Which Pill is Okay Today?
I have a genetic problem with over-production of stomach acid and acid reflux to go with it. I need to be on the acid-pump blocking drugs.
We have excellent health care through the City of New York where my husband taught school for over 30 years before retiring. Our drugs are provided through a company that mails them to us.
Last Fall I tried to fill a new prescription for Prevacid. The year before the drug plan told me that my insurance company didn't like that drug and wanted to make me take Prilosec, which was over-the-counter. My doctor wrote them a letter explaining my genetic problem and the fact that Prilosec and it's next generation (change an atom and make a new patent) successor, Nexium gave me bad side effects.
I got a call from the drug plan telling me that the letter the doctor had written was only good for a year. I hadn't changed. My DNA hadn't changed, but the letter was no good after a year. The drug plan told me that my insurance company recommended another drug that I'd never tried. They contacted my doctor and he okayed the new drug. The new drug seems to be working fine.
Yesterday I got an automated phone call from the drug plan. The insurance company was changing their formulary. I would now have to pay an additional $20 (total of $60 for a two-month supply)to stay on the new drug. The drug they forced me onto! The formulary, after January 1, 2006 would accept Prilosec, the drug my doctor wrote the prescription for in the first place.
I called the customer service department. I figured that if I renewed my prescription the next time, it would automatically revert to the original which was written for Prevecid. Not so. The original one was destroyed when they asked the doctor about the new drug. If I return to the Prevecid, it will only cost me $40 for two months, but they can't do anything about it as the prescription of record is for the new drug.
Now I will have to contact my doctor and have him send me another prescription. This would be easier if my doctor wasn't in New Jersey and I wasn't in Texas.
Sometimes we wonder why the companies that are supposed to keep us healthy are the most likely to raise our blood pressure.
posted by Janet Wilder @ 1:59 PM
3 Comments:
Your last line is what I call a PUNCH LINE....beautiful.
Sure enjoy reading your posts. Helps with my withdrawal fix between the Princess Gazette arrivals!
Cathy
I think you should find a new DR closer to home. You going to drive or fly to this guy everytime you have a problem ?
My name is Jon Star and i would like to show you my personal experience with Nexium.
I am 34 years old. Great medicine. I only hope that I don't become dependant on it. But as my esphogus heals then maybe I'll be able to take an OTC PPI if my symtoms re-occur and I catch them ASAP! Can't wait for a generic. BLUE CROSS of MA won't pay for Nexium unless I start on generic Prilosec, then Protonix, then if both of those failed, they would pay for Nexium. I hate BLUE CROSS! My Dr. was great in giving me 7 weeks of samples when he heard this and Aztra-Zeneca gave me a 7-day coupon I re-deemed at my local pharmacy(with a written 7-day script from my Dr.)
No major side effect. Sometimes a feeling of indigestion/bloated, possibly due to low or no stomach acid as a result of a PPI. So, I am sure to chew my food well and not to eat large portions. I have introduced foods/drinks back into my diet, that before taking Nexium would otherwise bring-on reflux symtoms. Fruit juices and citric acid containing drinks still are bothersome. But, I've eaten Pizza, and am able to drink coffee/tea, both decaf(not to excess though.) A little at a time. I do not drink any alcohol! I still limit any food intake 3 hours before bedtime and try to sleep on my left side. Nexium has given me the greatest relief as compared to all OTC H2 and OTC PPI's. I'm on week 5 of an 8 week treatment.
I hope this information will be useful to others,
Jon Star
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