My reg doc called the RA doc and they talked about treatment problems I have been having.
He said to up the MTX to 8 per week. He said the RA doctor was talking about Injection options. But he said he knows that the treatments are pricey.
Just wanted to ask about Copays for just regular Health insurance. What is that usually cost???? Because that can be a real problem for my treatment options.
I have been on 6 x 2.5 mg of MTX since October ( the month of January I stopped) But back at it since Feb. It doesn't seem to be getting better. He really doesn't think 2 more meds increased is going to make as much difference as I need.
Just wanted to ask about your experince for the injectible types cost wise? Thanks for your replies. CJames
If you have drug insurance usually the biologics like Enbrel and Humira are covered with normal co-pays for name brand drugs.. I pay for a 3 month supply.
Because Remicade is an infusion it is often covered under major medical for health insurance.
You should call you insurerers for major med and drugs and see what different options will cost, as well as another requirements they have before you begin treatment.
I was switched from 8 tabs 20 mg. per week of mtx to 25 mg per week of injectable mtx per week. First injectable dose was last thursday. I think maybe I am feeling slightly better already. I hope!MTX isn't very expensive, so that probably won't be a problem for you. If you get into Enbrel, Humeria, Remicaide, it is terribly expensive. I pay almost 0.00/month just for my Enbrel. It definately depends on your insurance. I'm very jealous of those who only pay .00 a month.
Good luck, Phatgirl
PS, there are programs to help with copayment costs. Let me know if you need more info
It costs me .09 for a months supply of the injectable mtx. I also get my needles for 25 cents a piece. The injectable is not covered under my insuranace and the needles are cheaper if I DO NOT run them under my insurance. Crazy eh? The pill form of mtx for me was .00 a month. Sooooo in the end not only is the mtx cheaper doing it injectable...I don't have too many icky side effects from injecting instead of taking the pills.
I'm not on Humira now; but I was for two years and I paid a for 4 injections.
Once I got to 17mg of MTX my doctor said the same thing your doctor is saying to you now. Adding Humira did make a big difference; but I eventually had to go to weekly injections.....it was very helpful though. Good Luck. Hopefully your insurance will approve it and it will be with in your budget to use it. For me it was on the highest teir on my prescription level. for medication that was worth more than 00 a month was a pretty good deal for me.
My insurance has a seperate co-pay for "specialty medicines". Enbrel is considered a specialty medicine. My co-pay for it is 0/month. My copay for MTX (oral) is for a 3 month supply.