generic topamax/availability?

I have been on Topamax for aprox. 8 yrs now, the price of this med just keeps going up. I was recently told that they now have it in generic form, however my pharm has not been able to locate it and she has tried other options.  I was told by the CCRX people that it was available, even the Walgreens in my area can not get it. Has any one had this problem? Just curiuos, I am wandering if this is only available in this big cities? and if so, why?  My last sript for this med cost me $325.00 for 1 months supply.  This med works for me and I hate to try something else, but it is getting to the point where I can no longer afford it.  Any input on this subject?

[LifesAHeadache]

Becky, if topamax takes care of your headaches then by all means lets find you a way to get it.  I know if is expensive because when I tried it my copay alone was 70 dollars and I pay $400 a month to keep a really good cobra plan.  $325 is obviously too much for most peoples budget.

1.) Do you have insurance that only covers generics?  If so then I can tell you how to fight the insurance company and make them pay but it will take months SO.

-or-

2.)  If you don't have health insurance, there is a form your doctor can fill out - most neurologists have them in the office, that say you have real medical need for this medicine and the drug rep for the drug co that makes Topamax will sometimes drop off month's worth for you when they come to the docs office.

3)  Go to the drug company's website , they will have information on getting the med cheaper or for free.  Regardless, you can send an email but also send a first class letter (registered)  its like 3.00 to the President of the drug company or any high ranking person there.  They too will help you get it cheaper.

4.) Go to Montel Williams site because I don't know the org's website name for (PPX??)  They work in bulk with the drug company to get you set up for the drug just to come in the mail every month at greatly reduced or free of charge.

Now -as far as generic - drug companies get to keep a pharmaceutical as a brand name for 10 years in order to recoup their R&D cost.  I did hear the 10 year timeline was a political issue a couple years ago so I don't know if that has changed.  Walgreens is your best bet for information - they are all on one big WAN - Computer term meaning all on one computer system.  So, there should be no big city issue - if there is a generic - Walgreens can order it.  Frankly, go to Wal-Mart and talk to their pharmacy - Wal-Marts distribution system is amazing - the federal government should learn from it.  Remember, if you are not covered by insurance you a paying free market pricing just like buying a coat.  Do you want to buy your coat at Saks Fifth Ave or Wal-Mart.  If it is the same coat which FDA requires in America for drugs - call around and ask the price.  Also, call the company and ask for free coupons for this upcoming month.  Drug companies want to help you because they currently don't want to be taken over by the government.  Oh, and I think you are getting yours from Walgreens, have them print off as much of your history of spending as they can.  They can go back at least a year.  Include that - but I am concerned that the price is going up - over years of a drug being out - the price should be going down.  I could keep going but sorry already for taking up this much of a post.  Please respond with questions if needed.

[beckyf800]

I want to thank you so much for your input, you sound so very up-to-date with so much stuff, I will be checking on all the above beginning today!  Are you in the medical feild yourself?  I try to do a lot of research myself on the internt, but at times it gets so confusing.  I do have CCRX and they told me I was on the best plan already, but I seem to go into the gap hole with them so fast with all my other meds, explaining this to them, they say they can not give me any more advice and I was under the understanding that they were supose to be there to assist a person to the 'correct decision', maybe I am missunderstanding this?  Do you know anything about the AARP perscription plan?, are they simular to CCRX?  I do have health insurance, but no perscription, therfore I have to get it seperatley.  
Becky

[LifesAHeadache]

So glad I could help.  Basically, I have worked with managed care for 20 years and various healthcare areas and unfortunately I equate it all to game of chess - and I am a research junkie.  You have to learn how to play the game, it doesn't matter that much unless you have health problems and then here we all are.  What does CCRX stand for?  I may know them.  AARP may be affiliated with multiple carriers but I think that United Healthcare has the AARP plan under a new division called OVATIONS.  United is very big and I know they have managed pharmacy (99% sure for their AARP product.)  Go to UHC.com and you can search for AARP or call any member services number.  If you have prob. - post back I can get it for you.  Remember, its like shopping for a new car, write down the options you want and then you go shopping.  Write down a list of all your prescriptions and then ask the plans you are looking at ( I assume you have Medicare as primary) for their PRESCRIPTION FORMULARY AND RULES INCLUDING MAIL ORDER.  You won't fall through anymore gaps!

[beckyf800]

CCRx is one of Medicares persription carriers (communitycare) I believe, all too confusing for me, but either way I am not satified with them, I have too many high meds and I end up falling into the donut hole fast!!  They tell me I am on the best plan, yet they will not advice me as they advertise they will, and I live in the sticks and no S.S. office with in 4.5 hrs of me, so I am kind of stuck for with this program unless I can find another. Thanks for all your input, I will check on AARP. Also just a note, I did get some stuff downloaded from the Montel site you mentioned, (after app. may help me with some meds, and that would be wonderful!! )  Thanks for that info!

[jesali]

Have you considered ordering online, there is a generic and much cheaper