I Can't Afford That Much.....

Kalyn · 03-01-2009, 09:13 PM

Ok, to start off I do not have periods on my own. My longest time going without is 10 months. I hope to never go that long again, cause it was a horrible horrible thing when I finally did have one.

Anyways, I did Lupron for 6 months and hoped that in June I would have one on my own. I didn't, so my doctor put me on Spiro. I did not like the side effects. My breasts got so sore I had a hard time just functioning daily, I mean clothing touching them was horrible. So I stopped that, my last period was in December, a month after stopping the Spiro. My doc wanted to see if I had a period on my own but she didn't want me to wait more than 90 days. Needless to say I am at my 90 days and she perscribed me Prometrium (because on Provera I had a bad time in the past) and she thought maybe this would be gentler on my system. 400mg 1x/day for 10 days. I went to get it filled at Wal-Mart tonight. They only had 200mg pills, so 20 pills for 10 days is what they were going to give me. It would have been $50 AFTER my insurance. I can't afford that. Not for 10 days worth of meds. I know people probably think I am nuts, but I really can not afford that each time I need to take this..... I am just not sure what to do.

I am gonna call my doctor tomorrow. I have to go to the hospital tomorrow to see my mom and its right next door so I am gonna stop over there and see what they say if there is any other options for me. I don't want to go without my period for many reasons, but at the same time, I can't afford to spend that much right now for only 10 days worth of meds.

I guess this was more of a rant than anything.

aurorasky · 03-07-2009, 01:24 AM

Kalyn, are you seeing a specialist or just your GP?

Did you ask the Pharmacist if there is a generic or other medication that might accomplish the same goals?

Also the drug company may offer a discount or assistance if you cannot afford the medication.

Finally, I've been told (but have not researched on my own) by one OB/GYN that treated me that I only need to have 2 periods a year, and shortly after that several BCP were marketing that benefit of their product (Yaz) for one. So if that's the case then your meds would run $100/year < $10/month.

Kalyn · 03-07-2009, 09:44 AM

Actually my OB/GYN is treating me for my PCOS....her and her physician's assistant. I was told by both that every 90 days I should have a period. Like you, I have not done my own research on this, but I am trusting their word, considering they are the first ones to actually try to offer me any help.

I did talk to the pharmacist...who was very rude BTW. He told me how he was taking time out of his busy schedule to listen to me (what ever happened to the customer comes first?????). Anyways, he told me that there was no generic form of Prometrium and that I would have to contact my insurance company.

So, I called my doctor. They said my only other option was Provera. There is a generic form of that, so I only had to pay $4. I told them of my past experience and they said if I run in to trouble they will consider a low dose of BCP and monitor my BP. I guess time will tell. So far I am 6 days into the medication and besides some slight cramps (no bleeding yet) and mild nausea I am doing fine.

aurorasky · 03-08-2009, 09:15 PM

Glad you were able to find an alternative generic.

I've worked w/ an Endorcrinologist since I was dx almost 10 years ago, he also manages my thyroid & cholesterol and is very mindful of my IR. I also have worked w/ a great OB/GYN when I was initially dx and she & the endo were on the same page and told me alot of the same things so I learned alot from both of them.

I am a big advocate of finding a new Dr. if the one you're working w/ isn't able to manage your care to your liking.