Archived Postings on This Page (90):
What is people to do when Plavix is so
high that they cannot afford it?
Betty, Louisville, Kentucky, USA, December 28, 2010
I just saw an ad on tv saying that some
prescription drugs are available for free, including plavix. The phone
number was 1-800-381-1367. The website
was freerxhotline.com. It sounds good. I hope it's legitimate. Sorry, if this
info was mentioned in prior posts.
Robert B., Irvine, California, USA, December 18, 2010
To Regular Joe:
your post is uninformed, inflammatory .... just plain
wrong. Republicans did not "give Plavix extension" to anyone, it was the
US patent law which was upheld, under the watch of democratic congress, democratic
senate
and democratic president. You can learn the truth by reading this article:http://www.ptca.org/news/2010/1023_PLAVIX.html
Tom in Encinitas, Encinitas, California, USA, December 18, 2010
To
all -- scan through this topic. A number of readers have sent in links to
various sites where discounted drugs or
financial assistance can be found. Where possible, we've added in links
(underlined and blue). One
is Bristol-Myers financial assistance
site at http://www.bmspaf.org,
which has been posted by several readers. B-M are the makers of Plavix.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, December 15, 2010
6 years ago I had my first heart attack and was
put on Plavix and had another stent put in. I stayed on my Plavix all thru
the next 5 years, thru which I had 2 more heart attacks and more stents.
My husband and I lost our business during that time and are presently living
on social security. We continue to have health insurance and prescription
coverage but the makers of Plavix put the drug up to another tier and I
could not afford the 175.00 a month so I stopped taking it 3 months ago
and last week had another attack. I need help paying this expensive drug
that I need to stay alive.
SB, retired, Defiance, Ohio, USA,
December
15,
2010
My dad has a lot of health problems. He has leukemia,
sugar diabetes and just recently had a heart attack. He can not afford
the Plavix, his doctor prescribed to keep him alive. My dad has never
ever asked for anything in his life. My whole family is stressed about
this.
My dad needs your help, without it he will die. I am having health problems
now because of the stress. PLEASE HELP MY DAD!
Amy H., Pennsylvania, USA, December 14, 2010
I have used the following websites to help
my family with prescription drug assistance:
www.needymeds.com
www.xubex.com
www.rxoutreach.com
www.pparx.com
Hope this helps.
Alabama Lady, Birmingham, Alabama, USA, December 10, 2010
All you people on here that are Republican can thank your political party
for giving the Plavix manufacturer an EXTENSION on the patent rights. A generic
was already ready to go, but they petitioned, and won, the right to rip us off
longer.If you ever look at how your party votes, you will see they vote for BIG
BUSINESS EVERY TIME. F the little guy.How does it feel?By the way, I am on Plavix
too. I have seen how the system works....lots of bribery...
Regular Joe Getting Nowhere Fast, Midwest, USA, December
10,
2010
I had a heart attack on Dec 3 and the Dr
prescribed Plavix among others. I went to Walmart and 30 pills were
$176.54.I saw an
ad in the paper for www.thegenericsstore.com where the price for 100
generic pills with the same dosage and medical ingredient is $99.00 and
there are
no shipping charges. It is based in Florida and I will be checking this
out as it is 1/6 the cost of the Brand name. It also has many other
medicines at generic prices available. I hope this helps everyone.
John, Fort Myers, Florida, USA, December 7, 2010
ttdc from
Georgia -- there are several links posted by users to this Forum. One
is Bristol-Myers financial assistance
site at http://www.bmspaf.org,
which has been posted by several readers. You also might want to discuss
this situation with his cardiologist. Plavix has several uses: one is
keeping the blood from clotting in the stent, which is recommended for
at least
a year for a drug-eluting stent (less for a bare-metal). Once the stent
has "healed over", you're back to normal, so to speak. But
Plavix is used for other reasons and only your doctor can recommend whether
your
husband
should still stay on this drug.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, December 4, 2010
My husband has been in the doughnut hole for
3 months. Plavix is one of his drugs. We have never asked for help, but
his prescriptions are running around 750-800 dollars a month. We used to
have good insurance, but now have Part D with Aetna and that ran out in
September. My daughter cries when I ask her to pick up his meds. I cannot
let him see the prices. He would refuse to take the meds that are keeping
him alive. He has been on Plavix since 1999. Where can I go for help? He
is 90 years old and I need to keep him safe as long as we have him. He
has a stent in his leg and one in his heart. He walks every day to save
that
leg.
ttdc, Cumming, Georgia, USA, December 4, 2010
My namne is Yvonne. I take plavix every day. I'm
dug out please help thank you
Yvonne, prin 20years, Memphis, Tennessee, USA, Saturday, December
4, 2010
Well to the poster saying that I am insensitive
to those with financial difficulties--Nothing could be farther from the
truth because I am one of those with unimaginable financial difficulties.
I too have to pony up for my plavix following a massive MI at the age of
54. So, I found a good source of quality generic in canada and 200 75mg
tabs cost me $68. I set plavix and aspirin as a priority and do what I
have to do to support myself. I have noticed that many are posting here
for ways to get help for relatives and I understand that. The answer is
simple get it from Canada (which you can still get the generic contrary
to the posts here) and help your loved one yourself. I see all the sons
and daughters here asking how to get help but never even hint that that
have an obligation to help their friends and loved ones. Take a look at
all the we have here in this country. It might mean that if we want us
or our loved one to live that we just might have to give up a few elective
choices in our life like satellite TV, smoking, drinking and take care
of those we supposedly love. Help them locate and fill out the forms for
assistance. Then chip in and help them pay.
iluvit (Rick), Hanceville, Alabama, USA, November 21, 2010
Alabama Rick your post was extremely insensitive
to the financial misfortune of the individuals that truly cannot afford
to pay the high price for prescription drugs. Retired seniors living on
a fixed income cannot come up with an extra $100 to $150 a month to pay
for a medication no matter how much they need it. Having lower priced prescriptions
has absolutely nothing to do with socializing medicine. The pharmaceutical
companies are profiting billions of dollars each year and they can certainly
afford to have programs to help those less fortunate and give them free
prescriptions. I know they can afford to do this because they are doing
it right now. All anyone has to do is talk to your healthcare provider
about getting you approved for free medication, all doctors offices have
the paperwork necessary to get those in need free medication. You will
have to provide proof of income proving you are in need and within three
weeks you will be approved for any medication that particular company manufactures.
It is extremely important that you take these life saving medications,
I know an individual who could not afford his medication and he died a
month after his samples ran out.
Travis M, Florida, USA, November 19, 2010
I am a 29yr mother of two young children! I have a extra long stent in
my main baslair artery right before it enters my brain to stop the bleed from
two pseudoaneurysms (very rare)!! I still have them because stenting was all
that could be done because they balloon the artery from the inside out!! It was
a great surprise to find that I had these when having a MRI for scoliosis hairline
fracture discovery two weeks later I was in the hospital for stent placement
I was very close to rupture!! I also have several other problems I have to take
ten meds each day each one vital to my health and well being!! All these problems
have been discovered in the past four month week after week one thing after another
and I am very afraid that this is not over yet!! If I could find some prescription
help that can be combined with insurance it would help greatly! I spend between
$300-$500 a month on medications med visits and bills a month!! I have thousands
more in medical bills from surgery I can not work because of the overwhelming
anxiety and fatigue!! I hate that I have to put all this on my husband he is
so great but I know even though he tries to hide it he is going crazy with stress!!
Help!!
April, Mother & Wife, Alabaster, Alabama, USA, November 15, 2010
Dawnie from Florida -- thanks for the clarification.
Hope this helps some readers.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, November 15, 2010
In response to to my previous posts regarding
a discount prescription card program, I used to work for Michael Hargrove
until I became ill. He is also involved with another company that offers
discount cards and financial assistance for people that can not afford
their medications. I have used the discount card which has allowed me to
now take ALL of my medications because of the card alone. In response to
the form that I filled out in my earlier post. The form that I was filling
out was to qualify for assistance for a drug that my doctor wants me to
try which is very expensive. There many posts that people can not afford
their medications so I thought I would share my experience. Many people
are asking for help in paying for Plavix. NBBI offers a new program that
came out that offers assistance for people who qualify. The qualifications
are based on your income. If anyone would like to know more about the NEW
program you can visit the web site or email Michael directly. He will be
able to answer all of your questions. Info@drugcard4u.comgo to this web
site and click on "cant afford to pay for medications" at the bottom
of the page to read http://freeusadrugplan.com/u629
Dawnie, Jacksonville, Florida, USA, November 3, 2010
Need to help my Mother get Plavix. she had a stroke
and they put her on Plavix but she can not afford it so she just don't
take it.. how can I help her.
Ruthie, Lancaster, Ohio, USA, October 27, 2010
Rick -- Thanks for your post. Regarding
buying drugs from Canada or other sources outside the U.S., we'd just like
to
refer
you to our
post from July 20, 2010 about
how the FDA views this and to refer you to their online publication, "Buying
Prescription Medicine Online: A Consumer Safety Guide".
As for pricing, Plavix currently sells for a little over $5/75mg pill at
online sites like drugstore.com -- that translates to $150/month, not $299-400.
But as far as personal responsibility goes, unfortunately some patients
who cannot afford medical insurance also cannot afford a prescription like
this -- hopefully sites like this one and other legit links that readers
have sent in can help ease that burden.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, October 26, 2010
You can purchase the name brand or generic in
canada for about 65 bucks for 200 tabs (generic versions). Those saying
they are paying 299-400 bucks for a months supply are either not shopping
around or not telling the truth. Some are just pushing to get socialized
medicine here apparently. I know that drugs are expensive but they are
also expensive re R & D. We would have no drugs if companies were not allowed
to profit on the ones that succeed in improving our health. How many of
you who want it totally free have a cell phone, satellite TV, internet,
smoke, drink, etc. I think you should at least be willing to pay a nominal
amount as opposed to wanting it totally free. It is a life-saver so how
much is your life worth? I say this as someone who takes Plavix every day
and probably will the rest of my life. I just believe in taking at least
some
personal responsibility.
Rick, Alabama, October 26, 2010
Dawnie et al -- we did a little research about
drug discount cards, such as the ones offered by the company you mention,
NBBI, and there seems to be a bit of controversy about exactly how they
work. As we've mentioned, we don't endorse private companies' plans but,
in the interest of helping our audience of patients, we do allow readers
to
post their "finds". We
would, however, ask you if you are in any way connected to NBBI or Mr.
Hargrove
in a business
capacity which, in the spirit of full disclosure, we would like to know.
Your email address comes from the domain "seo101.com" which auto-forwards
to another domain "http://www.internetmarketingwebsites.com" --
a company whose business is increasing traffic to certain web sites by,
among other methods, placing links on high-traffic and trusted sites. We're
also puzzled by your statement below that "I can only speak for myself,
friends and family members who have used this program", when in your previous
posting from
two days ago, you had
literally just found out about this program and filled out a form. This
topic is dedicated to helping patients in need and we would like to make
sure such discount drug plans as the one you mentioned are legit. Thanks
in advance.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, October 26, 2010
To Forum Editor: In response to your
request,
I can only speak for myself, friends and family members who have used this
program. Some have saved hundreds
of dollars while other have save 10 to 15 percent on their prescription depending
on the medication. In speaking with the director of his web site of NBBI, Michael
Hargrove allowed me to give this forum his contact information with any questions
that someone might have on their assistance programs. He will be able to provide
BBB information and more. I am not sure if I am able to post the web site. So
if I am providing information that violates any policies then please fell free
to remove it. He explained to me that NBBI works with a team of members such
as Pharmacies, Manufactures, and one of the largest Heath Care Management companies
called Health Trans to make these discount prescription medication possible at
no cost to the people who uses this program. He did give me his official web
site which is http://www.freeusadrugplan.com/u629. When I was down and out,
I could not afford my medications because I lost my job and I met Michael at
a local
health care providers office where he was speaking about the program.
Dawnie, Jacksonville, Florida, USA, October 25, 2010
As with all the great information listed on this
page i too have many of the same problems. I have 2 stents in heart and
1 in my leg. I have been on plavix since 2004. It is very costly my insurance
is going to quit covering even the little bit they pay for plavix. I
was paying 80.00 monthly now it goes up to 180.00 monthly. I consider what
these companies like bristol myers , makers of plavix , is nothing less
than holding the users hostage knowing they have to take it and pay or
risk dying. Well i am going to have to risk dying because i do not qualify
for assistance being on ssi. There must be some integrity in these billion
dollar company other than their greed for the almighty dollar from the
american people. Someone should file suit against them for some reason
for
not making this life saving medicine affordable for people.
another plavix user, retired, Jacksonville, Florida, USA, October 24, 2010
Dawnie from Florida -- Please let The Forum know
how things go with the web site you noted below. We have not heard of
them (and Angioplasty.Org does not endorse any discount prescription site)
and
we'd be curious if you, or other readers, have or have had any experience
with them, good or bad.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, October 24, 2010
I have an immune disorder without insurance.
I have no insurance so Doctors will not even see me anymore since I lost
my insurance. I have to pay just to receive my medications. I was able
to find a place that helps me pay for my medications and without them
I would not be able to pay for them. I was paying over 400 for all of my
meds and now they are reduced to under 100.00. I just filled out a form
through their community action that is based on income which is over
3
times the poverty level. I make less the 30,000 a year and it looks like
I can pay under 30.00 for each prescription. I will know in a few days.
Meanwhile I will keep using the card. Dawn from Florida I think the web
site is www.drugcard4u.com
Dawnie, Jacksonville, Florida, USA, October 24, 2010
Jill C from West Virginia -- not only has is the
generic version off the market, but the Canadian manufacturer who marketed
it briefly back in 2006 was fined $442 million this week. Read about
it here: "$442
Million Fine Against Apotex for Plavix® Patent Infringement".
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, October 23, 2010
My husband has applied for financial help on
the previous mentioned web sites and like most people he does not qualify.
The pharmacist recently told him about the lawsuit where the generic
for Plavix was forced to discontinue being sold. I think its shameful that
a company is so worried about making money then helping people that are
struggling.
Jill C, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA, October 23, 2010
I have read many of the comments on this forum,
and have found so many situations similar to mine and my wife it is uncanny.
Thank you all for your tips and suggestions. I am looking into some of
them now. My wife and I both are on Plavix and the cost is prohibitive.
We have both been out of it for six months. We will contact the places
in Canada and see what we can do. I also wonder how we could find out about
a reputable source for this drug in Mexico. I have heard from several sources
that Plavix and other prescription drugs can be bought there even cheaper
than in Canada as the gentleman wrote earlier. If anyone has any other
ideas about a reputable Pharmacy in Mexico it could be helpful also. Again,
thank you all so much for your comments, concern, and help.
Mike, Godfrey, Illinois, USA, October 21, 2010
I am 36 years old and recently moved to SC to
be near my parents. I am on disability after 6 heart stints. I have 3 children
and the State of WV takes over $500.00 of that for children support. Just
recently started a part time job and Wv is also taking over half of that
for back child support. i have been out of plavix for 2 months and cannot
afford to buy it. Can I get some help? SC has turned me down for medicaid
even tho I had it in WV.
John, Longs, South Carolina, USA, October 8, 2010
I'm in the same situation I have 5 drug U stents
and I can't afford the cost of the medication plavix. My insurance pays
very little I still have to
pay $81.00
Kent, New Jersey, USA, October 1, 2010
I had a stent put in my heart on October 25 of
2009. Since my insurance changed I can not afford the 45 dollars that I
have to pay for it now. I have many problems and have 15 medications I
take. I take cymbalta as well which is 45 dollars. So you can not afford
15 medications. I rally need help. Please help me with the cost of my medicine
so maybe I can get my body to working right. How do I get the help I need?
Cat, just a deputy underpayed, Bullard, Texas, USA, September 30, 2010
I am the same here I had several heart attacks
and now have 3 stents in my heart. The doctor says I have to take Plavix
but I don't have the money to pay for I don't want to die either. Please
help!!!!!!
Anita, Kettering, Ohio, USA, September 30, 2010
This is the Bristol-Myers site for assistance
try it! http://www.bmspaf.org.
Good luck-
dcool, Riverside, California, USA, September 21, 2010
Suffolk County (Eastern Long Island) has a government
program to help residents pay for medications -- about 20%
off. It's called SCRIPTS (Suffolk County Initiative to Provide Taxpayer
Savings).
Check
it out at
http://www2.caremark.com/suffolkscripts/index.htm
PillTaker, Long Island, USA, September 8, 2010
I would recommend you take a look at some of
the discount cards on the market. The one I've found to provide good
discounts on many drugs has been the Bluegrass Rx card. I've used it and
have also
told many friends who are uninsured or pay for their meds in cash. The
Bluegrass Rx card is completely free and there are no membership requirements,
income or age restrictions, and you don't have to fill out any paperwork
or provide personal information. Using the card can save up to 75% off
many prescription and over the counter drugs. I am not sure what the
discount would be for the drugs you need, but it's worth a look. The Bluegrass
Rx
card was designed to help the uninsured and underinsured across the country.
You don't have to live in Kentucky to use it - it can be used by anyone
at more than 60,000 pharmacies across the United States. Even people
with insurance can use it if they do not have good drug coverage, or if
their
coverage does not cover specific drugs. Go to www.freebluegrassrxcard.com
to get a card.
I was sure glad I did.
KentuckyBound, Kentucky, USA, September 8, 2010
Karen -- doesn't the Canadian healthcare system
provide assistance for the cost of prescription medications? Also your
figure of $185/month is $6/day -- assuming you are taking 75mg of Plavix,
that's 50% higher
than the cost in the U.S. There are other drugs out there, most recently
Effient (a.k.a. prasugrel) approved last year in U.S. -- but it most likely
costs more and does carry a higher risk of bleeding complications. Are
you taking Plavix post-stenting?
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, September 8, 2010
Hi to all Plavix users, I too am on Plavix which
I have not used in 5/6 mths as here in Canada it is $185.00 a mth. I as
well do not have insurance but
get some compensation with filing my taxes however - there also should be some
compensation through Bristol's that can help us in order to keep using this
drug. I have over the past 8 yrs. since taking this drug have found that
I vomit frequently
and have since stopped using this as well can now keep food down and my stomach
does not burn anymore. How well is this drug and is there a substitute??????
Karen N., Ontario, Canada, September 8, 2010
My son is on Plavix and is 48 yrs old and cannot
afford this medicine so I have been trying to help. Is there any where
he can get some help with this? Thanks so much.
NANCY FARINACCI, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, September 2, 2010
Alldaychemist.com is a good place to buy Plavix.
it is in India.
M. Demarco, Georgia, USA, August 30, 2010
I order the generic Plavix from a site called
Quality Generics, which comes from India and no prescription was required.
After taking for 21 days, I started having heart palpitations and getting
dizzy spells. I also am in the donut hole and my Plavix cost me $162.00
for 30 tablets. I borrowed the money and filled my Plavix prescription.
After taking Plavix for 3 days, I started feeling better. I found the
most inexpensive Canadian Pharmacy that you can get the brand Plavix. The
site
is called PharmStore.com and a month supply cost $52.00.
Patty, Retired, Denver, Colorado, USA, August 29, 2010
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.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, 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.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, 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.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, 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.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, 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."
Angioplasty.Org Staff, 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!
Angioplasty.Org Staff, 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.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, 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.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, Angioplasty.Org, March 31, 2010
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.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, 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.
Angioplasty.Org Staff, 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
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