cost for tx

[cjs81]

ive been diagnosed with genotype 3a and have seen a dr. im going back in 2 months to discuss tx.  my question is does anyone know how much the interferon and ribavirn costs?  my drs visits are paid for but i have to pay for the meds.  thank you

[kittyface]

I received Pegasys meds from Roche for free.  It's a relatively easy process and like Bill says, the income requirements are very flexible.  I also received 12 month supply of Alinia for free but I believe they are now requiring application every month.

BTW, I'm geno 1a and 3 month post tx showed UND.


Kittyface

[14cheri]

Do you have insurance. I have bluecross blue shield it only costs me 80.00 a month for pegayses and ribovarin. I am hoping you have insurance

[cjs81]

thanks again for your help.  im sure those numbers you gave me will come in handy.  its nice to see their are other people who know about this disease.  thank you for the support

[newleaf09]

Last fall I calculated the cost of meds for 48 weeks (I was genotype 1, who treat for 48 wks.  Geno 3's generally treat for 24 wks) according to the prices listed on internet drug sales sites.  It came to $27,362.  If all goes well and you cannot get into a pharmaceutical assistance program, as a geno 3 your cost would be half that for meds alone.

[Bill1954]

Yup, the meds are relatively pricey. The phone numbers listed are patient assistance programs sponsored by the manufacturers. They are income based as opposed to asset based; and will probably ask for last years federal tax forms to confirm income. They are actually fairly generous; they don’t require a patient to be indigent to qualify for help. Ask the doctor for Rx information, and then give them a call to see where you fall financially. I worked with Schering Plough’s assistance for two years on treatment, and the folks there rock; really :o).

Good luck, and stick around for more fun :o),

Bill

[desrt]

" If you can’t afford them and have no insurance, or you are underinsured, the manufacturers can help; sometimes providing the meds for free."              
                                                Bill1954

[cjs81]

thank you. wow.  i didnt know it was going to cost so much. im kinda a mess right now. im only 28 and i dont have any damage yet.  im just scared.  i dont have any children yet and would like to, but am worried ill give it to them.  i cant afford tx.  the numbers you gave me, are those the tx's typically used?  thanks again sooo much

[Bill1954]

The meds can cost upwards of USD $30,000/year. If you can’t afford them and have no insurance, or you are underinsured, the manufacturers can help; sometimes providing the meds for free:

Pegassist (Roche Pegasys system): 1-877-734-2797

Commitment to Care (Schering- Plough PEG-Intron system): 1-800-521-7157

Good luck—

Bill