Posted 02 August 2016 - 10:53 PM
Well that is not good. I take Tasigna and have CVS CareMark as my drug plan. Does that mean I have to switch?
I don't think so, but let us know what you hear from CVS, and your oncologist, regarding being grand-fathered in on Tasigna. The coverage change will be for 2017. This will be a learning experience for all of us.
Healthcare costs are going out of sight and to think, we, being on these $132K/yr.-$156K/yr drugs, are a contributing factor. I prefer to blame the greed of Big PhRMA.
U.S Healthcare Cost (trillions)
2016 3.35
2015 3.2
2014 3.0
2013 2.9
2012 2.8
U.S. Spending for Prescription Drugs (in billions)
2015 $425.0
2014 $373.9
2013 $329.2
2012 $325.8
For the benefit of yourself and others please add your CML history into your Signature
02/2010 Gleevec 400mg
2011 Two weakly positives, PCRU, weakly positive
2012 PCRU, PCRU, PCRU, PCRU
2013 PCRU, PCRU, PCRU, weakly positive
2014 PCRU, PCRU, PCRU, PCRU (12/07 began dose reduction w/each continuing PCRU)
2015 300, 250, 200, 150
2016 100, 50/100, 100, 10/17 TFR
2017 01/17 TFR, 04/18 TFR, 07/18 TFR 0.0012, 08/29 TFR 0.001, 10/17 TFR 0.000
2018 01/16 TFR 0.0004 ... next quarterly PCR 04/17
At the earliest opportunity, and whenever possible, lower your TKI dosage; TKIs are toxic drugs and the less we take longterm the better off we are going to be ... this is especially true for older adults.
In hindsight I should have started my dosage reduction two years earlier; it might have helped minimize some of the longterm cumulative toxic effects of TKIs that I am beset with.
longterm side-effects Peripheral Artery Disease - legs (it's a bitch); continuing shoulder problems, right elbow inflammation. GFR and creatinine vastly improved after stopping Gleevec.
Cumulative Gleevec dosage estimated at 830 grams
Taking Gleevec 400mg an hour after my largest meal of the day helped eliminate the nausea that Gleevec is notorious for.
Trey's CML Blog - Stopping - The Odds - Stop Studies - Discussion Forum Cessation Study
Big PhRMA - Medicare Status - Social Security Status - Deficit/Debt