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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 34. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Chris O on April 4, 2014, at 16:44:18
I just went to the pharmacy to see about the pricing for Brintellix. It's $250/30 20-mg pills without insurance, $150/30 20-mg pills with their special "discount card." Oh, what a bargain. Can people really afford a prescription that costs this much? $5-$6 per pill?
Posted by Phillipa on April 4, 2014, at 16:56:09
In reply to Brintellix pricing: Oh, what a bargain!, posted by Chris O on April 4, 2014, at 16:44:18
That's what they said about my brand name valium $400 for 30 days. Pdoc notified medicaire that I needed brand and it was approved the next day. So I guess some certainly not me can afford it. Don't the docs give out samples anymore? If not only for the rich. And not that many of them so how does the drug companies expect to make money. It's beyond me? Phillipa
Posted by Christ_empowered on April 4, 2014, at 19:26:30
In reply to Re: Brintellix pricing: Oh, what a bargain! » Chris O, posted by Phillipa on April 4, 2014, at 16:56:09
Szasz wrote about this. He was way more free market, libertarian than me (I'm a bleeding heart progressive born again Christian), but...I found this insightful...
Rx drugs are not a free market, especially on patent drugs. With a lot of meds, they know the government will be paying for a lot of it, so they can jack up their prices, then maybe give a small discount to medicare/Medicaid.
The solution, according to szasz, would be an open market on all meds, without rx restrictions. OK. So, you're shrink says a $10/day antidepressant/mood elevator is what you need. What about the drugs--some of them probably euphoric--that would be sold at 1/20th that cost on the open market?
See what I mean? Makes a lot of sense.
Posted by LouisianaSportsman on April 4, 2014, at 20:03:33
In reply to Brintellix pricing: Oh, what a bargain!, posted by Chris O on April 4, 2014, at 16:44:18
I have to pay $80/month with insurance for my Brintellix. This is about $2.67/pill everyday.
I can see how this may be expensive for lower-income individuals.
Posted by Chris O on April 5, 2014, at 1:59:17
In reply to Re: Brintellix pricing: Oh, what a bargain!, posted by LouisianaSportsman on April 4, 2014, at 20:03:33
Hey, $80, now that is a bargain. And I guess if any of these drugs did anything even remotely awesome for me, I'd have the energy (and lack of panic) to make enough money to pay for them. (Well, probably not.) But ... I still don't see how anyone, except those fully employed in professional jobs, can afford even $80 per month. I guess my brain is rooted to the low-end blue service sector end of the economy. It's what I see as the predominant economic reality in my daily life.
Posted by Chris O on April 5, 2014, at 2:11:54
In reply to Re: Brintellix pricing: Oh, what a bargain!, posted by Christ_empowered on April 4, 2014, at 19:26:30
Hey, Christ empowered, I always enjoy your thoughtful comments on this board. Thanks for commenting on my comment.
Politically, I don't know what I am anymore. My heart is bleeding, but my economic realities tell me a bleeding heart only pounds me deeper into my hole of anxiety, depression, and internal poverty.
I've had some profound realizations in recent years about how my mother's relentless hatred of success and money (due to her own mental health issues) when I was growing up have completely dominated my life, and ruined my ability to function in the working world as a man. It's unlikely I'll ever fully recover from this, as it seems to have shaped my brain into some awful places of anxiety, panic and depression. But I'm still here, still trying every day, to sort through this mess that is my past. I'd just really like to find the internal strong place that is me, and separates me from the damage she did to me forever, at some point.
Anyway, if Takeda (Brintellix maker) is jacking up their prices for a government pay out, well, that's sad. It's really, really sad for the lack of effect it's having on me so far, but I'm only a few days into it. I'll get the samples, hopefully, from my psychiatrist, and give it a go, though I don't see how I can pay for it even if it does work.
Oh, well, another day in the life of the mess that is chronic mental health woes, eh?
Chris
Posted by ed_uk2010 on April 6, 2014, at 10:06:57
In reply to Re: Brintellix pricing: Oh, what a bargain! » Christ_empowered, posted by Chris O on April 5, 2014, at 2:11:54
People here think paying £8.05 for an NHS prescription is disgusting, and that's often for 2 months supply. Most people pay nothing though due to exemptions.
Posted by Chris O on April 6, 2014, at 18:34:11
In reply to Re: Brintellix pricing: Oh, what a bargain!, posted by ed_uk2010 on April 6, 2014, at 10:06:57
Wow. So that's about $20, I think. That's the price it should be with insurance here. The $7,000 a year my wife and I pay for our health insurance coverage should cover that, but I guess not.
Posted by LouisianaSportsman on April 6, 2014, at 21:51:37
In reply to Re: Brintellix pricing: Oh, what a bargain! » ed_uk2010, posted by Chris O on April 6, 2014, at 18:34:11
Cost of my meds without insurance in Louisiana, United States according to GoodRX. I am using the lowest cash price I can find:
Adderall IR $93.00
Aplenzin $1,186.00
Brintellix $245.00
Lamictal $146.00
Latuda $801.00
Nuvigil $594.00
Neurontin $77.00
Trokendi XR $483.00
Xanax XR $65.00Total: $3,690/month
I'm not sure if this is an affordable remedy for a patient without insurance who suffers from mental health issues and that is very sad.
It would cost $44,280 a year to maintain on my medicine regimen. (using the lowest cash value found on GoodRx)
Posted by LouisianaSportsman on April 6, 2014, at 21:54:33
In reply to Re: Brintellix pricing: Oh, what a bargain!, posted by LouisianaSportsman on April 6, 2014, at 21:51:37
> Cost of my meds without insurance in Louisiana, United States according to GoodRX. I am using the lowest cash price I can find:
>
> Adderall IR $93.00
> Aplenzin $1,186.00
> Brintellix $245.00
> Lamictal $146.00
> Latuda $801.00
> Nuvigil $594.00
> Neurontin $77.00
> Trokendi XR $483.00
> Xanax XR $65.00
>
> Total: $3,690/month
>
> I'm not sure if this is an affordable remedy for a patient without insurance who suffers from mental health issues and that is very sad.
>
> It would cost $44,280 a year to maintain on my medicine regimen. (using the lowest cash value found on GoodRx)Need to remove the Aplenzin since I won't have that next month.
Monthly cost: $2,504
Yearly cost: $30,048While I could afford this, I definitely would not want to lol.
Posted by Phillipa on April 6, 2014, at 22:58:18
In reply to Re: Brintellix pricing: Oh, what a bargain!, posted by LouisianaSportsman on April 6, 2014, at 21:54:33
Majority of folks can't afford this. So what do they do? If own anything can't get help from drug companies. So don't even go there then. Phillipa
Posted by Chris O on April 7, 2014, at 0:22:03
In reply to Re: Brintellix pricing: Oh, what a bargain!, posted by LouisianaSportsman on April 6, 2014, at 21:54:33
Wow, that's an extremely disturbing (and bleakly hilarious) statistic. You could afford this? If you don't my asking, what do you do for living? I envy your economic "functionality." I wish one of these meds would allow me to get my brain together enough to guide myself into a functional career. As it stands, I am endlessly dependent on the "kindness" of others (well, my wife, at least) for almost everything I have. And as a man, it humiliates me to my core.
Chris
Posted by herpills on April 7, 2014, at 12:43:02
In reply to Re: Brintellix pricing: Oh, what a bargain! » LouisianaSportsman, posted by Phillipa on April 6, 2014, at 22:58:18
> Majority of folks can't afford this. So what do they do? If own anything can't get help from drug companies. So don't even go there then. Phillipa
Not true. Almost every single brand psych med I have taken I've been able to get from the drug companies for free. It's quite easy to apply and people should be more aware of this option. My income is on the low end but I'm not poor. I own over $20,000 of equipment for my job but its not like they make you sell that kind of stuff to qualify.
These programs ask about if your insurance covers the med, and of course there is an income limit to qualify, but my experience has shown you don't have to be super poor to qualify. If I remember correctly I was on Abilify and you could make up to like $32,000/year and still qualify. These programs are not just for the destitute. herpills
Posted by herpills on April 7, 2014, at 12:48:36
In reply to Re: Brintellix pricing: Oh, what a bargain!, posted by LouisianaSportsman on April 6, 2014, at 21:54:33
> > Cost of my meds without insurance in Louisiana, United States according to GoodRX. I am using the lowest cash price I can find:
> >
> > Adderall IR $93.00
> > Aplenzin $1,186.00
> > Brintellix $245.00
> > Lamictal $146.00
> > Latuda $801.00
> > Nuvigil $594.00
> > Neurontin $77.00
> > Trokendi XR $483.00
> > Xanax XR $65.00
> >
> > Total: $3,690/month
> >
> > I'm not sure if this is an affordable remedy for a patient without insurance who suffers from mental health issues and that is very sad.
> >
> > It would cost $44,280 a year to maintain on my medicine regimen. (using the lowest cash value found on GoodRx)
>
> Need to remove the Aplenzin since I won't have that next month.
>
> Monthly cost: $2,504
> Yearly cost: $30,048
>
> While I could afford this, I definitely would not want to lol.
>I don't know what your income is, but there are programs from the drug companies and you could probably get at least Brintellex, Latuda, and Lamictal for free.
You could also switch to Wellbutrin, is Aplenzin really that much better??
Posted by herpills on April 7, 2014, at 12:57:39
In reply to Re: Brintellix pricing: Oh, what a bargain! » LouisianaSportsman, posted by herpills on April 7, 2014, at 12:48:44
I've used this site many times, www.needymeds.org they have links to all the drug manufactures patient assistant programs. It shows you what drugs each program covers and you can download the applications. Great site I highly recommend it to anyone who can't afford their meds!
Posted by Chris O on April 7, 2014, at 13:58:26
In reply to www.needymeds.org, posted by herpills on April 7, 2014, at 12:57:39
Hey, thanks for that, herpills.
Chris
Posted by Phillipa on April 7, 2014, at 20:18:07
In reply to Re: Brintellix pricing: Oh, what a bargain! » Phillipa, posted by herpills on April 7, 2014, at 12:43:02
I once applied and was turned down because own a home with no mortgage? And savings account? Income didn't seem to matter as don't work retired now. Phillipa
Posted by Chris O on April 7, 2014, at 23:36:32
In reply to Re: Brintellix pricing: Oh, what a bargain! » herpills, posted by Phillipa on April 7, 2014, at 20:18:07
Hey, Phillipa:
Yeah, I looked at Takeda's discount program. It only applies to people with no insurance, and who are 300% below poverty (or something insane like that). What a joke! I mean, just because I have insurance (through my wife), I'm supposed to be able to afford $154 a month for a prescription? That's reasonable?
Chris
Posted by herpills on April 8, 2014, at 12:00:36
In reply to Re: Brintellix pricing: Oh, what a bargain! » Phillipa, posted by Chris O on April 7, 2014, at 23:36:32
> Hey, Phillipa:
>
> Yeah, I looked at Takeda's discount program. It only applies to people with no insurance, and who are 300% below poverty (or something insane like that). What a joke! I mean, just because I have insurance (through my wife), I'm supposed to be able to afford $154 a month for a prescription? That's reasonable?
>
> Chris:-/ Sorry to hear it didn't work out. I feel bad if I gave you false hope.
My feeling is...these programs are going to be modifying their eligibility requirements due to the Affordable Care Act. Now that everyone is required to obtain insurance or pay a fine, I would think they would look at whether the insurance you *do* have would cover it, along with income verification.
300% of poverty line for a 2 member household (I don't know what your situation) is about $45,000/yr. I wouldn't have any problem paying $154 for a med if I made that much...but cost of living in my area is low...and I don't have any dependents... herpills
Posted by ed_uk2010 on April 8, 2014, at 14:19:44
In reply to Re: Brintellix pricing: Oh, what a bargain! » ed_uk2010, posted by Chris O on April 6, 2014, at 18:34:11
> Wow. So that's about $20, I think. That's the price it should be with insurance here. The $7,000 a year my wife and I pay for our health insurance coverage should cover that, but I guess not.
Hi Chris. £8.05 is only about $13.40. People think this is expensive.
Posted by ed_uk2010 on April 8, 2014, at 14:23:04
In reply to Re: Brintellix pricing: Oh, what a bargain! » Phillipa, posted by Chris O on April 7, 2014, at 23:36:32
> Hey, Phillipa:
>
> Yeah, I looked at Takeda's discount program. It only applies to people with no insurance, and who are 300% below poverty (or something insane like that). What a joke! I mean, just because I have insurance (through my wife), I'm supposed to be able to afford $154 a month for a prescription? That's reasonable?
>
> ChrisNo one here has to pay more than about £100 per year for prescriptions (about $170), unless they choose to get private (non-NHS) treatment. Some things are expensive over here though...
Posted by Chris O on April 8, 2014, at 16:18:32
In reply to Re: Brintellix pricing: Oh, what a bargain! » Chris O, posted by herpills on April 8, 2014, at 12:00:36
I guess I'm in kind of a gray area financially as my wife is the one making the main income right now. And, on paper, it looks like the two of us together have a decent income. However, we are trying to start a business as well, which has pretty much eaten up any "free/extra" money. (It sounds a lot more ambitious than it is, not driven by me at all, as I could not handle that.) Despite my wife's income--and since she has invested so much of it into starting this new business--there's really not much left for the essentials. And, due to my situation, I don't have any better options right now. I would basically have to "out energy, out finance" my wife to change the way things are "run" in our household. So, basically, on paper, it looks like I have a lot more money than I do. And, my whole situation humiliates me to no end.
Anyway, I appreciate your interaction. I hope things are going well with you. I'm going through a 3-week sample of Brintellix right now to see how it works. (I'm just through the first week; not a huge difference in my anxiety yet.) If it does work, I guess I'll have to find a way to pay for it. Not seeing that as happening though.
Chris
Posted by Chris O on April 8, 2014, at 16:20:04
In reply to Re: Brintellix pricing: Oh, what a bargain! » Chris O, posted by ed_uk2010 on April 8, 2014, at 14:23:04
Ed:
Thanks for interacting with me. I've always appreciated your thoughtful comments on this board. Not to open a huge discussion topic, but do you feel that the NHS system is a successful model for doing healthcare?
Posted by Phillipa on April 8, 2014, at 20:54:47
In reply to Re: Brintellix pricing: Oh, what a bargain! » Chris O, posted by herpills on April 8, 2014, at 12:00:36
Going to get worse according to the man who works compiling studies for the FDA that lives near me. Even medicaire. Phillipa
Posted by Mogger on April 8, 2014, at 23:53:39
In reply to Re: Brintellix pricing: Oh, what a bargain!, posted by LouisianaSportsman on April 6, 2014, at 21:51:37
Unbelievable. I am not the biggest fan of this site as their customer service is sub par but [xxx] gives great generic prices. They are FDA approved. They are in Kentucky.
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