phillydaughter
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Posts:44
My mom was hospitalized with blood clots in her lungs in Oct. The hospital and doc send us home with 30 day supply of Lovinox injections (2x/daily). Now the refill (since doc says she needs to be on Lovinox indefinitely) is costing us a small fortune ($1300 for 30/days - for the generic).
Mom is on Medicare.
We explained the cost issue to doc but she did not offer an alternative.
Question - I heard of Eliquis. Is that a cheaper alternative that the docs would recommend? Or other?
It's unfortunate with all the other medical stresses that families have to deal with the financial stresses. :cry:
Forums
Reply # - November 25, 2014, 07:40 AM
I believe that Eliquis is
I believe that Eliquis is less expensive than Lovenox, so it would be worth asking her doctor if it (or something else) could be substituted. She may prefer Lovenox, but if you can't afford to continue it...
The manufacturer of Lovenox also has a patient assistance program if she qualifies: http://www.patientassistance.com/profile/sanofiaventis-202/
Good luck.
JimC
Forum moderator
Reply # - November 25, 2014, 07:59 AM
I wonder if the high price
I wonder if the high price might be a deductible before a smaller copay kicks in. I know medicare is different in each state and there are options for the type of insurance chosen. It may be helpful to ask a nurse or someone in the oncology office for advice. They often have resources for additional funding.
I hope you're able to find a long term solution.
All best,
Janine
Reply # - November 25, 2014, 11:07 PM
There are many very similar
There are many very similar agents that can work effectively as blood thinners. In addition to Lovenox (enoxaparin), there are several other very similar "low molecular weight heparin" injected drugs, as well as some oral agents like Xarelto (rivaroxaban). These are all more effective but also way, way more expensive than Coumadin (warfarin), which has an efficacy that varies greatly with diet and requires frequent monitoring with blood tests -- levels of blood thinning can drift too low or too high over days to weeks.
I would say that the leading options would be to check on a patient assistance program, the possibility of the cost to you going down after you pass through a Medicare "donut hole" or some other maximum deductible, or perhaps there being a lower priced alternative that is very similar but preferred by your insurer.
Good luck.
-Dr. West