought since you brought it up that others may find that it is good therapy for ending habits or, putting things to rest in this case.  I did It with my Cigerettes , crushed up pack, and flushed 'em down the toilet, IT works!!  Bet your ritual was worth the trip to town !! ( unless a forest fire started! )   say Hi to your ol man,  maybe we all get together sometime.
                                   Aloha, R.  
Blank
Avatar_f_tn
congrats on your last shot - looking forward that for myself in about 3 weeks.  On Neupogen, you mentioned having to spend $15 for a vial due to your WBC being so low, etc., it is unfortunate that we cannot in some way find ways to help others with any left over drugs...........when I was prescribed Neupogen, my cost was $100 per vial/shot.   Someone is making some money somewhere - and the $100 was after my insurance kicked in.   I am so amazed at the vast difference in the cost for these drugs, not just related to HCV.  Again, congrats 100x on completing tx.
Blank
146021_tn?1237208487
Staying afloat, but  Texas may soon become an island with all the rain we have from Oklahoma to Abilene.
Why don't you send me a mesage in a bottle, once we achieve island status?
Hugs,
Bug
Blank
163322_tn?1320352890
I know; it kills me that there isn't some way we could recycle our unused meds---no wonder the cost is so high.  I basically threw 230 dollars into the trash... that's what that vial of Neup. would have cost me if I didn't have insurance!  Jeez!  I know there are some places that will recycle meds, but not here on Maui.

Hey Bug!  Are you staying afloat?  I heard it's a bit soggy out your way!  There's no chance of stuff from the dump here finding its way into our drinking water... I hope.  

R.--Howzit!  We'll celebrate over some of my delicious homegrown coffee!  As we re-hash (!!) all the fun we had slaying the dragon!!
Blank
Avatar_m_tn
Ordered 20 vials of Neupogen. It costs big $$$$. We didn't use all of them. Had 8 left and called Amgen to donate, they couldn't care less!!! tried to give them away. No way to find anyone. I know people out there need this stuff and no way to reach out to them. Pharmaceutical companies really SUCK!!!! They finally expired November 09.
Blank
Avatar_f_tn
I was shocked to see how much ggod medications are tossed.  If you want to make use of your unneeded meds try a vet.  For example, I have a ferret with lymphoma on chemo.  I am an RN so I know how valuble Neupogen is finanially and medically.  My ferrets WBC's get low too but Neupogen is so expensive especially considering how small the amount he would need.  If some unused were donated it would be great help.  Many animal drugs are the same as humans.  It is illegal to take bqck unused drugs and sell them to humans but not to donate them to animals.
Blank
Post a Comment
To
Go
Blank
Weight Tracker
Reach your weight goal faster
Start Tracking Now
MedHelp Health Answers
Top Hepatitis Answerers
Avatar_f_tn
Blank
Advocate1955
Seattle, WA
223152_tn?1346981971
Blank
frijole
Midland, TX
163305_tn?1333672171
Blank
orphanedhawk
Rural Mural, CA
2088372_tn?1353467406
Blank
BoceprevirGal
NorCal, CA
1840891_tn?1337472550
Blank
ceanothus
Los Gatos, CA
96938_tn?1189803458
Blank
FlGuy
South, FL
RSS Expert Activity
1741471_tn?1349564002
Blank
Parkinson Awareness Month: Parkinso... Blank
May 10 by Michael Gonzalez-WallaceBlank
233488_tn?1310696703
Blank
NEW STUDIES ON PREVENTING PROGRESSI...
May 08 by John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAOBlank
2126606_tn?1346348724
Blank
Heroin Use in the U.S.
May 08 by Clare Waismann Kavin, Blank