Financial Assistance for Plavix and Other Prescription Drugs

Current Postings on This Page (133):

• To all looking for help -- a number of readers have posted links and information to this topic for getting help. Look through posts from the oldest (bottom of page) to newest and you may find some assistance. Let us know how you fare.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, August 17, 2010

• I have had heart attack, stints, bypass and another stint [stent]. now on Medicare and have dropped into the donut hole. I am unable to pay for Plavix. Doesn't look like any help for 6 months. Who has had luck buying from Canada? How do you find them?
Plavix NEEDED, Jim in Bakersfield, Bakersfield, California, USA, USA, August 16, 2010

• My father-in-law is on disability and his medication is roughly $1200 a month. He was just informed that he will have no insurance help with his co-pays and prescriptions as of December 31. I need help knowing which direction I need to go in to get him the financial help that he needs. PLEASE HELP!!!! Thanks
Amanda, Sylva, North Carolina, USA, August 16, 2010

• I had a heart attack 5 years ago -- been on lisinopril, Plavix, coreg, metphormon (Metformin?), several others including shots. Got my sugar around seven. I have been off meds for 8 months -- hurt every day. No way to buy insurance -- was cancelled. Anyone know anything about makers of these pills? No help dr said sorry but you will die without them.
Lane, Thomasville, North Carolina, USA, August 11, 2010

• I have been on Plavix for over 5 1/2 month and I keep call the doctor office and they keep telling me then can't find my bottle of PLAVIX what can I do to get it for free because it cost $167.00 for a month supply but the doctors office were getting for me but I don't know WHAT HAPPEN TO IT.
unhappy, Canby, Oregon, USA, August 6, 2010

• my wife has had a heart attack in 2003 and as of 7/19/2010 found to have a blockage of 80% and one 40%. we are both toll disable in the insurance gap. our insurance is asking $445.00 for a 90 day supply. do you know of any way to help us cut cost of your life saving drug for my WIFE. PLEASE HELP US. SHE IS ON 18 DIFFRENT MED.
WILLIAM LAND JR, , BUENA PARK, California, USA, August 3, 2010

• Muhammad in Texas -- You're not alone. Read through this Forum Topic. A number of readers have posted links to financial assistance programs available from drug companies, etc.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, July 31, 2010

• I have just been placed on Plavix and to my surprise it is very expensive where can I get help.
Muhammad, Texas, USA, July 29, 2010

• I had a stent placed in 02 and have been on plavix since then. I get my plavix from Canada, I live in the USA. It is $48 a month in Canada and would cost me $78 a month with Medicare. I pay for the most expensive drug coverage $105 a month to cover all my other cardiac drugs. I switched from Lipitor to Simvastatin as you can get simvastatin for $4 a month on $4 list of big chain store.
Sassyseaotter, Oroville, California, USA, July 26, 2010

• To all readers -- once again we would like to state for the record that Angioplasty.Org does not endorse any pharmacy or online drug vendor and that, as the disclaimer at the bottom of each Forum page states, "Opinions and recommendations expressed on the FORUM are solely those of their authors." The current FDA regulations state that virtually all shipments of prescription drugs imported from a Canadian pharmacy by a U.S. consumer violate the law. We assume this also applies to drugs from India, etc. The FDA has posted an article, "Buying Prescription Medicine Online: A Consumer Safety Guide", on its web site.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, July 20, 2010

• You can buy the generic for plavix from Canada. American Pharmacy @ 1-888-392-7257 -- The price is like $33.00 for 3 months supply
Ben Fichera, Spring Hill, Florida, USA, July 14, 2010

• Hello, I have been taking Plavix for a while now. I recently lost my insurance plan and was in a dilemma to how I will support my daily medication plan. I came across www.dispensarymeds.com, a Pharmacy checker approved pharmacy. I was reluctant to order generic Plavix, however as I could not afford to buy Brand I ordered Plavix 75mg generic, 84 tabs for $62. 95. That is all I paid. My order arrived in 16 days, since I have placed with them and my doctor faxed the prescription to them on 1-877-606-1470 . The medications arrived in box packing. I tried the generic Plavix for a few days and I felt the same as I felt with Brand Plavix. I am so pleased that I have found a cheaper alternative. I would like to recommend others who are in my same situation to buy cheaper Plavix from www.dispensarymeds.com.
Phyllis, Ohio, USA, July 13, 2010

• For those needing help with your prescription costs, go to www.pparx.org. They carry a lot of medications that you can get a 6 months supply for $20 each no matter how many pills. Others may be a little more expensive but still worth checking out the site. If anyone is needing Aricept, there is an Aricept patient assistance program and you can get if for free even if you have reached your doughnut hole with Medicare part D. Plavix is the hardest one to get help with if you've hit the doughnut hole, Bristol-Myers Squibb will only give a coupon card. Haven't used it yet so don't know how much of a discount I can get. Best of luck to you all......I know how hard it is to get help.
RobinH61, Lake City, Florida, USA, July 12, 2010

• I just hit the GAP with my HMO and now have to pay $443 for 90 days supply of Plavix 75mg which my doctor told me will need it for the rest of my life. There have to be thousands of people stressing over similar financial loads. Any words of wisdom? I had a stent -angioplasty - in the circumflex artery last October and Plavix was prescribed immediately after.
ydraki, Laguna Woods, California, USA, June 29, 2010

• I'm on a fixed income and can't afford my prescription medication. Do anyone know of anyone that can help me get my medications. I really need my medication to survive.
Pat, Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA, June 25, 2010

• This week had a mild stroke and have occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery. I do not have insurance and they will not put a stent in my brain or do an angiography of the brain without insurance. Plavix is necessary to keep the blood thin enough to prevent another stroke. The hospital gave me a free 30 day supply, but I am worried about what happens next month when I can't afford to refill the prescription. I have 4 other meds they prescribed but they are on the $4 Walmart list so I can take those. Seen posts here for the Canadian Plavix. Is it safe? Will I get arrested for purchasing drugs in another country? Don't want to wind up in prison, but don't want to be paralyzed either since the stent operation is out b/c of no insurance? Thanks for any help or suggestions.
Chris, Wichita Falls, Texas, USA, June 24, 2010

• I am a senior with SS income of $1800 per month and some other small savings...I must take 9 (nine) pills every day called CREON and the cost is $750 per month...I have been paying it for some time and I now am having such a financial problem and am looking into buying from Canada with a cost of $310 per month. I have been told by SS that they might be able to forfeit for me to buy myself, but I just cannot find the right SS office to talk to. Can this site give me some info. thank you
jerry526, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, June 9, 2010

• Tarra -- reading these posts makes us sad as well. We wish there were something that could be done for the many many stent recipients who get a drug-eluting stent and then find out they need to take a $4/day drug for at least a year. It's an issue we personally testified about at the FDA Stent Safety hearings in 2006, yet little has changed. But a little has changed. The health care reform bill will be shrinking the "doughnut hole", but it will take until 2020 for it to be eradicated. There are some patient assistance plans and links sent in by readers in this topic (browse through the links) but, as you say, if you're in the middle, you're too rich to be poor,etc. We urge ALL posters to also send these complaints to your Congressman and Senator. Call them, write them, let them know your situation -- originally Obama's health care reform was going to be more robust, but many in the legislature refused to enact certain provisions -- and while the plan that was enacted will hopefully help many, it won't relieve your stresses for a while.

There was just a study, in fact, demonstrating that a larger percentage of patients without insurance are not given drug-eluting stents, precisely because they may not be able to comply with the required one year of Plavix. For those who have these devices implanted but cannot afford Plavix, there should be more financial assistance. Plavix is, after all, one of the largest selling drugs worldwide: revenue to Bristol-Myers is over $5 billion annually.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, June 5, 2010

• Reading these posts makes me sad. My mother has Medicare Part A & D. However, she was just notified that she has used up all of her benefits for the year, and will have to start paying the total cost of her prescriptions for the remainder of the year (Someone told us this was called the prescription donut hole-where your benefits run out before the year does). She is on 13 different meds (she has kidney failure, high blood pressure, diabetes, COPD, etc, etc, etc). She was told Plavix would cost ***$400*** out of pocket - and that's just ONE of her many meds she needs...but right now, the only one I'm really concerned about since she keeps being told that she HAS to take it. She doesn't qualify for any of the programs listed on this page because her & her husband's social security benefits are above the income requirements. How can they put something in your body that forces you to take such an expensive medicine. What's even worst is that my parents are too poor to be rich, and too rich to be poor, so they don't qualify for anything. What can be done???
Tarra, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, May 27, 2010

• I am in the same situation and I am supposed to be taking vytorin. Also I have now gone 2 months without either of these prescribed drugs. Is there any real help out there?
SDoodle, Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA, May 21, 2010

• Karen C -- Thanks very much for your post. We are glad you found a solution. We also would like to state for the record that Angioplasty.Org does not endorse any pharmacy or online drug vendor and that, as the disclaimer at the bottom of each Forum page states, "Opinions and recommendations expressed on the FORUM are solely those of their authors." We also offer a link to this article that appeared last year in the San Diego Union Tribune, "Prescribing Caution", which discusses online pharmacies. Finally, Planet Drugs, a Canadian pharmacy, itself states at the bottom of its home page, "The FDA, due to the current state of their regulations, has taken the position that virtually all shipments of prescription drugs imported from a Canadian pharmacy by a U.S. consumer will violate the law. " That being said, an FDA spokesperson, quoted in the San Diego UT article, stated that the FDA is "not aware of any actions taken against an individual resulting from their purchase of small quantities of unapproved drugs from the Internet."
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, May 15, 2010

• Hi. I posted a little over a month ago about my husband having two stents inserted & now being on plavix. I wanted to update anyone who is looking for an affordable alternative to Bristol Myers Plavix. We ordered the generic Plavix (clopidogrel) from Planet Drugs (planetdrugsdirect.com) We ordered 6 months supply for $88. We paid $150 for just one month purchased here in the U.S. Their customer service is great & incredibly helpful. They told me it may take 5-6 weeks to receive our order so advised that we order accordingly. The drugs took exactly 5 weeks to get here. I made the order online, then my husband called his doctor with Planet Drugs fax number so they could fax the prescription to them. I received a confirmation email from Planet drugs within 24 hours letting us know they had received the prescription. They did not charge our debit card until they were notified that the drugs had been sent, which was about 4 weeks after we ordered them. The drugs came from New Zealand (they also may come from India) and were in foil lined pouches,10 pills to a pouch, 3 pouches to a box. I hope this info helps anyone who doesn't have prescription insurance (like us). Take care.
Karen C, Northern Michigan, USA, May 14, 2010

• contact bristol-meyers the maker of plavix. they have a patient assistance program that may help you.
Dave Thomas, home owner, Modesto, California, USA, May 13, 2010

• Am in the same situation as most everyone else regarding Plavix. It is immoral for Bristol Myers to capitalize on something that people literally will die without. I don't know how those responsible sleep nights, knowing how many people live in fear and literally are impoverished trying to afford medication that their lives depend on. We have found The Canadian Drugstore (Drug Store Unlimited) (just Google it) and 30 days of Plavix is $57.05. You need to send them a prescription in the mail (you cannot transfer from your regular pharmacy, get a new written prescription). It's still a lot of money, but better. Good luck to everyone, you are not alone in this.
Charles, Bradenton, Florida, USA, May 8, 2010

• Mr. Rao -- we've had a number of posters from India discuss the availability of generic Plavix (a.k.a. clopidogrel). You can find these easily by searching this page. Use CTRL-F (Windows) and search for "India" to find them. Also discuss this with your interventional cardiologist maybe to give you a prescription for the generic version, if it's available. But it is very important not to stop taking clopidogrel after stenting!
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, May 7, 2010

• I had undergone CAG and had two stents inserted two weeks ago. The doctor had prescribed Plavix 75 mg twice daily (8 AM & 8 PM) after food. It is very expensive in India too, each tablet costing about Rs. 115.40 (about $2.5) that is $5 a day. Is there any alternative medicine to Plavix which would cost less and available in India. I am about to retire from the government service by the end of this month (May 2010).
NV Rao, Indian Maritime University, Visakhapatnam Campus, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India, May 7, 2010

• Thank you Cathy -- this is important information for everyone on this thread. Also read my post from last May about this program from the Bristol-Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, April 18, 2010

• I applied directly to the co. of bristol/myers -- makers of plavix. Hosp. gave me all info. needed. The co. checks your yrly salary and if you qualify, you can get plavix free or at reduced price and it's mailed to your phd for pick up. Yes FREE. I'm one of the pt. who had a med. stent put 1/5/2010. I'm on Plavix 75 & was reduced to 81mg of aspirin from 325 after 1 month. I've exp. no out of the ordinary major sym. that I've read as of yet except I've been cold even in the warm weather and my feet hurt. Sometime I get slightly dizzy for no reason. Have been told to stay on plavix for at least one yr. Should change my diet and regular exercise for wt. loss. I'm 57
Cathy Ferraro, Springhill, Florida, USA, April 17, 2010

• I have read the comments from all concerned family members. Has anyone gotten an answer? My father recently had a heart attack and had a stent put in his heart. The Plavix is WAY to expensive and he has no insurance. I was looking for any discount programs or any helpful info. Please help!
Karen V, Palm Bay, Florida, USA, April 5, 2010

• Dear Karen -- I had a DES ( made by JNJ ) in my LAD and in India generic Plavix is available at almost 15% of Sanofi Aventis price. Even Sanofi Aventis original costs just around $25 per strip of 14 tabs. But most Indians use Generic. This is just for your information. Rgrds Kriss
Kriss, Digital Imaging, Bombay, India, March 31, 2010

• Karen -- Excellent questions -- and few good answers. Your family's "Catch-22" is shared by many -- read our March 23 post about this issue. We have read reports that doctors in South Florida, dealing with poor and immigrant populations, have taken to placing bare metal stents, which only require 4-6 weeks of Plavix to avoid the stent thrombosis issue. BTW, what type of stent (manufacturer and brand) did your husband receive? As for where do specific generics come from, we can't answer that but perhaps other readers have more info. We've also "poked" Mr. Fichera as to where he gets his $32 Plavix from. We would suggest writing your opinion to both Bristol Myers and your congressional representatives. And if you find suitable alternatives, please let others on the Forum know. Thanks.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, March 31, 2009

• Forum Editor,Can you explain to me, and maybe to others who don't understand, why a company such as bristol myers needs to make so much money on this type of drug? I read an article that said they sold over 7 billion dollars of this drug in 2007.. Surely, they have exceeded any cost they put into creating the drug. Is their "victory" over a generic form of the drug based purely on greed or is there another explanation? Also, when you say the Canadian company Apotex has now taken their generic form off the market, where does that leave us? I've been researching online drug company's and found that planetdrugsdirect.com offers a generic form of plavix at a very reasonable price. Can you, or anyone else, explain where the generic form is produced? My husband is all for ordering it through this company.. Has anyone else dealt with them or purchased their plavix through them? Thank you for any info.
Karen C., Northern Michigan, USA, March 31, 2010

• Of interest is this article in today's Wall Street Journal, "Sanofi, Bristol Reap Two Victories on Plavix ", basically saying that two court decisions have moved the possibility of generic clopidogrel (Plavix) in the U.S. back to 2012. A Canadian firm, Apotex, briefly introduced a generic clopidogrel, but the courts sided with Bristol-Myers and it was taken off the market in the U.S.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, March 30, 2010

• My husband just had two stints [stents] put in after having a heart attack last week. I was shocked when I went to pick up his plavix prescription and was told it was $150.00 for the month. His doctor told him he'd be on it for one year. By the way, we were never told a stint [stent] was part of the angioplasty surgery, or that this expensive drug was part of the deal. We have no drug insurance, only medicare. BEN FICHERA,PLEASE add info as to what canadian drug company you found plavix for $32.. I've done some research and found it much cheaper than here in the states, but not as cheap as you've listed. I'd really like any info you can share..Has anyone else ordered from Canada? How was the service, quality of drug, etc? Also, why is it Canada can offer a generic plavix, but we don't have that option in the United States? I have to tell you, I'm thankful my husband survived the heart attack but angry that he is now tied up in this whole procedure...
Karen C., Northern Michigan, USA, March 30, 2010

• i have a total of ten stents, 8 in my groin area PAD. 1 subclavian and 1 in my heart. i am layoff no insurance at all. Dr. has call for ultra sound of stents but when they know I have no insurance. they do not call. I need plavix cannot afford it. and scared of having a heart attack. what are the chances of having heart attack?
Scared Steve, Ohio, USA, March 26, 2010

• G.S. and others -- if you scroll down through this topic, you'll find that readers have posted a number of possibilities for financial assistance -- we would also suggest calling your local government representatives. Some counties have prescription assistance plans that offer discounts on medications. But the Catch-22 with drug-eluting stents and Plavix is a topic we at Angioplasty.Org have been writing and speaking out about for years (we even testified at the FDA Stent Safety hearing about this issue). Stents and Plavix are really a single package. You can't have one without the other. However, current insurance plans may cover the procedure for tens of thousands of dollars, but not the $4/day drug, a critical and necessary component of the treatment. It's ridiculous. We are hoping that the Health Care Reform bill passed this weekend may rectify some of these shortcomings, although it will be a while before some of these benefits kick in.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, March 23, 2010

• My husband was recently diagnosed with a blood clot and given a prescription for Plavix. The one month supply cost us $177.00 and we had to scrap to pull that together. We could only afford the medicine for one month and he needs to be taking it regularly. We're looking for some alternative or assistance in helping to pay for part or all of this expensive drug. He only has medicare and does not cover prescriptions.
G.S., Fort Myers, Florida, USA, March 22, 2010

• I had my first stent in January 09, and was not informed that I would be dependent on Plavix. The stent had to be replaced in May 09 and I was hospitalized 3 more times in June 09 and I was fired from my job and now have no insurance. I am now on indigent care for the hospital but that does not cover any medications. What help is there for people? Is there an alternative affordable herbal remedy? Thanks, Wanda
Wanda , Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA, March 16, 2010

• ask your doctor for free samples. clinics get samples often.
N., Kentucky, USA, March 16, 2010

• I am writing this for my husband. He had two heart attacks in one day on March 23, 2003. He had two stents on each side of his heart and eight stents up his right leg, and has been recommended to take plavix for the rest of his life. We both take a total of sixteen pills twice a day and can not afford the plavix. We try to get samples from his doctors office in Memphis,Tennessee. Family Physicians Group is our doctors, and we want to know why they can't get plavix as a sample for the patients. Thank you!!!!
Mary Perfetti, Memphis, Tennessee, USA, March 12, 2010

• i had a stroke in 1997, cancer and 9 stomach surgery. i take about 150.00 meds and now my plavix went to 80.00 on a fix income. it hard to pay 230.00 .what a person to do?
A. P., Corpus Christi, Texas, USA, March 11, 2010

• listen up: you can buy plavix from canadian pharmacies . look them up on the computer. $32.00 for 90 day supplies.
Ben Fichera, Spring Hill, Florida, USA, March 6, 2010

• I had a stent put in last year after having a heart attack. Trying to pay for the plavix that i was put on was a hardship for me i am now have no job is there help for me i dont know what to do. doctor says i must take it. why do they put you on such an expensive med. i have no insurance please help me.
Verna Sharp, San Antonio, Texas, USA, March 1, 2010

• I need assistance on getting plavix. I recently became unemployed and don't have any health insurance, and I have only two more days left then i'm out. I get my prescriptions from Walgreens in Janesville WI and they were out until monday. I just can't afford them. I don't know where else to go for help. Thank you for your time.
David Fredricks, Janesville, Wisconsin, USA , February 21, 2010

• My husband had a quintuple bypass nine years ago. On 02/08/2010 they found another blockage and a stent was put in. He is also a diabetic. His medicines include Metformin, Glipizide, Metroprolol, Simvastatin, Plavix, and Lantus. I am a diabetic as well, however we can't afford all of this medicine. My husband suffered a back injury and was out of work for a year and a half. When he return to work, he was on the job for two months and then he was layed off. He has not worked since April of 2009. We lost our health insurance because of his job situation. As of January 1, 2010 we are insured under my employers health plan. I still cannot afford his medicine and mine, so we buy his because of his heart problems. With the addition of plavix, we really can't afford all of his medicine either. If anyone has any suggestions on how I can get help, please let me know. Thanks!
Yvonne L., Virginia, USA, February 11, 2010

• I had 3 stents put in 2 weeks ago. Plavix is over $165 for 30 75mg tablets where I live. I live on disability with no meds coverage and cannot afford this and other meds I must take. I don't spent $5 a day to eat.
Jack H., Prattville, Alabama, USA, February 9, 2010

• I am not pleased at all with my mom's Plavix doubling in price this month due to the insurance's tiers on medication. It is now $80 when it was $40. That is ridiculous for a one month supply. She has other meds. as well. I have to try and make ends meet and this doesn't help me in the least. I never complained about the $40 as I know people pay much more a month. Now, I just called and told them to consider who is trying to pay this amount. Not happy. I feel your pain! This needs to be fixed. Oh, here's the Plavix commercial ironically on at this moment!
JK, Austin, Texas, USA, January 23, 2010

• I have had a stent placement since 2006 have been able to buy my medication at hospital where i work and have it taken out of 2 checks but the pharmacy no longer lets employees fill scrips here. I haven't been able to buy plavix 75mg in a month. Have so many scrips to get filled i just can't afford to get them.
Sybil M., McAClester, Oklahoma, USA, January 16, 2010

• I had stents inserted in May 2009 I too cannot afford or even begin to pay the prices for this drug. Where are they really made? I have samples from the United Kingdom and France??? And they tell us not to go to Canada??
Nina, Missouri, USA, January 11, 2010

• I had 2 heart attacks in Feb 2009, and had a Xience stint [stent] put in after the second heart attack. My husband had a blockage in his leg (PAD) and had to have surgery in November 2009. I currently take 7 prescription meds that are required. Even with my insurance I cannot afford to pay the copay for them. Vytorin is 102.00 and Niaspan is 150. that is co-pay. We are low-middle income. I have to take these meds. I am only 56 years old and am not eligible for medicaid. I cannot pay for these while I wait for my deductible to kick in. I only work 32 hours a week at 9.30 an hour and I am still trying to figure out how to pay for medical care that my insurance didn't cover. HELP!
Suzanne, North Carolina, USA, January 7, 2010

• Hi, my name is Thelma G. I have been without my Plavix for about 3 to 4 weeks now because I can't afford it? Is there any help for me, a Pharmaceutical company that can give me some samples until I can afford it or maybe something comparable to it that is less expensive?
Thelma G., Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, December 29, 2009

• My fiancee had surgery the day after Thanksgiving and had a stent put in. He makes just over $24000 per year but 1/2 of that is taken for child support. The assistance programs we have checked into go off his gross income. He does have medical insurance but his co-pay is around $65 and needs to have Toprol XR and Lisinopril. Any suggestions?
Michelle, Faucett, Missouri, USA, December 26, 2009

• Dear patients and loved ones. Most drug companies participate in programs subsidizing the cost of prescription medications. Bristol-Myers Squibb, the maker of Plavix, has the following site where you can request support http://www.bmspaf.org/ You can also find information on other prescription assistance programs here http://www.pparx.org/
Alex, San Francisco, California, USA, December 3, 2009

• I cannot afford my plavix anymore, it is 180.00 where i live in S. C. i have three stents in my artery and said i would be on it for a year. a year will be up in april of 2010. please can you help me. i am on a fixed income of social security...help me please.
Sue Starnes, Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA, November 2, 2009

• My husband had a stent put in a year ago. He is diabetic and also has a bad back, and legally blind. He takes over 17 different meds. Our Dr. was giving us samples of plavix until a few months ago. Now drug reps aren't bringing them. I have been told drug companies are going to stop all....samples to Dr.s at the end of this year. Ed is on part D we just hit his (hole) went to get his refill and it was 160.00 for 30 days... His Heart Dr. just told us he really needs to be on it for at least 6 more months because he still has one blockage at 75 to 80%. I lost my job in May 2008, so we are very limited on income. One place said if he would give up his part D they could give us 3 of his name brands for 60.00 per month. But I haven't yet been able to check and see if that would really help as far as all his scrips.
Donita Lewis, Wagoner, Oklahoma, USA, October 29, 2009

• my husband had 2 stints [stents] put in in January and it's really hard to make sure he has the meds he needs the meds cost so much there are times i do without my meds just so he has his our family is not ready to lose him.... i hope someone can help us so we can always have his meds.
Earletta McDonald, Vincennes, Indiana, USA, October 23, 2009

• I am a 40 year old male, originally from England and now live in Ohio. I have been here 8 years and never really been sick. In May i had a heart attack and needed a stent. I then lost my job because my employer ended up being my worst enemy! I searched the net to see if I could find some way of getting my meds cheap. I have just received my first 90 days of "free" Plavix and am awaiting my first free supply of Lipitor. Go to the Plavix web site and Lipitor web site and search for the forms from that point. I have a family of four and our joint income is less than 48K. You'll be surprised what you can get and what help is out there. As an Englishman I have never had to ever worry about meds before, until I came to this country. I love this country, but I hate the fact that people have to suffer for being sick. You shouldn't have to to search the web to find help, most doctors should tell you what help is out there. Luckily, i have the best doctors surgery in the world. If you need help, please do not hesitate in contacting me. Heart attack survivors should stick together. We live another day and lets live it pain free. God bless America and God save the Queen!
Mark Sandy, Ohio, USA, September 18, 2009

• I've been on Plavix 31/2 yrs. I'm widowed and only make $1,400 a yr & $1,425 Medicare. Is there anyway that you can help me. I'm 66 years old and had open heart surgery 3 1/2yrs ago and now have 12 stents. Please what can I do to get assistance. I do have insurance, but still have to pay something. I must take these meds that's what the doctors have told me never to stop. Thanking you for reading my request.
Carolyn M., New York, USA, September 18, 2009

• My brother who is 50 years old had a massive heart attack on july 7th 2009. he has no insurance and is unable to work because he is in the construction industry. He had to have a stint [stent] put in.The doctors are saying he is a miracle. he needs his plavix and cannot afford it. What should i as his sister do? I don't want him to die......
Robin T., Texas, USA, August 29, 2009

• Please anyone help with info will truly appreciate. Step-mom needs to take Plavix. She has insurance so she does not qualify for assistance through a lot of programs problem is very little income coming in not enough to pay for medicine. Her insurance pays for maybe thirty dollars a month on RX she also takes four or five more meds. Thanks for all your help.
Nancy, Davie, Florida, USA, August 27, 2009

• I had a heart attack July 26. I have no Medical or prescription insurance. I am a widow on a limited income.
Ruth M., Kentucky, USA, August 24, 2009

• There are links to various assistance sites and groups in various posts below. Again we encourage any readers out there who have had success in getting financial aid for Plavix, etc. to write in their findings. The recommendations of the major cardiology societies is NOT to implant drug-eluting stents in patients who may have compliance problems. These stents require at least a year of Plavix. If a patient cannot afford a year or more of Plavix (over $1,400) then the alternative of a bare-metal stent should be considered (only 4-6 weeks of Plavix is required with these). Perhaps a reform in the way prescription medicine is paid for will change all this. Check out our newest topic, "Health Care Reform and Stents in the United States".
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, August 16, 2009

• My husband is 45 and has suffered 4 heart attacks and received 4 stents. He lost his job last October and can no longer work because of his health. He, too, needs to take Plavix, but we cannot afford it. We no longer have insurance, and are now saddled with huge medical bills, yet we have been told, based upon our last year's taxes, that we are not eligible for assistance. Our situation this year is extremely different than last. Is there anyone out there that can help us based upon our situation today? Any advice or contacts would be greatly appreciated. I don't want to lose my best friend. My biggest fear is that the heart attacks will continue. Thank you.
Lisa G., Missouri, USA, August 5, 2009

• I am on a fixed income and cannot afford my plavix this month, I need the 35 dollar co pay to help me. If anyone can help, please respond.
Patricia Jaynes, Pasadena, Texas, August 4, 2009

• the price of the Plavix I'm taking seems to be going up in cost at the rate of 20 dollars a month right now and the problem is this is not the only medicine I take and have to pay for. I need help!!
Mark N., Williamsport, Indiana, USA, August 3, 2009

• Michael -- scroll down to our post from May 16. This and other posts in this topic have information and links for financial assistance. What type of stent do you have: drug eluting or bare metal?
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, July 25, 2009

• I had a heart attack on april 27, 2009 which caused an aneurysm the size of a baseball on my heart. I have no insurance and have been turned down by Medicaid . it is getting to be where i can not afford to pay for my plavix and I am worried what will happen to me if I cannot afford to pay for my next prescription. i am 44 years old.
Michael W., Darrouzett, Texas, USA, July 24, 2009

• I need Plavix on a daily basis and can not afford to continue, my husband and I are on a fixed income, is there any way to get samples from the company. The doctors office never has any and if so only 1 box. I want to take it as directed but I don't know how much longer I can do this with all the other medical expenses. I take 75 mg daily. Thank you for any consideration.
Mary S., Louisville, Kentucky, USA, July 8, 2009

• I am writing this for my 71 yo mother who had a heart attack and had a stent put in. She and my 86 yo stepfather have some money and are on medicare. She is on Plavix and her medicare doesn't cover the cost of Plavix for the whole year. What do people in her situation do? The cost of Plavix is unreal. But they seem not to qualify for any programs because they have some money. Are they to go broke cause of the meds my mother needs to take to keep her from dying?
Caroline, Lakeland, Florida, USA, July 7, 2009

• John -- look through this topic -- other patients have had some suggestions which have worked. Two possible places might be of assistance, but that depends on your income, etc. -- try Bristol-Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation -- you can get the application online and then mail or fax it in. You can also go to the Partnership for Prescription Assistance -- they may have more options for at least partial pay programs. Angioplasty.Org has no connection with any of these programs -- we're just steering you to assistance. Please follow up in this topic and let everyone reading know if you had any luck. Also, do not stop taking Plavix and aspirin, as prescribed by your cardiologist -- these are critical drugs for stent patients and early cessation can cause serious problems. In the short term, perhaps he/she has some samples -- it may take a few weeks for your application to get reviewed.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, May 16, 2009

• had stent operation 5/13/09. dr. prescribed plavix 75mg i cannot afford to purchase them on fixed income. 66 yr. old on social security have no drug insurance, can you help?
John H., Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA, May 15, 2009

• My Dad is on Plavix and his Medicare Advantage Company just raised the copayment from 6.00 to 60.00 for a 30 day supply. Bristol-Myers Squib requires that you have no insurance of any kind. Where can he go to get these things free or cheap even though he has Medicare?
John, Orlando, Florida, USA, April 24, 2009

• Cannot afford Plavix.
John R., Franklin, New Hampshire, USA, April 16, 2009

• Mohamad -- there's more information on the related topic, Plavix, Aspirin and Stents. Are you taking Plavix because you had a stent put in? If so, what type of stent, drug-eluting (coated) or bare metal? Stopping Plavix too soon can increase the risk of stent thrombosis, which is a clotting of the blood inside the stent and is a very serious complication that can lead to a heart attack. Discuss this issue with your cardiologist if it's not clear to you why you need to stay on the drug.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, April 9, 2009

• please tell me about what happen if i stop the plavix because my doctor she won't to stop it.
Mohamad, San Jose, California, USA, April 8, 2009

• Jeremy -- thanks for the post. FYI, we've discussed Boston's StentPlus program a number of times throughout this Forum -- in fact we sent them their very first patient query (see Shelly's post from October 16, 2007)! If you or anyone has had specific experience with their program, I'm sure our readers would be interested
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, April 6, 2009

• Boston Scientific Corporation (Taxus/Promus stents) has a program called Stent Plus. It helps reduce the financial burdens of multiple heart medications. The program can be found at www.stentplus.com
Jeremy G., medical manufacturing, San Antonio, Texas, USA, April 4, 2009

• I don't think I'm looking for a free ride. I am looking out for my health. I don't have health insurance. So, it is costly. I am just trying to come up with way to get help. Thank for you info. But, I am definitely not looking for a free ride. I go to work everyday like everyone else.
Marcos Santana, Chicago, Illinois, USA, February 25, 2009

• To Marcos Santana, Are you really looking for a free sample, or just a free ride? Plavix costs less than half the price in Mexico. That is where I used to get it when I needed it, you can go there as well. Good luck, amigo!
Tom in Encinitas, California, USA, February 17, 2009

• Is anyone out there knows how to get free sample of plavix I also have a heart attack back in November last year and now I lost my insurance and my plavix cost $164 per month and I can't afford if any one have any idea how to beat this big price of plavix?
Marcos Santana, Chicago, Illinois, USA, February 7, 2009

• I'm 46 years old and had my second Heart attack in October 2006 and thank God I had Insurance to pay for all the medical bills. It is now Feb 2009 and have lost my job in Nov 2008 and am on unemployment which pays enough to pay my mortgage and no money left or Insurance to pay for my prescriptions. When my insurance expired my meds went from $90.00 a month to $360.00 a month and had to stop taking all of them, i.e. Plavix, Lipitor, Atenolol & lisinopril which are all part of my Heart regimen. I know it was a bad choice to stop but when you can't afford it you what else can you do. I have tried to get help from various places but do not Qualify because I made too much money in 2008 so have just given up and my health is slowly deteriorating and will soon be back in the Hospital if things don't change. I came across this site and have found a gleam of hope. I will try some of these sites you all mentioned and pray something happens soon. Thanks Everyone
James Karas, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, February 5, 2009

• I am currently taking plavix as result of a stroke, but only have couple pills, and no insurance,waiting disability claim, is there any program that can help get meds to me?
Michael L. Phillips, self with medical needs, Norfolk, Virginia, USA, January 12, 2009

• my mother had a heart attack on friday had a stint [stent] put in was sent home on monday. she didn't get her plavix prescription filled and on wednesday she had another heart attack
Jenny, Hoover, Alabama, USA, January 8, 2009

• My friend who works assisting those who can't help themselves in a dynamic way each day can't afford her prescription of Plavix. She has recovered from a full blown stroke, but has since suffered from TIA's. The only time she has felt better than half mass is when she's on your medication plavix. She works 50 plus hours a week at a Nursing Home has no medical insurance and we need your help to keep this incredible spirit in our lives.
Shannon, Portales, New Mexico, USA, January 6, 2009

• I have a serious heart condition and had heart attack. I have stent and my doctor warn me that i am in very bad condition. I have no money left for medicine. i need very much to save my life PLAVIX. IF ANY BODY WANT TO GIVE ME plavix please contact me. In return i will pray for you to God every day.
Raihan Sharif, New York, USA, December 29, 2008

• I need Plavix 75 mg. can't afford. Looking for samples for a while , until things get better or maybe a generic type comes along. Have stents total of four. Meds ness.
James G., Georgia, USA, December 25, 2008

• My husband had a triple bypass 3 years ago and is on plavix. we have no insurance and it is expensive. From what I'm reading most people on plavix have stents. Do you think he is taking plavix for a good reason?
Larry S., Michigan, USA, December 9, 2008

• Cathy -- We're not familiar with all the ins and outs of what the VA will or will not cover, but Plavix after stenting is only one use of the drug -- in fact, depending which arm of the FDA you talk to, Plavix technically is only indicated in patients who are stented because of Acute Coronary Syndrome, but that's another long story. As for your father, if his cardiologist is prescribing Plavix for an approved indication, we don't understand why coverage would be denied. Discuss this with his cardiologist and perhaps a supervisor at VA.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, December 5, 2008

• My father is a Korean War veteran. He has had by-pass and years later stents put in. His cardiologist wants him on plavix and the Veterans Administration will not give him plavix because it wasn't prescribed within a year after the stents were put in. He doesn't have the money for the plavix. This is no way for Veterans to be treated. What alternatives do we have for him to be able to continue on Plavix??
Cathy Walton, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, December 5, 2008

• Ok my generic Plavix got here today. At first I was very suspicious because the look nothing like Plavix, they are a light green in color and have no printing on them, but I had them tested and they are very real. This should help someone who can't afford them locally. They forgot the 4 free Viagra but that might be a good thing being a heart patient. LOL allow 30 days to get these because of Customs. Sure hope this helps someone out.
Michael Duff, Shepherdsville, KY, USA, December 4, 2008

• Update. My Plavix has cleared customs today. Will update everyone when it arrives as to quality etc.
Michael Duff, Shepherdsville, Kentucky, USA, December 3, 2008

• W. in Ohio -- the Google Ads that appear on these pages are not part of our site. If you click on the link "for more information about these Google Ads" you will see a pop-up window with the following text:

"What Are These Ads? These are keyword-related advertisements from Google. These ads come from companies or organizations that wish to display their messages in the context of certain search terms. When you click on a sponsored link, you will exit Angioplasty.Org. Angioplasty.Org does not endorse the web site to which you will be taken. Angioplasty.Org receives a small fee for each "click-thru" which goes toward support of the Cardiology Patients Forum."

Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, December 3, 2008

• I have exact situation only am taking pills, do you see a danger??? This situation resulted in my purchasing generic Clopidogrel from discount drugs from Canada online. I received the drugs, but they arrived wrapped in a brown paper bag with a return address from a residence in India. This worried more than a little and I have not taken any of the drugs but have continued taking the brand name plavix. Today, I notice your site includes an advertisement for Plavix from discountdrugsfromcanada.com. The drugs I received are from the manufacturer Cipla as indicated on the link from your site, come packaged individually in aluminum 5 pill strips, and then enclosed in a quality plastic case with two latches. It is very professional looking and expensive packaging. Are these drugs equivalent to plavix? I read all I could find about Cipla and they apparently reverse engineer the drugs they manufacture. Is that standard practice by drug companies outside the U.S.?
W., Ohio, USA, December 2, 2008

• I was hunting online for alternatives or generics for Plavix because I have no income and no insurance. I ran across a site called pills-now.com They sell a generic that is produced in India. I decided to try and order and take a gamble. Right now my pills are at US customs waiting to be released and sent to me. 4 months worth of pills cost me less than 1 month here. I think it is because of our US drug patents that these same pills, in generic form, can not be produced and sold here. I guess it's all about the mighty dollar, not weather we live or die. When I had my 2 stints put in 30 days ago the doctor said he could not prescribe me anything else. If I can't buy my pills chances are I will go back to the emergency room. I pray that a generic comes available to us here in the USA real soon. My life depends on it.
Michael Duff, Shepherdsville, Kentucky, USA, December 2, 2008

• Rosanne -- this site is just a Forum. We don't sell or distribute medications, but if you scroll through here, you might find some help from other patients in your situation.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, November 30, 2008

• My husband has been on Plavix about a year and the only way he has been getting them is through his doctors' office because we can't afford to buy them. Lately, he hasn't been able to get them because the doctors'office has been out, therefore, he hasn't been taken his plavix in well over a month. Is there anyway you can send the sample of plavix right to him? We know that with him not taking this medication he is risking his life but we don't know what to do. Thank you.
Rosanne Hatch, patient, Sackets Harbor, New York, USA, November 12, 2008

• i had a heart attack back in dec of 07, and had 3 stents put in..and the dr put me on plavix and a aspirin a day along with a bunch of other meds.. well, now i can't get my meds because i lost my insurance.. if i stop taking plavix will i have another heart attack? i can't afford to buy it, it is 140 dollars for 30 pills. and lipitor is more then that.. what am i suppose to do here? i don't want to have another heart attack.. and i can't get no help! thanks
Lisa, Ivel, Kentucky, USA, November 1, 2008

• Check out www.needymeds.com it is a FREE site, it lists all the medications by either BRAND or GENERIC, you can also search your medicines by the disease or the manufacturer if you know it, this site is simple, just click,click,click,.... :) it explains all eligibility guidelines and what the process is to get approved for free or low cost medications!!! so much is available, you just have to look at the presented information, Needy Meds has it all put together in one place...try it out and GOOD LUCK!
Dana, Independence, Kansas, USA, October 22, 2008

• Lisa -- stopping Plavix "cold turkey" can have unwanted negative effects. Call your cardiologist or physician and see if you can get a bridge sample and definitely look through this topic for ways to obtain this important medication, even if you cannot pay for it.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, September 29, 2008

• My husband at 47 had a heart attack and had a stent put in in September 2007. We have depleted our savings, subsidizing the purchase of medications, tests and whatever appointments we could pay. Now, living from hand to mouth, the Plavix, Altace, Crestor, Carvedilol, Niaspan, Furosimide for him and Diovan for the high blood pressure I've developed are costing us around $400-500 dollars a month. Today, he ran out of the Plavix and we don't have the money for the refill until I get paid.. He can die if he does not take them. What can we do?
Lisa, Miami Beach, Florida, USA, September 28, 2008

• Anyone know if one would qualify if Social Security is approximately $1,200.00 a month and some stock worth about $6,000.00. Anyone been there? Thanks.
Doug, Oklahoma, USA, September 18, 2008

• If anyone is looking for help finding medications please visit www.rxassist.org. This web site will help you to find the pharmaceutical assistance program that is right for you. I work in a low income clinic and we use this web site daily to find programs for our patients. You will need assistance from your doctor to request the medications, but if you are low income you can almost always get these prescriptions supplied at no cost.
Lacey, New York, USA, July 16, 2008

• I have been on Plavix for about 16 months and was told by my cardiologist I might be on it for a lifetime. I am an African American 49 year old woman that got a stent in March 2007 due to a blockage. I no longer have health insurance and applied for assistance through Bristol Myers and was denied because THEY say I made too much last year. Any suggestions? My cardiologist has given me samples for the past few months.
Vickie Brundidge, Phoenix, Arizona, USA, July 16, 2008

• I had a bare metal stent put in on Nov. 2007, I was told I would have to take Plavix & an aspirin, the rest of my life. If I didn't take it, the stent would clot off and I could have a heart attack and die.....Plavix is verrrry expensive, can't get the generic, even though it's out there. Clopidogrel works in other countries,and on people who buy it out of country (Canada, Mexico). Why not here? Oh!! we don,t want to take millions or billions of dollars out of the pharmaceutical companies. Are the doctors getting some kind of kick backs from the pharma companies? As you can tell I'm very disgruntled, about the medical and prescription mess in this country.
Patti, Florida, USA, July 1, 2008

• Hope everyone is here is well. I thought I would take a few minutes and update my medication issues I once had in hopes of helping anyone who may have or had the same issues I did getting the meds they need. Initially it did take me a while to do the research and get the medications I so needed, but it all paid off. I received my medications at no charge with refills for three months. I didn't know how difficult it may be to get another 3 month supply after I had exhausted it. I called both companies and explained what I needed and was mailed the necessary paper work. Again I filled it out, sent it to my Cardiologist to complete his portion and waited for a reply.

Yes, I was approved with no hassles at all for another 3 months! I do hope no one ever has to worry or go without their medications as there is help available out there. The paper work was easier the 2nd time around, and both companies have been so helpful in all aspects. I was never treated like any one seeking a freebie, I was treated with the utmost respect at all times! Please, please, anyone of you who may not be able to afford your meds, or know of someone in your family or friends who need assistance in obtaining meds do not sit there and do nothing. There is help out there for you or them! Pass the word for those who may not know. For someone who doesn't have a computer and can find the information online. There are toll free numbers you can call and get the same information and/or medications you/they so need. There is NO reason whatsoever for anyone in the US to go without their meds!! Lets all help out and pass the word around to everyone, you never know who's life you may be saving by spreading the word!! To those of you who were so kind to offer suggestions when I was trying to find a way to obtain the meds I so badly needed, again thank you. To everyone who wrote I hope each of you is doing well and wish each of you would write and update us all on how you're doing.

I just recently passed my one year anniversary of my heart attack and stent placement and I am doing very well. I have lost a total of 60 pounds, my blood pressure is that of a teenager, and my cholesterol levels are great!! Both good & bad! :) Life couldn't be better in that aspect!! I trust each of you is doing as well, or on your way to it. All I need now is full time employment! ha! Seems no one is interested in hiring us older people although I don't feel old at all nor do I act old. (Heck, I don't look my age since my weight loss :) ) Good Luck to all of you & again I would love to hear how everyone is doing. Update us all!!
Shelly, Orlando, Florida, July 1, 2008

• Hello Shelly and all others in need of free plavix, my boyfriend is 49 and just had two heart attacks within a week of each other and is on plavix with no income and can't go back to work right now, in the hospital he was given an application from Bristol-Myers Squibb who make plavix, we filled it out wrote a short letter of explanation, and sent it off through the cardiologist, and we just heard back that he was approved, and that a 90 day supply will be waiting for him at his cardiologist office this will also cover 3 refills so basically he is covered for a year and after that he can reapply, all within 3 weeks and his cardiologist office gave him samples to get him through till this came through, I don't know what would of happened without their help, obviously it would have been not too good!!! please check this out, hope this helps someone. This is called The Bristol-Myers Squibb Patient assistance Foundation, Inc. P.O.Box 1058 Somerville, NJ 08876 Phone (800) 736-0003 If anyone has any comments or questions, you can email me.
Pamela Eiseman, Gainesville, Florida, USA, February 4, 2008

• Thanks for all the input everyone has given here. For me using medications from a foreign place is not an option. I feel I would have no clue as to what I was taking which could in turn make my situation worse. I was given samples from my Cardiologist and Primary Care which got me through until Bristol Myers Squibb got me a 3 months supply at no charge. It does require some paper work, copies of tax returns for the previous year. (that may have been for my Vytorin, not sure at this point) I myself would not recommend taking meds from a foreign place. I feel I have enough issues without jeopardizing my heart related issues. If one is up front with their Drs I think it can all be worked out until you are able to get your meds directly from the company who makes them. I found persistence does pay off. I am presently getting 3 of my medications from the manufacturer at no charge. Usually they send a 3 month supply and the paper work for you to apply for the next go round. It is more than worth it if you don't have health insurance.

Some time back I was referred through this site to Boston Scientific. They have now up and running and have a web site. They sent me a packet (free) titled "Stent Plus+" It has lots of valuable information, a card holder to keep your stent card in, a CD, and a thing you can write on and post on your fridge or mirror on when to take you meds, how much you take and when to order more. Its good information and I would suggest since its free everyone ask for it to be mailed to them. It also gives information on financial assistance with your medications and an email service reminder. You can check it out at www.stentplus.com. It's all free so I urge everyone who has a stent to log onto their site and poke around and send for the free packet of information. You won't regret your decision. In one of the emails they wrote me they are still working on many things for patients like us with stents so check back from time to time to see what they may have going on for us.

I thank the Forum Editor here to referring them to me and hope they become valuable to all of us. Thanks again everyone. If anyone has issues about getting Plavix or other heart related meds free of charge if you qualify let me know. I've become more or less an expert in the area now..lol Good Luck to all of you.
Shelly, Orlando, Florida, USA, January 27, 2008

• Yippee!!! I finally got Plavix at NO charge!! I find if you continue to apply to the drug company it happens! My Cardiologists office called today & my 3 month supply of Plavix is in. What a relief. If anyone is unable to afford the high cost of Plavix call their toll free number and apply right away. I got my answer from Bristol Myers Squibb in less than 2 weeks. I'm now waiting to hear on my Vytorin, which hopefully will be soon. This is a great site with a ton of information and people helping people!! Thanks again.
Shelly, Florida, USA, January 8, 2008

• Shelly, your situation is understandable. I also received an DES (Endeavour) in oct 2007. I am also on antiplatelet therapy. As suggested by Mr. Tarun u can try out meds from indian companies. if u still look forward to more info on companies please write. Best wishes.
M.Padmanabhan, Pune, India, December 28, 2007

• For some of people that don't have drug coverage, you should go to your family DR, and your cardiologist and ask them for samples the drug reps leave at their offices for people when they start on plavix. A lot of time they would rather write a scrip than give samples to people who are not covered by insurance. I have seen out of date samples trashed when they could have give them to their patients. You just have to ask and ask again.
Ronnie B., Kentucky, USA, December 20, 2007

• Persistence DOES pay!! I've finally made some headway with getting assistance with Plavix & Vytorin. I have kept after both companies daily and every week kept sending in the forms they require. I had hoped they would tire of me and give in, and they have ;) They finally agreed to give me the meds for 3 months, after that I have to renew again. I can do that, in fact I'll start my renewal at the start of my second month to assure I won't miss any meds. So, anyone else out there having difficulty getting your meds, do NOT give up! Stay after these people & get your Dr. to be an advocate for you. They will listen and you will get what you need. Good Luck everyone!! ~Shelly
Shelly, Florida, USA, December 19, 2007

• This is awesome!! Our own little corner of the world for those needing and not being able to afford Plavix!! I hope and pray more & more people come to read this thread. I am quite sure there are other people in the same situation as I am; without any health insurance & not being able to afford the high cost of Plavix! I do have a bit of good news to report. I called my Primary Physician on Thursday to ask if they had any samples of Plavix.. they did!!! They said come in and get them; so I immediately packed me in my car & took off.. a 35 mile drive, but more than worth it!! They were able to give me 4 boxes of Plavix. While there are only 6 tablets in each sample pack, that's a total of 24 pills! Almost enough to get me through the month!! I was so excited you would have thought I just won the lottery!!! I am still applying for other assistance, tons of paper work, but I'm at it! When I do find someone who can assist I will be sure to post it here so others may take advantage. I am already working on obtaining next months supply, sad that we as the greatest country on earth have to work so hard for medicine that is needed!! But, I'm good for 24 days. Who ever else may be in this situation all I can say is DON'T give up!! There has to be a light at the end of the tunnel and if we keep sharing information with each other we will find that pot of Plavix at the end of our rainbow!!! Just a quick 'thank you' for starting this thread; I am quite sure even those who don't post will be reading and find some useful resources, or have resources for all of us to use. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!
Shelly, Florida, USA, November 17, 2007

• The responses below were originally posted in our Forum Topic on Plavix, Aspirin and Stents. One patient's plea for information on financial assistance with Plavix (clopidogrel) generated a number of helpful posts from other readers, so we are making this thread a separate topic, in hopes that our readers will continue to share their suggestions on where to get aid. Compliance with antiplatelet therapy (usually clopidogrel and aspirin) is critical after stent placement in avoiding blood clots (a.k.a. stent thrombosis). For drug-eluting stents most cardiologists are recommending at least one year of antiplatelet therapy, yet for those patients whose insurance does not cover these drugs, the costs are significant -- currently about $4/day in the U.S. We welcome posts from patients, medical professionals and industry and government representatives.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, November 17, 2007

• Thanks Betty & Pete, I will check out both the sites you mentioned. I am not giving up! When I find one that works ya'll will hear from me!! I'll yell it from the rooftops!! lol And, no worries, my meds will be legal... I have enough problems without adding any new ones. ;) Thank all of you again, this is a great bunch of people!!
Shelly, Florida, November 16, 2007

• Shelly, I don't know if this will help or not but I found this site. It seems to offer some help in finding a program that can assist you in getting your prescriptions. I have not signed up but it looked interesting. This is the website: http://www.rxassist.org -- Good luck and let us know if that helped at all and anything else we can do for you. And hang in there, you'll get this figured out.
Pete, New Jersey, USA, November 16, 2007

• Just a note to all -- we welcome opinions and information from our readers, but any opinion expressed by posters are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Angioplasty.Org or its editors. We also do not endorse obtaining prescription medicines or pharmaceuticals from any source that may conflict with the laws or regulations of any country.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, November 16, 2007

• i keep reading about the cost of drugs like plavix in US and Europe and difficulty in people not financially sound to continue on treatment. I am from india where lot of angioplasty procedures are performed daily and though i do not have data to support but am sure restenosis and or Late thrombosis rates would be similar to the world. The patients are given same prescriptions like Clopidogrel, aspirin,statins,ace inhibitors. These are dirt cheap here and i must add they are generic versions but i am sure equally effective. let me tell people are taking these even if they are rich enough to import and afford 200-300 dollars a month but still doctors (let me again say Indian doctors are as good as anyone in the world and they know that quite a few of the patients can easily AFFORD imported medications but they say indian medicines are equally good. Now lot of indian company medications are marketed in US and EU. So my suggestions to people who cannot afford drugs in US like plavix etc is to consider getting it from india just for reference - clopidogrel 75+ aspirin 150 combo tablet for 30 days dose costs only 3(three)dollars in india.please dont think they are not effective ,they are as good. indian medicine compares to the best in the world today. even procedures like stenting ,bypass etc on the same machines. are much cheaper . a angiaoplassty with one cypher des costs 3000 -3500 dollars at the best hospital which let me say are comparable to world standards. bypass costs 1ian medicine 10000-12000 usd. i myself went thru angioplasty im mar 06.so people rather than not taking plavixe for one year as recommended should explore indian medicine options. it is false propoganda of big cos that generics is not effective. my emailid is tarunsud@hotmail.com
Tarun Sud, New Delhi, INDIA, November 15, 2007

• Shelly--Have you checked out www.scbn.org? I'm sure there is paperwork, but it might be worth a shot if you haven't already tried it. It stands for Select Care Benefits Network, a patient advocacy organization. Good luck to you. YOU GO GIRL!!!!
Betty S., Arkansas, USA, November 15, 2007

• I still do not have my Plavix but it is nice to see the support here. I am not giving up, I feel there has to be a way for me to get this much needed med I need. It gets very frustrating, but I am very persistent and I vow to follow every lead I can find. Again, I urge any of you if you know of other companies, web sites, etc. that assist people in obtaining Rx medications they need to please post here. I see I am not the only one in this position, and I am sure there are lots more that aren't aware of this site. I did get in touch with my Cardiologist (his nurse) and they do not have any samples of Plavix, but I was told if they did get any I would be called. I'm keeping my fingers crossed & praying.. it scares me every night I go to sleep... I need a miracle as I'm sure others do. It's ridiculous knowing drug companies make the huge amounts of money they do and people as myself and others have to live in fear of death not being able to afford their meds. The amount of red tape these companies put you thru only to be turned down is frustrating. I have filled out no less than 30 pages to qualify for free/reduced meds only to be turned down since they have a quota they can't go over. Hard to think a quota has move value than a human life... (sigh) I haven't offered much information to anyone here, but it helps me to vent. Who knows, maybe someone reading this will know of another place I can try for assistance. At my local drug store I checked the price of Plavix today, $136.00 for a 30 day supply. The U.S. needs better health policies for those like us. I doubt I will ever see that day in view of my current dilemma, but I can fight for future generations. I do plan to fight this; it may take a while, but if it means possibly saving one life it is MORE than worth it! Please, if you have any information on this subject please take a minute and post it for all of us out here in this situation. Thank you & God Bless.
Shelly, Florida, USA, November 15, 2007

• Shelly -- you have sure been persistent. We've found out a bit more about Boston Scientific's program. It's called "StentPLUS" and the person in charge of it told me the same thing they told you -- they are looking to launch it right after the first of the year. Even so, it's not going to give direct financial relief to patients -- only to help them find ways to lower their costs through various government, etc. programs. Bristol-Myers and Sanofi-Aventis are the companies that are making Plavix which IS the largest selling drug in the world ($6 billion worldwide sales last year) so keep after them.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, November 14, 2007

• Well, unfortunately the [Boston Scientific] program I wrote about in the prior post (Oct 16) will not go into effect until 2008. In the meantime they referred me to PPA which I did apply for online. I got my response. Due to the number of people requiring medications I am presently taking there is no assistance available at this time. They did tell me to re-apply January 2008. That means at least 4 months with NO Plavix, Lipitor, or any other expensive medicine my Dr has Rx for me. I do have a call into my Cardiologist hoping for some miracle... All I can do at this point in time is pray. If anyone else has this issue, if you are able to speak with your Dr. prior to surgery that may require you to take these meds please talk with him/her about it so you don't end up in the same position I am. Good Luck to everyone..
Shelly, Florida, November 13, 2007

• I have been on plavix and few more other expensive medications for more than 4 years. I had 3 stents put in over 4 years ago and i ended up with an open heart less than 6 months ago (quad). I am not insured and every thing i get i have to pay for. As i said earlier i am taking few other expensive medications beside plavix, such as lipitor 80 mg,zetia 10 mg , hi blood pressure medication, nitro glycerin patched .04 mg and because they are so expensive i am afraid that i might not be able to continue taking them. My question is ,is there any way of getting some help ? If yes , where and how? By the way i am american citizen. Thank you.
Murshed, Ohio, USA, November 12, 2007

• Shelly, I have a friend who ran out of insurance and plavix is the one he's having trouble finding an alternative for. There is no longer a generic. Try needymeds.com and you can get an application to Bristol-Myers among many other companies for drug assistance. He does complain of itching, but thought it was from dry skin. I'll share your story with him. You are not alone. Your local retail/pharmacy, big chain stores also may offer assistance with their prescription drug plans for as little as $4 per month if you can get a generic. Good luck!
Deb, Andover, Minnesota, USA, November 7, 2007

• Steve - thanks for writing in. We do not know of any studies about Cipla -- and any Google ads on this site are automatically placed there -- we do not in any way endorse any of them (we're just trying to raise some funds to help keep the Forum online). Again we would urge you to discuss this with your physician. But it is interesting that you're not having reactions to it. We hope it is actually doing what it's supposed to.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, October 24, 2007

• First let me say that I have adequate insurance and can otherwise pay for brand name Plavix as needed. However, I have experienced unpleasant side affects from the brand name drug.

For over a year I bought generic plavix from medco, my provider, and had no problems with the generic equivalent. After the Federal judge ruling, medco could no longer manufacture generic plavix and I am back to taking the brand name drug. I am now experiencing the unpleasant side affects, such as sores in mouth and nose, anxiety, muscle spasms, irritability, among others likely precipitated by some of the previous ones.

This situation resulted in my purchasing generic Clopidogrel from discount drugs from Canada online. I received the drugs, but they arrived wrapped in a brown paper bag with a return address from a residence in India. This worried more than a little and I have not taken any of the drugs but have continued taking the brand name plavix. Today, I notice your site includes an advertisement for Plavix from discountdrugsfromcanada.com. The drugs I received are from the manufacturer Cipla as indicated on the link from your site, come packaged individually in aluminum 5 pill strips, and then enclosed in a quality plastic case with two latches. It is very professional looking and expensive packaging. Are these drugs equivalent to plavix? I read all I could find about Cipla and they apparently reverse engineer the drugs they manufacture. Is that standard practice by drug companies outside the U.S.?

I received the Endeavor stent as part of the Endeavor IV clinical trial in May 2006 during an MI, and have maintained my dual anti-platelet regimen since. The brand name Plavix is wearing on me. I am walking 3 miles in 45 min 5 times a week. I have reduced my cholesterol to 140, lost 20 lbs and 4 inches in the waist since the heart attack, but my doc wants me to continue plavix, and continues to try to improve LDL to <70 and HDL > 50 by upping Vytorin to now 10/40mg. I am otherwise doing great until I had to go back to the brand name Plavix for the past couple of months. I'm not sure how much longer I can tolerate Plavix and will likely take the generic i received from Cipla at some point. I sure would like to hear that others are taking this drug without adverse effect. Thank you for all you do
Steve S., Georgia, USA, October 24, 2007

• Shelley, can't understand why Plavix is so expensive in USA. I am in Portugal at the moment and here its list price on the box is 51euros, you only pay that if you are not in the state health scheme.
Tel, United Kingdom, October 18, 2007

• Shelly, Sorry to hear about your problem with Plavix, but I have been through the same situation. I have not worked in over 2 1/2 years and I am broke. I understand how It feels not to have Plavix and know you need it. I have recently been in that situation. I have also already had a stent thrombosis. You cannot afford one. Call you sponsor, I hope you have one at your Cardiologist office, EVERY DAY. CALL Bristol-Meyers everyday. Explain your situation and tell them you are out. Do this often. You will be heard. But most of all, get all the paper work they request to them immediately. Good Luck. P.S. If you are thinking about SSD file it now, don't wait. You can't speed up the Government!!!
Bob Puckett, Snellville, Georgia, USA, October 17, 2007

• Last night you posted a reply regarding Boston Scientific and a program they recently launched. Today I contacted them via email. They initially responded to me that the stent I have was made by Johnson & Johnson, not Taxus and they would not assist me. I copied the article you sent the link to and emailed them again. I received an immediate reply from them apologizing. They stated I was the first person to make the type of request I had, and that they are forwarding my information to the correct department. It makes me wonder how many may be missing out on this. Even someone at Boston Scientific isn't fully aware of their program. It shows persistence does pay off and I hope others will contact them if they have a need. Thank you again for the information. I will let you know if I am able to get assistance from them and that too may help others. Kudos to you!!
Shelly, Florida, October 16, 2007

• Thanks again, and I do fully understand that you can not give medical advice. You can probably see I am grasping at straws trying to get my Rx for Plavix. I did see my Cardiologist last week right prior to my insurance running out, and not being able to afford Cobra. I advised him of my situation, and he said I NEED to take it somehow! I do understand that. Hard to do when one only has 50.00 to their name. I will call Bristol Myers Squibb tomorrow and maybe with a bit of luck I can speed up that process. Hopefully something will break soon. We live in the great & wonderful USA, and I am sure I am not the only person with this dilemma. it's truly sad that our health care system fails so many, not just me. I will update this forum if there are any significant changes. Thank you again so much for assistance. You do a great service to many!
Shelly, Florida, October 15, 2007

• Shelly -- not to panic you, and we do not and cannot give "medical advice", but most cardiologists agree that Plavix should not be stopped, especially in the first 6 months after drug-eluting stenting. If you have any way of getting some, you should do so ASAP. Call your cardiologist and explain the situation.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, October 15, 2007

• Thank you so much for such a timely response! You misunderstood one thing; I did have insurance which did cover the Plavix, but not the Lipitor. My insurance has run out and I am no longer employed. It may be a while before I am covered by group insurance if I am able to find employment at age 58 with my medical issues. Not just the heart attack I had but my back surgery prevents me from doing a lot of things. But, back to the issue at hand. I am presently out of Plavix. Do you have any idea how long one may safely go without it? I was wondering if Plavix is stored in the system for a few days while I try to figure out a way to get my Rx for it. My mind of course is playing tricks on me right now... anxiety from not having the drug I am sure. I have contacted Bristol Myers Squibb some 3 weeks ago when I learned I would no longer be insured and to date no response. I have also registered with the program Montel Williams endorses >> Partnership for Prescription Assistance at the same time. (3 weeks ago) and have not heard from them either. I guess all this takes time. But, I have to wonder how much time I have before my stent may be affected by not having the Plavix. I did receive a Cordis Cypher Stent.. Sirolimus-eluting if that is of any help. Thanks again in advance for your thoughts on the subject. I come to this site several times a week and it's great the support I see for each other. I wish everyone the very best in their recoveries.
Shelly, Florida, October 15, 2007

• Shelly -- your cardiologist is right -- Plavix and aspirin are both important drugs to take post-stenting. If you got a drug-eluting stent, you need to take them for 6 months-1 year at least (aspirin for life -- but unlike Plavix, aspirin is cheap). This is a big problem for this field -- in fact a number of cardiologists ask patients if they'll be able to afford a year or two of Plavix before they put in a stent. If patients can't afford that much, then they may use a bare metal stent which only require 6 weeks of Plavix -- however, with bare metal stents, the blockage does have a higher chance of reclosing. In your case, which was an emergency, an extensive interview wasn't possible, so he made the decision based on his experience. Just an aside -- your story highlights one of the great successes of angioplasty. 20 years ago you would have gone to the hospital where they would have given you pain killers while they watched your heart attack play itself out. Assuming you survived, you would have ended up with a damaged heart muscle and a significantly lower quality of life and increased risk of death. So that's something to be thankful for. Now, back to the present.... It is outrageous that insurance doesn't cover a drug that is needed this critically. Try to contact Bristol-Myers or Sanofi-Aventis again -- they make Plavix. Also try the stent manufacturers. We know that Boston Scientific (makers of the Taxus stent) announced a $40 million program back in March to increase compliance, part of which was "a patient assistance program designed to facilitate access to financial support for anti-platelet therapy for patients who qualify". This is regardless of which brand stent you received. Contact them and please let the Forum know the outcome. Good luck.
Forum Editor, Angioplasty.Org, October 15, 2007

• In June while watching a DVD with my daughter I began to have excruciating pain in the back of my shoulders. 911 was called & I was told I was mid heart attack. I have never had any heart related issues. Upon arrival to the hospital, I was prepped and taken immediately to the Cardiac Cath Lab; a Cypher Stent was inserted thru my groin. Other than the anxiety from it all, I felt pretty good other than my back. I had major back surgery a year ago and lying in one position for almost 24 hours was unpleasant to say the least. I was sent home with Rx's for Plavix, Lipitor, Coreg, Potassium, and aspirin. Since then my insurance has run out! Plavix where I reside is $145.00 a month! YIKES!! I have signed up for assistance with drug companies but have yet to hear a thing from anyone. This month I can not afford the Plavix and I am scared to death what may happen without it. There must be others out there in similar situations that can not afford all your medications and I am wondering what people do in these instances. My Cardiologist did give me all the samples he had in his office, but I have used all of it now. He states I NEED the Plavix... what to do.. what to do? Anyone have any ideas?
Shelly, Florida, USA, October 15, 2007

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