Hang Onto Your Neupogen (or Epogen)!

[mauilady]

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

[kelli2u]

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.

[albie233]

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.

[mauilady]

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!!

[Lilla]

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.

[ladybug52]

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

[livindabest]

   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.  

[ladybug52]

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