What If I Am Not Be Able to Afford My Meds.

 

As searching the internet I came across something that could be of great use to many.

With the worlds economy today and a lot of us needing medications some that we can not afford, this could be one way to overcome it.  Besides this list I am sure there are other ways as well.  We can not go or miss a medication even though we wish we could some days. 

We can also do other things to help.  I recall when I was on a whole bundle of meds, some of them not even necessary as same med with different name and all doing the same chore.  This does not necessarily help but hurt the problem. 

It is now summer and another thing we can do is make sure if outside in the hot sun, to wear the proper gear.  A hat, glasses and make sure you have access to that water bottle as you could get drained very quickly.

This is a long list so will leave you hear.  Have a great Purple Power weekend, seizure free yet fun and laughter can go with you.

Julie

 

What if I cannot afford my epilepsy medication?

In these tough economic times, everyone is having to make some cut backs.  For some, that may mean skipping an evening out a restaurant, or not buying that new pair of shoes. But what if that means your epilepsy medications?  One medication alone can be quite costly, and often time people are prescribed more than one, which means the cost can really add up.  An important component of seizure management is taking your medications regularly, and exactly as prescribed by your epileptologist or neurologist, without missing doses.  But what if you simply cannot afford the costly monthly payments? Should you simply give up and not take the medication you need?  No!! There is help, if you know where to look!
One of the first options is to contact the pharmaceutical company that makes your particular medication.  Many pharmaceutical companies offer what are known as “prescription assistance” programs, which may include reduced costs, coupons, or even free supplies.  Below is a list of some of the most common brand name anti-epileptic drugs and their corresponding pharmaceutical companies.  If you are currently prescribed one of these medications, try contacting the associated program to see if you qualify for help.
Acthar Gel (ACTH)
Questcor Pharmaceuticals
http://www.questcor.com/
(888) 435-2284
Banzel
Eisai Neurology Patient Assistance Program
http://www.rxassist.org/
(866) 694-2550
Carbatrol
Shire Pharmaceuticals Carbatrol Patient Assistance Program
http://www.patientassistance.com/
(888) 227-3755
Depakene, Depakote, and Depakote ER
Abbott Patient Assistance
http://www.depakoteer.com/
(800) 222-6885
 Diastat AcuDial Rectal Gel
Valeant Pharmaceuticals Patient Assistance Program
www.rxhope.com/valeant
(800) 511-2120
Dilantin
Pfizer Helpful Answers
http://www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com/
(800) 707-8990 or (866)706-2400
Felbatol
Meda Pharmaceuticals Patient Assistance Program
http://www.medapharma.us/ or http://www.felbatol.com/
(800) 678-4657 or (800) 526-3840
Gabitril
CephalonCares Foundation Patient Assistance Program
http://www.cephaloncares.com/
(877) 237-4881
Keppra, Keppra XR 
UCB Patient Assistance Program
http://www.patientassistance.com/
(866) 395-8366
Lamictal and Lamictal XR
GlaxoSmithKline Bridges to Access
http://www.bridgestoaccess.com/
(866) 728-4368
Lyrica
Pfizer Helpful Answers
http://www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com/
(800) 707-8990 or (866)706-2400
Mysoline
Valeant Pharmaceuticals Patient Assistance Program
www.rxhope.com/valeant
(800) 511-2120
Neurontin 
Pfizer Helpful Answers
http://www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com/
(800) 707-8990 or (866)706-2400
Sabril
Lundbeck’s SHARE Call Center
http://www.lundbeckshare.com/
(888) 457- 4273
Tegretol, Tegretol XR 
Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation Program
http://www.patientassistance.com/
(800) 277-2254
Topamax
Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Foundation
http://www.jjpaf.org/ or http://www.access2wellness.com/
(800) 652-6227 or (800) 523-5870
 Trileptal
Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation Program
http://www.patientassistance.com/
(800) 277-2254
Vimpat
UCB Patient Assistance Program
http://www.patientassistance.com/
(866) 395-8366
VNS Therapy Access Program
http://www.cyberonics.com/
(877) 610-1180
The B.J. Wilder VNS Therapy Access Program (VTAP)
1-877-610-1180
Zarontin
Pfizer Helpful Answers
http://www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com/
(800) 707-8990 or (866)706-2400
Zonegran
Eisai Neurology Patient Assistance Program
http://www.rxassist.org/
(866) 694-2550

If your prescription is for a generic medication, such as the ones listed below, contact:

Carbamazepine, Clonazepam, Clorazepate, Diazepam, Divalproex, Gabapentin, Lamotrigine, Lorazepam, Levetiracetam, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Topiramate, or Zonisamide

 Express Scripts Specialty Distribution Services
Rx Outreach Medications
(800) 769-3880
Or
Xubex Pharmaceuticals Patient Assistance Program
http://www.xubex.com/
(866) 699-8239

If your medication is not listed here, or you contacted the pharmaceutical company and where not able to obtain assistance, do not give up hope. Here are a few other options you should try:

Information on available patient assistance programs: 
http://www.together-rx.com/
 Information on patient assistance programs for each medication: 
http://www.pparx.org/ or https://www.rxhope.com/
For those who cannot afford their prescription medications:
http://www.needymeds.org/
http://www.patientassistance.com/
Email:mailto:info@rxassist.org
 Partnership for Prescription Assistance 
http://www.helpingpatients.org/

Although this list is not exhaustive, it goes to show that there are a large number of possible options out there.  So, if you do not have luck with the first program you call, do not get discouraged!  Look around, call all of the general program above, contact your local government, even your church.  There are many people and programs out there who want and can help, but first, you have to ask! Good luck!!