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Cost of Generic Imatinib just got higher!


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#81 shweflen

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Posted 31 December 2017 - 09:01 PM

date       Rx                total cost         I paid      deductible YTD       phase 2 YTD       coverage gap YTD

 

1/24     imatinib           1593.82       698.45         400.00                     1593.82                   698.45

2/27     imatinib           1593.82       398.45                                         3187.69                 1096.90

3/9       misc                    10.00         10.00                                         3197.69                  1106.90

3/9       misc                    37.43         37.43                                         3235.12                  1144.33

3/28     imatinib           1593.82       691.96                                         3700.00                  1836.29

4/21     imatinib           1593.82       812.85                                                                        2649.18

4/27     misc                    18.85           9.62                                                                        2658.76

5/31     imatinib           1593.82       812.85                                                                        3471.61

6/12     misc                    10.00           5.10                                                                        3476.71

6/13     misc                    37.43          19.09                                                                       3495.80

7/3       imatinib           1593.82        812.85                                                                       4308.65

7/28     imatinib           1593.82        658.16                                                                       4950.00

8/3       imatinib           1593.82          79.69

9/9       misc                    47.43            6.60

9/27     misc                      6.57            3.78

9/28     imatinib           5044.87         252.24        walmart

10/31   imatinib           5643.55         282.18        kroger

11/4     misc                    17.14             3.30

11/7     misc                      3.95             3.30

11/24   imatinib           5461.22         273.06         kroger

12/4     misc                  164.15             8.21

12/4     misc                    10.00             3.30

12/26   imatinib           4804.29          240.21        meijer

 

So, for 2017, imatinib cost me $6012.95 and next year is estimated to cost me about 10% more.


10/20/2016 BCR-ABL:ABL = 81.622

01/11/2017 BCR-ABL:ABL =   8.028

04/12/2017 BCR-ABL:ABL =   0.157

07/07/2017 BCR-ABL:ABL =   0.000

10/04/2017 BCR-ABL:ABL =   0.041

11/28/2017 BCR-ABL:ABL =   0.000

 

 


#82 Buzzm1

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Posted 31 December 2017 - 09:21 PM

Thanks for posting your 2017 wrap-up shweflen.  Hoping that 2018 will provide some generic imatinib mesylate lower-price surprises.


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 BlogStopping - The OddsStop Studies - Discussion Forum Cessation Study

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#83 Dom

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Posted 02 January 2018 - 08:03 PM

Happy 2018 to everyone!

 

I hope I'm not just confusing things here, but I requested from Cigna (my new part d insurer) for the price of imatinib.  I'm allowed to do that now in 2018.  They sent a secure -- very secure -- email giving me the price.  Because of the security, I have to assume this is official.  (Not sure about all the security for this.  I would have thought you could just find the price on-line).

 

So ...

 

Imatinib 100 (a supply of 60) is $1,077.09 (I love the 9 cents at the end)

Imatinib 400 (a supply of 30) is $1,990.78

 

These prices are a good bit cheaper than I was expecting.  If the prices don't change, I'm looking at an annual cost of about $7,000, compared to my cobra which was $6,000.  I assume these are the retail prices, and I am left to calculate the initial, gap, and catastrophic cost.  


Diagnosed in February 2014. Started Imatinib 400 in April.
2014:     3.18     0.91
2015:     0.22     0.16     0.04     0.55
2016:     0.71     0.66

(Started Imatinib 600 in April 2016)
2016:     0.42     0.13     0.45
2017:     0.17     0.06     0.10     0.06     0.34


#84 Buzzm1

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Posted 02 January 2018 - 08:21 PM

Happy 2018 to everyone!

 

I hope I'm not just confusing things here, but I requested from Cigna (my new part d insurer) for the price of imatinib.  I'm allowed to do that now in 2018.  They sent a secure -- very secure -- email giving me the price.  Because of the security, I have to assume this is official.  (Not sure about all the security for this.  I would have thought you could just find the price on-line).

 

So ...

 

Imatinib 100 (a supply of 60) is $1,077.09 (I love the 9 cents at the end)

Imatinib 400 (a supply of 30) is $1,990.78

 

These prices are a good bit cheaper than I was expecting.  If the prices don't change, I'm looking at an annual cost of about $7,000, compared to my cobra which was $6,000.  I assume these are the retail prices, and I am left to calculate the initial, gap, and catastrophic cost.  

Wow Dom, what a pleasant surprise.  The prices you were quoted are reminiscent of the early 2017 Apotex prices using Express Scripts and Walmart.   Did they tell you who the manufacturer would be?   Please keep us informed on anything additional you find out, i.e. the pharmacy, or manufacturer.   I'm certain that shweflen, Antilogical, and Snowboots, will appreciate this information.  

 

$405 of 3067.87 = $405 + 25% of 2662.87 = $405 + $665.72 = $1070.72 Total $1070.72

25% of 682.13 = $170.53 + 44% of $2385.74 = $170.53 + $1049.73 = $1220.26 Total $2290.98

44% of 3067.87 = $1349.86 Total $3640.84

44% of 3067.87 = $1349.86 Total $4990.70

44% of 21.14 = $9.30 Total $5000 + 5% of $3046.73 = Total $5152.34

7 months X 5% of 3067.87 = 7 months X $153.39 = $1073.73 Total $6226.07

 

double-check me on this .. thanks

 

Of course if Imatinib Mesylate 600mg isn't improving your CML PCR level, it doesn't matter how little you are paying for it. http://community.lls...again/?p=200737

 

I still think you should give Sprycel 20mg a shot to see if it helps.  Plus it would get you through the donut hole for a lot less out  of pocket if that means anything.  


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 BlogStopping - The OddsStop Studies - Discussion Forum Cessation Study

Big PhRMA - Medicare Status - Social Security Status - Deficit/Debt


#85 Dom

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Posted 03 January 2018 - 01:27 PM

Hi Buzz (and everyone else)

 

I just spoke to the specialty pharmacist at Cigna to order my first shipment of imatinib.  She gave me different prices all together.  I don't understand how things get this confused, but she assured me her prices were correct.  We'll see when it's actually shipped, but I asked for a complete rundown, and this is what she gave me.

 

 

Jan        100s   $1,986.09    Copay       $655.41  

           400s   $3,370.08    Copay, Gap  $1,329.77          

 

Feb        100s   $1,986.09    Gap         $873.88  

           400s   $3,370.08    Gap         $1,482.84          

 

Mar        100s   $1,986.09    Catast      $99.30  

           400s   $3,370.08    Catast      $168.50          

 

Apr ... Dec  100s   $17,874.81   Catast      $893.70  

           400s   $30,330.72   Catast      $1,516.50          

 

2018 total                                 $7,019.90

 

My other medications will bring it up to 7876.33 for the year.  There is no deductible in the plan.  I don't know why the initial phase is 33%, but it is.  The gap phase is 44% and the Catastrophic phase is 5%, as usual.  


Diagnosed in February 2014. Started Imatinib 400 in April.
2014:     3.18     0.91
2015:     0.22     0.16     0.04     0.55
2016:     0.71     0.66

(Started Imatinib 600 in April 2016)
2016:     0.42     0.13     0.45
2017:     0.17     0.06     0.10     0.06     0.34


#86 Buzzm1

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Posted 03 January 2018 - 02:03 PM

Dom, reality sucks.  Guess we should have known that the prices you were originally quoted were too good to be true.

 

Kaiser also uses 33% of the first $3750 rather than the $405 deductible and 25% of the remaining $3345.

 

Redoing the calculations based on the latest prices.  

 

33% of $3750 = $1237.50 + 44% of $1616.17 = $1237.50 + 711.11 = $1948.61

 

just noticed something:

 

2 X 100mg = 1996.09

1 X 400mg = 3370. 08

 

that amounts to one hell of a markup on 100's ... it doesn't make sense  ... I think one of the prices is in error


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 BlogStopping - The OddsStop Studies - Discussion Forum Cessation Study

Big PhRMA - Medicare Status - Social Security Status - Deficit/Debt


#87 r06ue1

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Posted 03 January 2018 - 02:31 PM

Just checked CVS site for pricing info for brand and generic under my insurance:  

 

Specialty Pharmacy

Brand
$300.00
for 30 days ($10.00 per day)
See details
You pay 4% of the cost. 
Your Plan pays $7,959.91 / 30 days
 
Generic
$190.00
for 30 days ($6.33 per day)
See details
You pay 2% of the cost. 
Your Plan pays $7,861.04 / 30 days
 
CVS
Brand
$300.00
for 30 days ($10.00 per day)
See details
You pay 3% of the cost. 
Your Plan pays $10,025.43 / 30 days
 
Generic
$190.00
for 30 days ($6.33 per day)
See details
You pay 3% of the cost. 
Your Plan pays $5,920.13 / 30 days

08/2015 Initial PCR: 66.392%

12/2015 PCR: 1.573%

03/2016 PCR: 0.153%

06/2016 PCR: 0.070%

09/2016 PCR: 0.052%

12/2016 PCR: 0.036%

03/2017 PCR: 0.029%

06/2017 PCR: 0.028%

09/2017 PCR: 0.025%

12/2017 PCR: 0.018%

 

 

Taking Imatinib 400 mg


#88 Dom

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Posted 03 January 2018 - 02:49 PM

r06ue1, great plan!  What state are you in and what is the plan?  I want to move there.


Diagnosed in February 2014. Started Imatinib 400 in April.
2014:     3.18     0.91
2015:     0.22     0.16     0.04     0.55
2016:     0.71     0.66

(Started Imatinib 600 in April 2016)
2016:     0.42     0.13     0.45
2017:     0.17     0.06     0.10     0.06     0.34


#89 Buzzm1

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Posted 03 January 2018 - 03:06 PM

r06ue1, great plan!  What state are you in and what is the plan?  I want to move there.

Try not to confuse private insurance plans with Medicare Part D.


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 BlogStopping - The OddsStop Studies - Discussion Forum Cessation Study

Big PhRMA - Medicare Status - Social Security Status - Deficit/Debt


#90 Dom

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Posted 03 January 2018 - 03:13 PM

Try not to confuse private insurance plans with Medicare Part D.

Ah yes.  My private insurance plan had FREE tier 5 drugs, including brand Gleevec.  Premium was $550, or which I paid less than half.


Diagnosed in February 2014. Started Imatinib 400 in April.
2014:     3.18     0.91
2015:     0.22     0.16     0.04     0.55
2016:     0.71     0.66

(Started Imatinib 600 in April 2016)
2016:     0.42     0.13     0.45
2017:     0.17     0.06     0.10     0.06     0.34


#91 Dom

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Posted 03 January 2018 - 03:54 PM

Buzz, I just checked my 2017 insurance, and from March to Dec (I turned 65 in March), I paid about $7200 for Imatinib.  This full year (unless they raise the prices again), I'lll pay only $7000.  So actually, I'm doing pretty good.  But keep in mind that I get different prices every time I talk to s someone at Cigna.  I won't really celebrate until I get the actual shipment.


Diagnosed in February 2014. Started Imatinib 400 in April.
2014:     3.18     0.91
2015:     0.22     0.16     0.04     0.55
2016:     0.71     0.66

(Started Imatinib 600 in April 2016)
2016:     0.42     0.13     0.45
2017:     0.17     0.06     0.10     0.06     0.34


#92 Buzzm1

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Posted 03 January 2018 - 04:03 PM

Buzz, I just checked my 2017 insurance, and from March to Dec (I turned 65 in March), I paid about $7200 for Imatinib.  This full year (unless they raise the prices again), I'lll pay only $7000.  So actually, I'm doing pretty good.  But keep in mind that I get different prices every time I talk to s someone at Cigna.  I won't really celebrate until I get the actual shipment.

Thanks Dom; please let us know what the actual charges are.  If there is actually that much of a markup on the 100's you would be better off financially having your Rx changed to 45 400's and splitting 15 of them.


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 BlogStopping - The OddsStop Studies - Discussion Forum Cessation Study

Big PhRMA - Medicare Status - Social Security Status - Deficit/Debt


#93 Antilogical

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Posted 06 January 2018 - 01:11 PM

I just ordered my 1st refill of imatinib for 2018.  It appears to have gone down in price.  Here's a comparison between what I paid last year & what I estimate I'll pay each month this year, based on the first month.  Naturally, this ASSumes no change in supplier (currently Apotex).  For the record, my Medicare health plan is with United Healthcare.

UHC base cost negotiated with Apotex for 90 tabs (3 tablets daily):
2017 = $6371.08 (actual)
2018 = $5314.31 (estimate)

 

Copay comparison:

2017  Mon  Categ  Co-Pay
      1    Init   2,758.18 (actual)
      2    Gap    2,191.82 (actual)
      3+   Cat      318.55 (actual)

2018  Mon  Categ  Co-Pay
      1    Init   2,391.44 (actual)
      2    Gap    2,608.56 (estimate)
      3+   Cat      265.72 (estimate)

 


Dx: Sudden severe anemia detected 07/2011, followed by WBC spike. CML Dx 02/2012.

Rx: 03/2012-Gleevec400.  Reduced 02/2013 to Gleevec300 due to side effects (low blood counts).

Response: PCR-Und within 7 mo. on G400. Maintained MMR4-MMR4.5 on G300. PCR-Und since 02/2016.


#94 Dom

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Posted 10 January 2018 - 05:07 PM

I just processed an order for imatinib 600, and I got the final price quotes.  These were different from all other quotes that I received in the past, and this time it's not very good.

 

Dose                     retail       I pay      phase

Imatinib 100 (60 pills)  $3262.92     $1128.59  (initial, gap)

Imatinib 400 (30 pills)  $5461.99     $2403.28  (gap)

 

I think by March, I'll be completely in the catastrophic phase, and the two pills together will cost me $436.25.

 

So in all, I pay about $5,000 to get into catastrophic phase, and then 10 months at $436.25 or about $4362.  So that will be about $9362 for the year.  Throw in premiums and that's $10,000.  With all the other medications I take, I wouldn't be surprised if it approaches $12,000, which is what Express-scripts would have charged when I changed plans.  Go figure.

 

I would have been better off with an advantage plan because at least then I'd get all the other coverage as well.  And looking at the post above, i would have been better with United Healthcare.  

 

 

Rant ... You can not pick the best plan until after you enroll in the plan and actually purchase the medications.  The medicare site gave me one set of figures, the cigna site gave me a second set, the cigna employee gave me a third set, and then the actual order was a fourth set.  All were different, making it impossible to pick the best plan. 


Diagnosed in February 2014. Started Imatinib 400 in April.
2014:     3.18     0.91
2015:     0.22     0.16     0.04     0.55
2016:     0.71     0.66

(Started Imatinib 600 in April 2016)
2016:     0.42     0.13     0.45
2017:     0.17     0.06     0.10     0.06     0.34


#95 Buzzm1

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Posted 10 January 2018 - 06:19 PM

Dom and Antilogical, thanks for posting your costs.

 

Dom, comparatively, Antilogical's United Healthcare's cost is higher than yours.  

 

Antilogical, to arrive at your 2018 Month 1 actual payment of $2,391.44

nondeductible $405 Running Total $405

25% of $3345 = $836.25 Running Total $1241.25

44% of $2612.07 = $1150.19 Running Total $2391.44
$6362.07 drug cost

 

to arrive at a 2018 Month 2 payment 

44% of $5928.55 = $2608.56 Running Total $5000 exiting the donut hole

5% of 433.52 = $21.68

 

Please check my numbers ... thanks


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 BlogStopping - The OddsStop Studies - Discussion Forum Cessation Study

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#96 Red Cross Kirk

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Posted 11 January 2018 - 01:36 PM

I knew it was too good to be true.  I reordered my imatinib on my pharmacy's app. Got a call from them saying the $0 copay had increased to $500.  Asked if I could get Gleevec ($10 copay card) instead and they said my onc would have to change the script. Checked the insurance drug formulary and G isn't on it, so it doesn't look like that angle will work. To my mind, Gleevec is imatinib so it should be an option. So medically, Gleevec is equal to imatinib, but to the insurance company it isn't!

 

Might be time to switch to Sprycel.  It looks like they have a $0 copay card.


Kirk

 

9/25/2012  p210 transcript 118.7% IS @ Dx, begin Gleevec 400mg/day
12/2012  3.59% & bone marrow biopsy - no residual myeloproliferative features but detected 1/20 metaphases containing the Philadelphia chromosome
2013  0.914%, 0.434%, 0.412%
10/2013  0.360% & bone marrow biopsy - normal male karyotype with no evidence of a clonal cytogenetic abnormaltiy
2014  0.174%, 0.088%, 0.064%

2015  0.049%, decrease to Gleevec 200mg/day, 0.035%, 0.061%, 0.028%

2016  0.041%, 0.039%, 0.025%

2017  0.029%, 0.039%, switched to generic imatinib 200mg/day, 0.070%, 0.088%

2018  0.233%


#97 Dom

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Posted 12 January 2018 - 11:49 AM

Buzz, I'm not sure where antilogical's numbers are coming from.  The way I see it, the 2018 cost is (2391.44 + 2608.56 + (10 x 265.72) which comes to $7657.20.  That's still less than what I'm paying, though.

 

Red Cross Kirk, forget the price.  The reason to switch to sprycel is that your numbers have plateaued under imatinib.   


Diagnosed in February 2014. Started Imatinib 400 in April.
2014:     3.18     0.91
2015:     0.22     0.16     0.04     0.55
2016:     0.71     0.66

(Started Imatinib 600 in April 2016)
2016:     0.42     0.13     0.45
2017:     0.17     0.06     0.10     0.06     0.34


#98 Buzzm1

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Posted 12 January 2018 - 04:27 PM

Dom, please first consider that you are purchasing twice as much generic imatinib mesylate as compared to Antillogical.  

 

Based on the Month 1 charge, Antilogical's cost is over $2100 per 30 X 100mg.

 

Your reported cost for 30 X 100mg is $1631.46

 

Your reported Month 1 drug cost of $3262.92 + $5461.99 = $8724.91

33% of the first $3750 = $1237.50 Running Total $1237.50

44% of the remaining $4974.91 = $2188.96 Running Total $3426.46

 

Month 2 

44% of $3576.23 = $1573.54 Running Total $5000 exiting the donut hole 

5% of 5148.68 = $257.43 Total for Month 2 = $1830.97

 

Month 3-12 $4362.50

 

$3426.46 + $1830.97 + $4362.50 = $9619.93


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 BlogStopping - The OddsStop Studies - Discussion Forum Cessation Study

Big PhRMA - Medicare Status - Social Security Status - Deficit/Debt


#99 Dom

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Posted 13 January 2018 - 06:34 PM

Buzz, you're right, I didn't take the dosage into account. It occurs to me now that there really isn't much difference between Part D plans.   They all have slight differences in the initial phase, and (as far as I can see) no difference in the gap and cat phases.  The only real difference is the cost of the TKI which is determined by the pharmacy.  


Diagnosed in February 2014. Started Imatinib 400 in April.
2014:     3.18     0.91
2015:     0.22     0.16     0.04     0.55
2016:     0.71     0.66

(Started Imatinib 600 in April 2016)
2016:     0.42     0.13     0.45
2017:     0.17     0.06     0.10     0.06     0.34


#100 Buzzm1

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Posted 14 January 2018 - 12:49 AM

I've mentioned before that Kaiser designates generic Imatinib Mesylate as a Tier 2 drug, which makes it available at a very small monthly copay, regardless of quantity.  Unfortunately, Kaiser is only available in a limited number of states: California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, Oregon, Washington, and Ohio, and possibly isn't available in all counties within those states.

 

I pay an extra $90/mo. for Kaiser Senior (Medicare) Advantage but that cost varies county-by-county, with some counties costing more and some counties not costing anything additional for this coverage.  

 

When one reaches the catastrophic phase, Kaiser Senior (Medicare) Advantage also doesn't charge the 5% of the drug cost, but rather a small nominal fee; i.e. once in the catastrophic phase I would pay $12/mo. per TKI Rx refill.

 

I wonder if, in cases where someone is burdened by a high annual out-of-pocket, whether it would be feasible to do a medical geographic setting up a residence in another state/county in order to save thousands in Rx costs.  


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 BlogStopping - The OddsStop Studies - Discussion Forum Cessation Study

Big PhRMA - Medicare Status - Social Security Status - Deficit/Debt





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