Enbrel

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/18/2003 6:40:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

crhs88@... writes:

> My mother has severe PA and her doctor has recommended

> Enbrel. Her insurance company will not pay for it and

> it is about 1300 a month otherwise. Does your

> insurance company pay for it?

My insurance pays for the Enbrel and I had a $12.00 co-payment for a 3 month

supply. Do you have a drug plan?

Janet

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I have been on Enbrel for a year and a half now and have experienced

good results, even with an extremely severe case of PA. I just HATE

injections, though. But then I really don't want to meet anyone who

enjoys them.

A good site for medications, including Enbrel is

http://arthritis.about.com/cs/enbrel

Very helpful, I thought.

Good luck

Donna

[Guest guest]

Marilyn

Ask your pharmacy for a container for you used needles they should

have one there and they should be free. That is always where I have

gotten my containers at. Or your pulbic health center will have them.

We are all normal, Just some of us have more bumps in our lives then

others.

[Guest guest]

Good idea , thanks for the tip. I will ask them when pick up more

medication which seems to be an on going experience....

Marilyn

----Original Message Follows----

From: " " <aaron@...>

Marilyn

Ask your pharmacy for a container for you used needles they should

have one there and they should be free. That is always where I have

gotten my containers at. Or your pulbic health center will have them.

_________________________________________________________________

The new MSN 8: smart spam protection and 2 months FREE*

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[Guest guest]

Hi Marilyn,

Yes, the number I have is the same one Caroline sent you. 1-888-436-2735. I

just can't imagine that you were not sent anything...syringe container,

travel coolers......NOTHING??? Did they at least send you those little paste on

the calendar things for the days you are to " poke " yourself? I think they gave

me way too many but I'll save them for next year. They send me books and

videos also. NOTHING???? for you? I wonder if there's a problem sending stuff

to

Canada but I can't imagine there being one. When I leave for California, I

just call that number and have them send me another waste container there and

they do right away. Are you sure you are enrolled the right way? I'd be

checking if I were you.

Let me know after you call them, what they say.

xxoo

Mi. Carmen

[Guest guest]

Hi Marilyn,

I forgot to tell you that the syringe container is quite large, (red). I

think it would hold all the used syringes for around a year or so but I could be

wrong as I've received around three or four and when I get a new one, I throw

the " not full " one away. I just can't figure out why they would not have sent

you one and also why they told you that they don't hand out those coolers. I

can't remember when I got my first cooler but maybe I called them and asked

for one to travel with but I really don't remember. No.............I think

they just sent me one for no reason at all. The latest cooler I received was

for

no reason. I think I was speaking with someone at the Enbrel company and she

was asking me a bunch of questions, like a survey if I remember correctly,

and the next thing I knew, I got another cooler. They've been very nice to me

whenever I've called the Enbrel number.......even when I first enrolled and

they told me the waiting list was VERY long and to be patient. I called after a

bit and I must have sounded desperate or crazy and the nice, young man I was

speaking with said..... " Okay..you are now approved and call your pharmacy in

two days and it will be there waiting for you. " He was a sweetie pie and I

don't know if he was supposed to do that or not but I was very appreciative. I

can't remember either if I had to wait when they had that shortage or not. How

long have you been taking Enbrel, Marilyn? I just can't see why, like with

Sue #2, it takes so long to be approved although I think it's her insurance

company that is holding up her Enbrel. I'm hoping to hear soon that she's on

her

way to " poking " herself!

Again, let me know what the company has to say.

xxoo

Mi. Carmen

Also, ask your pharmacist for the Styrofoam container that it comes to them

in and you can take that cooler on the trip with you. He'll be glad to give

you it.

[Guest guest]

Hi Marilyn,

If you hadn't read here about some of us receiving syringe, waste containers

and travel coolers, how in the world you ever know about them? I think they

are trying to save money also and be sneaky. Now that you know what's

available to you..... " sock it to em! " I can't believe how expensive some drugs

are.

Now, someone asked about Leucovorin calcium.....never heard of that but I

wrote it down to ask my Rheumatologist the next time I see him. $1,300.00 a

month? How can people without insurance afford that if it's really needed? Do

you

get all your drugs free in Canada and are there ever any denials because of

cost?

Now that more drugs like Enbrel are coming out like Kineret and Humira, maybe

the cost will come down as it is getting more competitive. I've never

understood why I couldn't take Remicade, Enbrel, Kineret and Humira at the same

time

and feel SUPER? They all seem to target different things and why only feel

one quarter good and not all four quarters good? They are all aiming at the

same thing, right? Does that make sense?

Well, it looks overcast already this morning. We are having Power Boats here

to do a Poker Run and also try to beat the water speed of 200mph and it

doesn't seem like it's going to be a good day. My husband and I walked around

the

marina last night and oohed and aahed at some of the boats. They really are

magnificent and HUGH. Jerry has a boat that goes 110 mph and if he got out

there against them, he'd look like he was rowing it. Men and their toys!

Hope you feel pretty good this weekend.

xxoo

Mi. Carmen

[Guest guest]

camaro_lover92@... writes:

> I have been taking Enbrel for about 3 weeks. I know it can take up

> to 6 weeks to work but, I felt a lot better after the first 2

> injections. Now, for the last week, I have felt really bad again.

> Lots of pain and swelling. Is this normal? Has anyone else

> experienced this?

Hi ,

I also felt better for a few weeks and then in pain again. My rheumy said to

stick with it longer which I am trying to do. Good luck.

Janet

[Guest guest]

I have just received an email from a physician who informs me " Wyeth has

issued a special notice to all physicians regarding the serious toxicity of

Enbrel. "

We do not recommend the use of this class of drugs.

Ethel

This is from the manufacturer's website:

Important Product Information

Since the product was first introduced, the following have been reported in

patients using ENBREL:

a.. Serious infections

a.. Many occurred in people prone to infection, such as those with

advanced or poorly controlled diabetes

b.. Some serious infections were fatal

c.. Rare cases of tuberculosis

b.. What to do/not do

a.. Do not start ENBREL if you have an infection or are allergic to

ENBREL or its components

b.. Tell your doctor if you are prone to infection

c.. Stop ENBREL if a serious infection occurs

d.. Contact your doctor if you have questions about ENBREL or develop an

infection

c.. Serious nervous system disorders such as multiple sclerosis, seizures,

or inflammation of the nerves of the eyes

a.. Tell your doctor if you have ever had any of these disorders or if

you develop them after starting ENBREL

d.. Rare reports of serious blood disorders (some fatal)

a.. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms such as

persistent fever, bruising, bleeding or paleness

e.. The incidence of cancer has not increased with extended exposure to

ENBREL and is similar to the expected rate.

f.. ENBREL can also cause injection site reactions.

rheumatic enbrel

> I was on remicade for 1 year and loved it but because of the high price

have started on enbrel. I think that the remicade worked a little better

for me but the enbrel helps a lot too. In fact, without either of them, I

am in a lot of pain from RA.

>

> However, with both enbrel and remicade, I have to stay away from sugar. I

stay on a high protein diet and even with enbrel, milk products, oats,

bread, high carb items cause me pain.

>

> With my insurance, the enbrel is $300 a month and well worth it. These

have changed my life and given me hope that I won't have to live in pain for

the rest of my life. Also, my energy level is much higher and I can do so

much more now.

>

> Delaine

>

> Delaine

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi

Wwll I found the same relief on antibiotic therspy. i was on the

toxic road. What they do not tell you is 5-10yrs later what happens.

Iwish you well

Love

Marge

> I was on remicade for 1 year and loved it but because of the high

price have started on enbrel. I think that the remicade worked a

little better for me but the enbrel helps a lot too. In fact,

without either of them, I am in a lot of pain from RA.

>

> However, with both enbrel and remicade, I have to stay away from

sugar. I stay on a high protein diet and even with enbrel, milk

products, oats, bread, high carb items cause me pain.

>

> With my insurance, the enbrel is $300 a month and well worth it.

These have changed my life and given me hope that I won't have to

live in pain for the rest of my life. Also, my energy level is much

higher and I can do so much more now.

>

> Delaine

>

> Delaine

>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/12/03 3:58:02 PM, goodman156@... writes:

> Who is the physican you refer to?  And I am wondering who you mean by " we "

> when you say " we do not recommend this class of drugs " (by which I assume

> you mean the anti-tnf class of drugs, including Remicade, Enbrel, Anakinra,

> and Humira).

>

I would like to know, too.

And on what basis......

All drugs have side effects.

For people with chronic RA, we often have to turn to more potent drugs

because they WORK (like prednisone).

Nothing in the info that you posted about the side effects is new on the anti

TNFS..

I spoke to my phamacist yesterday, and he was RAVING about these drugs!

I am on Humira.....so far no side effects!

Pris

Check out

www.valentinesperformingpigs.com

for a pig training book and just for fun video!

200 pics of porkers!

[Guest guest]

Ethel,

Thanks for your post. I am well aware of the warnings you posted; they are

included as part of the " dosing pack " I got from my rheumie which contains a

video tape, sharps disposal container, etc.

Who is the physican you refer to? And I am wondering who you mean by " we "

when you say " we do not recommend this class of drugs " (by which I assume

you mean the anti-tnf class of drugs, including Remicade, Enbrel, Anakinra,

and Humira).

I am very wary of starting any new drug and am attempting to find out about

individual experience with the drug. So far I am aware of risk of serious

infection, anemia, MS, and drug-induced Lupus as possible side effects. But

what I am really interested in how the drug has WORKED for people who have

taken it.

I cannot take steroids anymore, can't take aspirin, NSAIDS, or cox-2

inhibitors. I am looking for solutions here. In general I am unable to

take antibiotics but did try doxy with no improvement. BTW, I do not have

RA but have " polyimmune/inflammatory syndrome " (that's the diagnosis du

jour) which has caused my body to attack the blood vessels in my head, among

other things.

claire

rheumatic enbrel

>

>

> > I was on remicade for 1 year and loved it but because of the high price

> have started on enbrel. I think that the remicade worked a little better

> for me but the enbrel helps a lot too. In fact, without either of them, I

> am in a lot of pain from RA.

> >

> > However, with both enbrel and remicade, I have to stay away from sugar.

I

> stay on a high protein diet and even with enbrel, milk products, oats,

> bread, high carb items cause me pain.

> >

> > With my insurance, the enbrel is $300 a month and well worth it. These

> have changed my life and given me hope that I won't have to live in pain

for

> the rest of my life. Also, my energy level is much higher and I can do so

> much more now.

> >

> > Delaine

> >

> > Delaine

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/12/2003 12:33:38 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

emsnooks@... writes:

> I have just received an email from a physician who informs me " Wyeth has

> issued a special notice to all physicians regarding the serious toxicity of

> Enbrel. "

This is why I do not use anything except the antibiotics. The other drugs and

drug manufactures do not really care about the patient, just about the money

they make. Sad but true.

Ann Pritchard

" Deep in the center of our beings

is an infinite wealth of love "

<A

HREF= " http://www.rheumatic.org/medhist.htm " >http://www.rheumatic.org/medhist.htm\

</A> < latest published work.

<A

HREF= " http://groups.msn.com/TyroMedia/pictures " >http://groups.msn.com/TyroMedia/\

pictures</A> < latest photos

[Guest guest]

Begin forwarded message:

> From: linda king <lindaking33@...>

> Date: Thu Jun 12, 2003 10:27:26 PM America/Denver

> nelliestar@...

> Subject: Re: rheumatic enbrel

>

> Hello Group,

> I'm going to chime in on this discussion. I have no experience with

> the enbrel/remicade/humira classes of drugs. I do understand why some

> of us use them - because they bring relief, and we all know how bad at

> times things can become. The doctors urged me to consider using them,

> but I would not. I feared that there would be long term consequences

> if I started using these drugs. I think that there are as yet no

> totally conclusive studies that prove these drugs are harmful in the

> long term. That said, I do know that these drugs can't put me into

> remission, that they treat only symptomatically.

>

> Twenty six months is how long I have been using the AP. I started out

> with Doxy, then after one year, I used lederle minocin. I had three

> rounds of IV clindamycin. I have had several rounds of amoxicillin

> trying to get my ASO titer to budge from a high of 438. I have made

> slow but steady progress toward a remission that I have not yet

> achieved but have set my sights on. Each step of the way my labs have

> inched closer and closer to normal: RA factor positive started out at

> 2560, today is at 320. Sed rate started out 36, today is at 14. CRP is

> normal at zero. ASO titer is 320. Every other lab known to man (it

> seems) is normal.

>

> Today I noticed that the several swollen lumps on my hands and wrists

> are almost gone. They have been my constant companions for two years!

> I started the flagy/nizoral combination April 9. I still take 100 mg

> minocin daily. Doing the AP is very hard, I think. It is peaks and

> valley - a roller coaster ride, with only your own intuition and the

> support from this group to keep you going. It is no quick fix, as are

> the regular drugs that are prescribed.

>

> K

> RA/PA 1988

> Minocin

> Naproxen

> Flagyl

> Nizoral

> Probiotic, Milk Thistle, Multi-vitamin, progesterone cream

> On Thursday, June 12, 2003, at 07:02 PM, nelliestar@... wrote:

>

>>

>> In a message dated 6/12/03 3:58:02 PM, goodman156@... writes:

>>

>>

>> > Who is the physican you refer to?  And I am wondering who you mean

>> by " we "

>> > when you say " we do not recommend this class of drugs " (by which I

>> assume

>> > you mean the anti-tnf class of drugs, including Remicade, Enbrel,

>> Anakinra,

>> > and Humira).

>> >

>>

>> I would like to know, too.

>> And on what basis......

>> All drugs have side effects.

>> For people with chronic RA, we often have to turn to more potent drugs

>> because they WORK (like prednisone).

>> Nothing in the info that you posted about the side effects is new on

>> the anti

>> TNFS..

>> I spoke to my phamacist yesterday, and he was RAVING about these

>> drugs!

>> I am on Humira.....so far no side effects!

>> Pris

>>

>>

>>

>> Check out

>> www.valentinesperformingpigs.com

>> for a pig training book and just for fun video!

>> 200 pics of porkers!

>>

>>

>>

[Guest guest]

I agree....the meds make you feel great for a few years (if one is lucky).

Then later on you start falling apart. Did you even notice how many people

with long term RA end up with diabetis, stomach problems, tumors, etc. I used

to ask my doc about it and she said it was the RA.............I know now it is

primarily because of the meds. A friend of mine developed diabetis and her

diabetis doc told her it was from the steriods (and is called prednisone

induced diabetis)>>did they take her off prednisone............NOPE!!!! She is

now

diabetic and RA. Last I heard she had developed brain tumors they needed to

check out....again probably because of the meds she was on but they needed to

do surgery to make sure. Again did they take her off the

meds...........NOPE!!! And cannot get this lady to even read the book by Henry

Scammel. So very

sad. Martha

[Guest guest]

Hi ! Geoff here.

You wrote:

" (snip) ... " we do not recommend this class of drugs " (snip) ...what I am

really interested in how the drug has WORKED for people who have taken it.

(snip) ...I cannot take steroids anymore, can't take aspirin, NSAIDS, or

cox-2 inhibitors. I am looking for solutions here. In general I am unable

to take antibiotics but did try doxy with no improvement. (snip) I do not

have RA but have " polyimmune/inflammatory syndrome " ... (snip) "

Maybe this will help: Enbrel, et al, by class and/or application all attend

to one matter: masking the symptoms so you feel better. This is not to be

discounted by any means, sometimes it is the only alternative a person has

to a life of misery and pain. (This treatment is called palliative.)

Unfortunately, these drugs usually carry a high price tag in the form of

consequences to the patient, as is lightly noted in the patient handouts and

more thoroughly described in the PDR (Physician's Desk Reference) and easily

accessible for most of us at www.rxlist.com.

The AP is a long-term, extremely low-dose and intermittent therapy.

Researching these drugs requires one to consider the recommendations of the

AP versus the usual dosages of the drugs because of the quantities and

processing times (200mg M-W-F vs. 200-400mg daily, i.e., 600mg/wk vs.

2,800mg/wk.)

Palliative treatment is a necessity most of us admit. Without it, there is

often the possibility that the pain is so debilitating we cannot even arise

from bed, nor stay in bed. Horrid is an inadequate description, exquisite

is more like it. However, palliative relief does not have to come in the

form of a Rx medication, nor does it have to take the form of something

injurious to us, and therein lies the rub. Inhibiting the immune system

promotes the disease proper while keeping us from feeling it. It makes life

easier on the bug and on us. I like the easy on us part, but not the easy

on the bug part. Additionally, impaired immunity is, well, bad.

Today's most popular diagnoses tend toward " auto-immunity. " The reasons

are overtly simplistic: If I as the doctor do not know precisely why your

problem exists, then your body must be confused. I do know of certain Rx

drugs I can give you that will make you feel better, and thus I am a hero

and you, a satisfied customer who will pay your bill, or better yet, has

insurance. I realize this reads as ridiculous, but it is absolutely true.

The AP (antibiotic protocol) has a long history of efficacy *for rheumatic

diseases* not in mere palliation, but in actual cure. If palliative relief

is needed while pursuing cure, a more efficient means for many is something

like RheuMax, an OTC herbal compound which, instead of working against the

immune system and thereby the AP, actually works with it. Thus, used in

combination, RheuMax and Doxycycline, or something like these, actually work

to both make us feel better and to cure the illness.

Another thing to consider: If you're over 20 or 30 years of age you may

remember the US pressure to bring drugs to market quicker some years back.

What you may not realize is that with the enabling legislation came a very

nasty consequence: Drugs are no longer tested like they used to be. Under

the new law only limited small-scale tests are done before releasing a drug

to 'full-scale' population-wide testing. Essentially this means that a new

drug is released for Rx and the people buying the Rx (you & me) are the new

test subjects. This is why you not only see drugs coming to market so fast,

you also hear of problems with MOST of those drugs 1-3 years later, and the

problems are often lethal. This was not as much an issue under the old law

you may have grown up with.

HTH

Geoff

soli Deo gloria

www.HealingYou.org - Your nonprofit source for remedies and aids in fighting

these diseases, information on weaning from drugs, and nutritional kits for

repairing adrenal damage; 100% volunteer staffed.

(Courtesy: Captain Cook's www.800-800-cruise.com)

[Guest guest]

> In a message dated 6/12/2003 12:33:38 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

> emsnooks@... writes:

>

> > I have just received an email from a physician who informs me " Wyeth has

> > issued a special notice to all physicians regarding the serious toxicity

of Enbrel. "

> The other drugs and

> drug manufactures do not really care about the patient, just about the

money

> they make. Sad but true.

>

> Ann Pritchard

So true, . I had an email a while back from a physician who began

using a lot of alternative therapies because he discovered they were more

effective and safer than conventional ones. He eventually lost a coveted

medical position because he wasn't sending enough patients to the hospital

anymore. He said physicians are forced to go the wrong way.

It's all about money.

Ethel

[Guest guest]

....I am not aware of any studies or trials in which the biologics cause

remission. My understanding of the definition of remission is this: all

labs are normal. patient has no stiffness or other symptoms, patient is

off al meds. IF a patient has been treated with enbrel and as a

consequence his symptoms have abated - but he is still on the

medication, from what I understand - that is not remission. My

understanding is that once the patient goes of the biologics, the

symptoms return with a fury.

I've had a lengthy discussion with two rheumatologist with regard to

the biologics. Dr. Whitman, in NEw Jersey, remarked that they are

seeing Hodgkins Lymphoma as a result of the biologics. He would not

recommend the biologics wholeheartedly, but he does prescribe them to

patient who want them and understand the risks. The other

rheumatologist I see heads up the department at the teaching university

here. He says he prescribes all the time, and again, making sure the

patients know there are risks. When i asked if he would take these

himself, or prescribe them to one of his children, he said, No.

I'm just relating my experience and my own judgements and conclusions

based on being immersed in the " rheumatic " world for some years. I can

point to concrete evidence in myself that the AP is preferable to the

mainline drugs; because I'm slowly but surely getting better on low

dose antibiotics and alterations in my lifestyle (nutrition-excercise.)

On Friday, June 13, 2003, at 09:43 AM, POOKIEGUT@... wrote:

> In a message dated 6/12/2003 11:30:41 PM Eastern Standard Time,

> lindaking33@... writes:

>

>> That said, I do know that these drugs can't put me into

>>> remission, that they treat only symptomatically.

>

> WHAT???? I know 2 people that are in FULL REMISSION and off ALL DRUGS

> (for over a year now) from Enbrel. Have you really talked to your

> Dr.'s about this? No, it is not this perfect for EVERYONE, but there

> are people out there that this has been a miracle for. My Rheum has

> over 50 people on Enbrel, and have several that are completely off and

> in full remission. I think for those people that have remission from

> Enbrel the risk was worth it. I am NOT on ENBREL or any other

> Biologic, however I refuse to believe that my Dr.'s and the people I

> know in my personal life are lying to me because they want me to think

> it's better than it is. I am the one popping pills and having pain,

> they are off ALL DRUGS...

>

> Hmmm....

>

[Guest guest]

message received.

On Friday, June 13, 2003, at 10:13 AM, POOKIEGUT@... wrote:

> In a message dated 6/13/2003 11:02:11 AM Eastern Standard Time,

> lindaking33@... writes:

>

>> My

>> understanding is that once the patient goes of the

>> biologics, the

>> symptoms return with a fury.

>

> I am telling you I know TWO people in full remission and OFF ALL DRUGS

> due to 1 year on a biologic, and they have both been OFF the biologic

> for 1+ years. My Rheum has several patients like this, and I KNOW TWO

> PEOPLE as friends that have had this success. I am not saying this is

> the norm, however it is working wonders for many.

>

[Guest guest]

Just a thought I had. Last night I watched a biography on Coburn

(the American actor). He had severe RA to the point of being bedridden. He

was into alternative meds and found that MSM worked to keep the disease down

(controlled not in remission like AP). I know nothing about this MSM since the

AP has worked wonders for me, but if it was that or going on Embrel, I

certainly would research this supplement. A note here, my old general

practitioner

told me if at all possible, not to use any meds that had not been out at least

three years and preferably five!!! He felt too many fancy and expensive drugs

were getting out without regard to serious side effects...many unknown but

cumulative as the years go by. Remicade is one example, it treats RA and yet

they are finding patients coming down with MS!!! Now instead of one life

threatening problem you have two....and it may be cummulative...the longer you

are

on it the better chance you have of developing it!!! They still do not know

this yet. What a horrible scenario.

That doesn't mean people can't have it...it just means they should make

informed decisions and understand this is a possibility. I personally would

not go on any of the new meds but each must make their own path. Just one

ladys opinion. Martha

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/13/2003 7:49:32 AM Pacific Daylight Time,

emsnooks@... writes:

> He eventually lost a coveted

> medical position because he wasn't sending enough patients to the hospital

> anymore. He said physicians are forced to go the wrong way.

>

> It's all about money.

>

Ethel, Your right.

A friend of mine from the Melungeon List who turned me onto Dr. Thakker in

Victorville when I was there emailed me and said the Dr. Reddy came back from

India and told the Doctors at that private clinic and hospital they own to cut

back on the services offered to people on HMOs < Insurance > and to

concentrate on the cash patients I guess I don't know, but a lot of the Doctors

are

leaving and going it alone and are scared so they can continue to give good

medical Treatment.

Also here in Santa Barbara, DR Tim Spiegal left the Sansum clinic and

opened a small clinic away from there several years ago. I do not know why, but

he

was the Doctor who told me about the antibiotic treatment. It is sad when

doctors here have to choose between cushy jobs and prescribing medication which

does not save lives and cost you your live savings.

One of the reasons I am working so hard on educating myself for a good

paying job is so I can afford my health care costs where are in the 1000s if I

was a cash customer, because of the Diabetes. It is crazy on the one hand when

you see middle class people too poor to afford all the fancy drugs, on the one

hand, but on the other hand it is probably saving them from serious side

effects. I am very careful about which medications I take. I am picky.

I still remember how brave I thought you were for going to see that doctor

in Mexico. :-) One of my favorite stories about his patients and your

experiences there.

Ann Pritchard

" Deep in the center of our beings

is an infinite wealth of love "

<A

HREF= " http://www.rheumatic.org/medhist.htm " >http://www.rheumatic.org/medhist.htm\

</A> < latest published work.

<A

HREF= " http://groups.msn.com/TyroMedia/pictures " >http://groups.msn.com/TyroMedia/\

pictures</A> < latest photos

[Guest guest]

Ethel....this sounds like a doc i saw in canada not too long ago.

He lost his position as an influential Yale doc because

> he wasnt writing enough prescriptions. he was trying to help the

> patients find other ways to help their ills.

>

>

> > In a message dated 6/12/2003 12:33:38 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

> > emsnooks@b... writes:

> >

> > > I have just received an email from a physician who informs

me " Wyeth has

> > > issued a special notice to all physicians regarding the

serious toxicity

> of Enbrel. "

>

> > The other drugs and

> > drug manufactures do not really care about the patient, just

about the

> money

> > they make. Sad but true.

> >

> > Ann Pritchard

>

> So true, . I had an email a while back from a physician who

began

> using a lot of alternative therapies because he discovered they

were more

> effective and safer than conventional ones. He eventually lost a

coveted

> medical position because he wasn't sending enough patients to the

hospital

> anymore. He said physicians are forced to go the wrong way.

>

> It's all about money.

>

> Ethel

[Guest guest]

I still remember how brave I thought you were for going to see that doctor in

Mexico. :-) One of my favorite stories about his patients and your experiences

there.

Ann Pritchard

With so many quacks there, I had a doctor friend of mine check it all out

first. He came back and said " Run, don't walk. " That therapy restored most of

the damage caused by the RA, but it was an experience we will never forget.

Ethel

[Guest guest]

Hello Dez:

Welcome to the group. I have had PA for 12 years or so. I am on HMO insurance

and only pay my $10.00 co-pay for medications for my Remicade (actual cost is

between $558 and $670 per vial, not sure of dosage, in US$). I typically take

three vials per visit (last one was two and is holding OK) and receive my

infusion therapy every seven to eight weeks. I'm nervous because in order to

save monies the Hospital where I work is changing from HMO insurance to another

type of insurance and I am unsure of what this will do to my prescription

coverage. My rheumatologist purchases the Remicade via a mail-in pharmacy and,

I believe, buys it in bulk to keep the costs down. Of course, I (and my

insurance) are only charged for the infusion therapy and not the doctor's visit

or for the attending nurse.

I pay a $10.00 co-pay for my Methotrexate and Lotensin (hypertension medication

brought on by prolonged NSAID use). The Arthrotec I take is considered a second

tier medication (the others are first tier) and I pay $25.00 per prescription

(120 50mg. tablets) that typically last 1.5 months. I find the Arthortec works

best over a prolonged period of time compared to other NSAIDs and it has the

buffered effect on the stomach which helps (actual cost is approximatley $185.00

for 120 50mg. tablets). I also am prescribed Diprolene lotion (0.05%

betamethasone) that lasts four to five months per 58 grams--$10.00 co-pay -- I

take it for my PS. Since I've been on the Remicade, the Diprolene works really

well and only use it on periodic skin eruptions.

It seems HMO is an ideal insurance for someone like me who has a chronic

condition and needs regular medications. Some PPO plans can be good as well.

[ ] Enbrel

Hi all,

I am new to this list and have had PA for about 5 years. When I

was first diagnosed I joined a group but I am not sure if

this is the same one. Anyway, I am now on my 3rd Rheumy and

when I went into to see her last Thurs. she took one look at my

hand and decided that I should go back on Methotrexate or in her

words, perhaps Enbrel would be a better choice for you. She

also indicated that it would most likely allow me to go off all of my

other meds. Azulfadine and Placquinil and I would only need the

Voltaren on an " as needed " basis. I was estatic to say the least.

That's 10 less pills a day. Whoo whee!

Then came the bad news. First it took a week to get approved

from my Blue Shield PPO, then after all that, I was told that my

cost would be $405 per month. Hello, car payment. Who can

afford that? I did a bit of checking and found out that Canada

cannot export the drug and the cheapest I could find was Costco

on line at $360 with my prescription coverage.

Is this what you are all paying? How do you do it? Is there some

special prescription coverage that I can get to assist me.

I am currently also on Zoloft for the depression and stress I go

through from this as well as family challenges. All of my extra

monies is currently going to help out my parents with their

finances.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Sorry to dump on

my first post but I am somewhat desparate. I have even

contacted, my insurance broker (no help there), my doctor (again

the Costco suggestion was all she could suggest), and the

Enbrel support line, (they are checking into possibilities for me).

Again, thanks so much for your comments and suggestions.

Best wishes to one and all,

Dez

[Guest guest]

Hi Dez...these are some sited that a friend of mine gave me for help with

Meds. I haven't used them yet since I still have some coverage left from my

indigent healthcare but she has had success with them. Hope they help...I sure

understand the financial problems that go along with this horrible disease! Good

Luck, Cyndi

<A HREF= " http://www.rxassist.org/ " >http://www.rxassist.org</A>

<A

HREF= " http://www.themedicineprogram.com/ " >http://www.themedicineprogram.com</A>

<A HREF= " http://www.needymeds.com/ " >http://www.needymeds.com</A>

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