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Copaxone rep-questions that made me wonder
The Copaxone rep called me yesterday to discuss my refills. I have some questions that maybe some of you can answer.
She asked me if I was was still taking Copaxone or a different MS drug with Copaxone, or instead of Copaxone. In the 8 months I've been on Copaxone, I've never been asked this question before. I know the new pill is out, but is anyone here taking the new medicine? and if so... does it work, do you like it? why did you choose to take this? I asked her if people are stopping Copaxone to go to the new meds, she couldn't answer this question.
Then... She asked me if I was still taking the same dosage. Um... do people have a different dose of Copaxone that I don't know about. The syringes come pre-filled, how would one take a different dose, and why would one take a different dose than prescribed? I asked this question, but she said she wasn't at liberty to answer this question. Why not? do two doses work better than one, or just half of the syringe?
She seemed pleased that I was going to refill the prescription. It seemed like it was a relief for her that I was choosing to stay with Copaxone and nothing had changed. Does that seem weird? I'm probably reading too much into the conversation, but I was really perplexed with her questions and the way she was adamant that she wasn't going to answer like she was hiding information she didn't want to tell me.
Any ideas?
She asked me if I was was still taking Copaxone or a different MS drug with Copaxone, or instead of Copaxone. In the 8 months I've been on Copaxone, I've never been asked this question before. I know the new pill is out, but is anyone here taking the new medicine? and if so... does it work, do you like it? why did you choose to take this? I asked her if people are stopping Copaxone to go to the new meds, she couldn't answer this question.
Then... She asked me if I was still taking the same dosage. Um... do people have a different dose of Copaxone that I don't know about. The syringes come pre-filled, how would one take a different dose, and why would one take a different dose than prescribed? I asked this question, but she said she wasn't at liberty to answer this question. Why not? do two doses work better than one, or just half of the syringe?
She seemed pleased that I was going to refill the prescription. It seemed like it was a relief for her that I was choosing to stay with Copaxone and nothing had changed. Does that seem weird? I'm probably reading too much into the conversation, but I was really perplexed with her questions and the way she was adamant that she wasn't going to answer like she was hiding information she didn't want to tell me.
Any ideas?
That's what the disconnect button is for.
You don't have to put up with pushy, rude people under any circumstances.
Just go ahead and hang up. Then turn your phone off.
ess
You don't have to put up with pushy, rude people under any circumstances.
Just go ahead and hang up. Then turn your phone off.
ess
I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one getting these calls. I was so hesitant to answer any questions because she wouldn't answer mine. UGH. Yes... they also call at inopportune times. I teach kinder and I'll be right in the middle of a lesson where the kids are about to start a project when they call. They are eager to start, but can't because she won't let me off the phone. I'll tell them I can call back or they can call me back, but she continues to talk and ask questions, saying, just one more, just one more. But the questions she asks are not a one word answer. I am ready to say, stop calling, and I'll call you back when I have questions for you.
Thank you all for your responses!!!
Thank you all for your responses!!!
When I was on Copaxone for two years, I got at least monthly calls. I found it irritating and asked them to stop. If I had an questions about the drug, they read from a script and never really gave me any answers.
Each question this lady asked you, could have been answered by looking at their records of your refills and amount of the drug sent to you, every month or every three months. It really seems that she had no reason to call you.
I would think that Copaxone would be deep in research about making their drug into an oral drug, if that is possible. Of course you know, that the reason that most people are on injectables, is that the medication is rendered useless, once it hits the stomach acid. That has been the problem all along, that researchers have been trying to overcome. Thus, all the DMD users I know, are on injectables.
My neurologist said that after about a year on Copaxone, that the fat destruction areas from the injections, started to become a a problem and she would take the patient off the drug. She checked me over at one of my appointments, to see if I was getting indentation marks from the injection. I was lucky in a sense that I had alot of left-over fat to inject, after my large weight loss. Plenty of places to stick myself.
If you find the phone calls from Copaxone disturbing, you can ask that they not call you, but allow them to keep in communications with you, by mail. I found that many of the Copaxone users did this, to keep them from calling. My Copaxone rep, would call at the most inopportune times and it was the same questions, over and over.
Keeping my fingers crossed that the oral pill will become widely available soon, with very little side effects. It really would make having this stupid disease, much more bearable.
All the best,
Heather
Each question this lady asked you, could have been answered by looking at their records of your refills and amount of the drug sent to you, every month or every three months. It really seems that she had no reason to call you.
I would think that Copaxone would be deep in research about making their drug into an oral drug, if that is possible. Of course you know, that the reason that most people are on injectables, is that the medication is rendered useless, once it hits the stomach acid. That has been the problem all along, that researchers have been trying to overcome. Thus, all the DMD users I know, are on injectables.
My neurologist said that after about a year on Copaxone, that the fat destruction areas from the injections, started to become a a problem and she would take the patient off the drug. She checked me over at one of my appointments, to see if I was getting indentation marks from the injection. I was lucky in a sense that I had alot of left-over fat to inject, after my large weight loss. Plenty of places to stick myself.
If you find the phone calls from Copaxone disturbing, you can ask that they not call you, but allow them to keep in communications with you, by mail. I found that many of the Copaxone users did this, to keep them from calling. My Copaxone rep, would call at the most inopportune times and it was the same questions, over and over.
Keeping my fingers crossed that the oral pill will become widely available soon, with very little side effects. It really would make having this stupid disease, much more bearable.
All the best,
Heather
Those are just standard questions. They call everyone at certain intervals. You can ask them not to call, they just put it in their computer and they won't. They basically have a big call center with Reps who call you or answer the phone when you call.
These support centers serve two purposes to keep people happy and on their drug and not the competitions and to find out if you are having adverse side effects so it does not turn into an FDA thing down the road.
Sonic,
That study was done by the maker of Copaxone as are most drug studies.
The DMDs are wonderful and I think everyone who can benefit should be on them but they are big business. Go look at one of these companies stockholders page, it is enlightening.
Alex
These support centers serve two purposes to keep people happy and on their drug and not the competitions and to find out if you are having adverse side effects so it does not turn into an FDA thing down the road.
Sonic,
That study was done by the maker of Copaxone as are most drug studies.
The DMDs are wonderful and I think everyone who can benefit should be on them but they are big business. Go look at one of these companies stockholders page, it is enlightening.
Alex
I have been reading about those that after being on copaxone in particular that show signs in their MRIs that things have slowed down as in no new leisions, sx etc..
Of course after being on it a while that their Drs. recommend that they move to an every other day dose.
I don't know how it works as far as prescription wise etc. But maybe that was her reason for asking.
I don't know, I do know there was a study on it but I am sorry I can't remember the link. You may want to see if you can find any info on it and see if that was why you think she would be asking. They would lose money if you went to 15 instead of 30.
Of course after being on it a while that their Drs. recommend that they move to an every other day dose.
I don't know how it works as far as prescription wise etc. But maybe that was her reason for asking.
I don't know, I do know there was a study on it but I am sorry I can't remember the link. You may want to see if you can find any info on it and see if that was why you think she would be asking. They would lose money if you went to 15 instead of 30.
I find this kind of probing outrageous. The drug companies do make a fortune from the DMDs, and are always a bit paranoid about potentially losing a customer. I was on Copaxone briefly and turned out to be allergic (hives, etc.). Nonetheless, even after Shared Solutions knew I was off the drug, they kept calling and wanting to know if I still wanted to be on their mailing list, and so on.
Why would I every want that!?
Anyway, had I gotten the same call you've just had, and found the rep to be secretive and sort of creepy, I wouldn't have answered the questions. I'd have said that I'd answer if they'd answer your own very logical ones. If not, too bad.
It's not as if they're giving you the drug---you're paying bigtime through your insurance and co-pay. If Shared Solutions really wants to know whether or not you remain on Copaxone, they can check with your insurer.
ess
Why would I every want that!?
Anyway, had I gotten the same call you've just had, and found the rep to be secretive and sort of creepy, I wouldn't have answered the questions. I'd have said that I'd answer if they'd answer your own very logical ones. If not, too bad.
It's not as if they're giving you the drug---you're paying bigtime through your insurance and co-pay. If Shared Solutions really wants to know whether or not you remain on Copaxone, they can check with your insurer.
ess
I think all the drug companies constantly monitor our usage since they make big $$$ off these drugs. They don't want to lose a single customer.
BTW - I am a copaxone user myself and also bought TEVA stock (not much!) since so much of my insurance $$ is going their way.
I have received mailing from other pharmas wanting to know about my satisfication with my current DMD and what it would take to make me consider changing drugs. I find this type of fishing for customers somewhat creepy.
be well,
Lu
BTW - I am a copaxone user myself and also bought TEVA stock (not much!) since so much of my insurance $$ is going their way.
I have received mailing from other pharmas wanting to know about my satisfication with my current DMD and what it would take to make me consider changing drugs. I find this type of fishing for customers somewhat creepy.
be well,
Lu
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