Hello,
I have been taking MXT for about 7 months I switched to the injectable about 6 weeks ago what a difference. On Monday my Dr was not in so they told me take just take the pills well never again I felt like hell all day. I had the worse headache sick to my stomach I have not felt that bad since I first started the MXT. Does this always happen when you switch between the shots and pills if so I will skip next weeks dose because they are not going to be there again. I wanted to give myself the shots but they want to give them to me they are even willing to forgo the co pay I wonder how much they are getting from my insurance company HMMMM. Any thoughts? Should I just skip next weeks dose? I don't want to be this sick again. Thanks for listening you guys are great even when you fight and bicker like a couple of teenagers its like being back home with my two sisters LOL. Have a wonderful day I hope everyone is well.
Linda From NJ
DX PA 3/ 2006
REMICADE MXT (yuck) FOLIC ACID TRAMADOL VICODIN LEVOXYL AND ZONEGRAN (for migraines)
Hiya, Linda!
Get them to write you a prescription for the injectable! There's no reason why you can't do it yourself at home. I've taken mine at home since the initial instruction lesson in the office. I've never taken the pills but I've heard they are just horrible on your innards (what you've been experiencing.) Hopefully your RD and the nurses will grant your request.
About the MTX, I have a friend who has been injecting herself for many years. Push for an answer as to why they won't let you do it yourself. You shouldn't have to choose between no medication or being sick.
I have been self injecting MTX since April of 07'. It is very easy to do. Press them to let you do it yourself. Many people do this, it's really no different than injecting insulin if your a diabetic.
Yea have them write you a prescription for the injectable so you can take them at home. You do have to fill the syringe yourself but it is so easy!!! Why are they having you do them at the office?I wonder why MTX doesn't come in a clicky pen like Ebreal and HumiraI would get them to write a RX for it too. Back in the days after my RA diagnosis, I did them myself too. The pharmisist even offered to give me insulin needles so they would be smaller and less painful (I have a great "drug dealer"). No reason to waste gas and your time to go every week. [QUOTE=Linncn] I wonder why MTX doesn't come in a clicky pen like Ebreal and Humira[/QUOTE]Hello I almost a feel Human again.
I asked for injectable at home and they said why not come in and let us do them and I said DUH a 30 weekly co pay and they then said who said you would have to pay it so two days later and the office manager called me and said I could come in no charge. I am thinking they must still be getting paid my insurance although I could be wrong. I know my Dr likes to keep an eye on his MXT patience so maybe its a control thing. It is getting rather inconvenient and costly with the gas at almost 3 dollars a gallon. I am going to call and tell them I would like to do this myself since I was so sick yesterday and today as well and I know they will not be in the office next Monday either. I am sure with the holidays there will be many other Monday's when the office is closed. The one Dr in the office keeps asking me when we are going to increase my dose I am only taking 7.5 but my Dr wants to leave well enough alone as I was getting real horrible headaches when I tried to take a higher dose. I think I am just getting used to this dose in the injectable form the first few gave me awful headache the last two nothing so I think I will stick with Dr number one and stay on 7.5 for a while and hope my Remicade start to kick some major PA ass soon. thanks for all the responses and have a great afternoon.
Linda, they probably are billing the insurance company for the MTX administration and most likely found out the service pays at 100% of the allowable with no patient share left over.
Let them know it's really inconvenient for you to have to drive to the office weekly - with the gas prices and all, but mainly when you're feeling so bad that getting out of bed is a chore, nevermind trying to drive somewhere after fumbling through getting dressed! It definitely is easier to do at home.
And this thread just reminded me that I forgot to take my own injection last night. Son of a.... [QUOTE=MrsAlexander]
Linda, they probably are billing the insurance company for the MTX administration and most likely found out the service pays at 100% of the allowable with no patient share left over.
And this thread just reminded me that I forgot to take my own injection last night. Son of a....
[/QUOTE]
MrsAlexander is right. When I go for my allergy shots, they don't bill me an office visit, but they bill the insurance company for administering the shot. Insurance pays that at 100%.