my prescription drug is too expensive for me?
Sunday, 7. March 2010
i have recently been diagnosed with genital herpes, although i have not had a blood test yet to confirm it. I went to walmart to get a prescription of generic valtrex filled and my total came to a ridiculous $244! i can not afford this kind of medication, i told them to just put it back. I have bad insurance, its called a health savings account and apparently it helped a little with the cost of the valtrex (what a joke). i am only 18 years old and will have to live with this the rest of my life, its painful and i feel that i can not have intercourse until i am on medication that will reduce the chances of me spreading it. Is there another way to get this medication at a cost that i can actually afford? Or is there a way to make my outbreaks less frequent or painful? If i get medicated i will have less outbreaks, it will lessen my chances of spreading it, and it will reduce my pain and discomfort so i am very desperate. If u have ANY information i will be extremely grateful.
i live in the US
Drill Sergeant CMA Says:
There are other options. Lots of times, local pharmacies (spelling) will be cheaper. And mail order is also cheaper a lot of the time.
You might want to check into this, but i have been told that cold sore medicine works to relieve the discomfort. Since cold sores are herpes, i would assume this is true.
Your local health clinic might be able to help also. They are used to dealing with low income (not saying you are, but its low income based, so may have cheaper routes to take).
I understand about perscriptions that are too expensive to pay for. Sadly, you are stuck with your condition for at least a little while. I would not get into a rut about you being stuck with this the rest of your life. Medical advances have been made so much in both our lives (i am only 23). I think by the time you are 25 there will be better treatment if not a cure.
Nursesen, your right, there is no cure. But there are good treatments to help your body fight off certain viruses. Your body can cure/rid itself of the virus with the help of treatments and advanced medicine. Whether you give the credit to the medical treatment or to your own body, you can be cured of the virus’ effects.
TWISTER Says:
i;m surprised about Walmart…they usually help with most generic stuff but I guess because its so expensive they don’t give deal….ok so the only thing I can think of is a number in Massachusetts…check online google Massmedline…..its only for people who live in Mass….but this organization wheels and deals with all the big boy drug companies….so if you call them perhaps they can suggest at least something to you…or find out the company that makes it and can directly…maybe they have a special deal for customers in the same situation…good luck
pg210 Says:
Take a look at http://www.cdfund.org
“Maybe” they can do something.
And you might want to call them first at
1-877-968-7233
`
Nursesense Says:
Crystal,
So sorry to hear about your diagnosis! Herpes is a virus and viruses cannot be ‘cured’. as you stated, Valtrex can help lessen the frequency of outbreaks. Most drug companies have a patient assistance program that can help with the cost of these expensive medications, however these are usually income based, and if you have insurance, you may not qualify. (check http://www.rxassist.org for GSK’s assistance program.)
There are also natural cures that you could look into, one fairly detailed remedy is outlined at http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/genital_herpes.html
Another option is to better look at your Health savings account. These are usually high deductible insurance plans that are linked to a savings account that is used to cover the deductible. Do you have funds in a health savings account? If so this would be an appropriate use of the funds. When your deductible is met, the insurance should cover the prescription costs at that point.
Az R Says:
There actually is no generic for Valtrex yet. It is still under patent and will be for several more years.
But here’s a dirty little trick. Valtrex is a prodrug. It’s converted into another drug in your body: an older drug by the name of Aciclovir. Aciclovir costs a whopping 25 dollars for a month’s supply, but unlike Valtrex you have to take it 2 times a day instead of once. Or it might be three times a day, I don’t have my pocket pharma right now. Still, if you can remember to take that, it is quite literally the same substance.
sam s Says:
you should take a look at http://the-drug-store.com/ (make sure you type the dashes or you will be sent to a different store). they have really low prices and because you are ‘importing for personal use only’ they do not require any prescriptions.