I had my RD appointment today. I told him I felt like the MTX was making me worse. He didn’t really feel like the MTX was the problem. We talked about the TNF drugs. I told him that I didn’t think my insurance would pay any because the website says you have to have moderate to severe RA. He said he didn’t want to make me feel bad, but he considered mine moderate to severe. Huh? I always thought I had mild disease. Guess not. Anyway, I chose Enbrel. It seems like there are a lot of hoops to jump just to get started. Is it this way for everyone?
He gave me a TB test. I have to go back in a few days for his nurse to check that. He gave me an Enbrel Quick Assist card that I have to have activated before I drop off my prescription. He said the prescription will get denied by my insurance. The denial will prompt the pharmacist to call my doctor with instructions on completing an authorization form. Once it’s approved and I pick up the Enbrel, then I have to take it into his office so they can show me how to give myself the shot. Whew!
How long does all this take?
Hopefully not long! Fortunately I didn't have to go through hoops like that....but my hindsight tells me that no matter how many hoops...it was well worth it, to get my life back.
I hope Enbrel is everything for you that it has been for me. Best of luck to you!
That is all standard and very much like what I went through. However I could not afford the Enbrel on my insurance at the start. Once I got a different job and better insurance, it was affordable for me.Hi, if you have the quick assist program they will pay your co-pay up to 0 or 0 a month. Can't remember which. They pay it for 6 months then for six months they pay some but you have to pay up to not over . Once you get you tb test, it shouldn't take long. It sounds like a big drawn out process but it's not so bad. The pharmacy will do the work all you have to do is call the number to activate your quick assist program.
Good luck and I hope you get some excellent results. I feel so good after just one shot and couldn't believe how much energy I had.
Thanks everyone.
KB...I had to have the tb test, and go in for instuction on how to give the shot, I do the sure click. It's pretty easy. I also did the quick assist and had no problem. Mine is deliverd to me by a specialty pharmacy every month and for the several months it cost me nothing. Now it costs 30.00 per month.
I hope it works well for you, I saw a MAJOR difference overnight. Literally. When I say major difference, I mean I went from having much trouble getting around to being practically normal. Let us know how it goes, K?
KB, it seems like a lot of hoops, but it is well worth the effort! I hope your experience with Enbrel is a good one. I agree with Link - I saw a major difference as well (within a few weeks.) I hope your side effects are minimal and wish you the best! Have a superfantastic and extra comfortable day! [QUOTE=Claire]Hopefully not long! Fortunately I didn't have to go through hoops like that....but my hindsight tells me that no matter how many hoops...it was well worth it, to get my life back.
I hope Enbrel is everything for you that it has been for me. Best of luck to you!
[/QUOTE]
I agree, do what ever it takes to feel better and take care of yourself. I didn't have to go through all that either, thank goodness. But I would have, if that's what it took. Hope it works for you, and you feel better soon!
I am on the quick assist as well. It was confusing to me at first, but all is well for now. I have only been on it for 6 weeks. The weird part was how after I signed up for it, I started getting phone calls from all these pharmacies wanting to get my business. It felt a lot like regular phone sales and for a week the phone was ringing 5 times a night with these guys saying "pick me, pick me."
Stubborn as I am, I just decided to use CVS like always since I have to go there for all my other meds. They said all I have to do is call a week before my refill is due and they will get it in overnight, so for me that works well.
I almost hate to say it out loud, but I am starting to feel much better. I am so hoping I don't become allergic to this one, like I have all the others.
So, please work your way thru the "quick assist maze" it just might make a huge difference in how you feel.
Good luck
Crispy