Thursday, January 19, 2012 May asks

Q: Is there a cheaper way to go with RA medicine?

I have RA since 1994 and have my ups and downs. I started Enbrel on August 2008, changed to Humira on April 2010 and December 2011 changed to Symponi (once a month). Today I took my 2nd shot. I have noticed some redness appear on my fingers near the first joints. I think that I may have allergic reaction. I was told that our body will develop allergic reaction eventually, then I have to switch to different drug. Is there any chance of dropping this method and going back to pills?

I have been feeling very well, like a normal person. The injection works. My biggest concern is the cost. I am approaching 65 in 2-3 yrs. I belong to Kaiser Permanente in CA and right now is covered by my husband's policy. Symponi is very expansive, without the coverage is about $2100 for 1 injection. I have been contacting Kaiser and try to get an estimate for the cost if I am 65 now. I don't think the answer I got is correct... I was told that if I am 65 now, I am covered.

With this kind of expanses, what a person can do?

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Answers (2)

Lisa Emrich, Health Guide

1/25/12 2:08pm

Hi May,

So far there isn't an oral version of Simponi or Humira or any of the anti-TNF drugs. But Lois' idea to use Remicade because it is an infusion (and therefore covered under the major medical portion of most insurance policies) is similar to what I do with Rituxan. My drug coverage is very limited, but the infusions are very well covered. It's good to hear that Medicare coverage is similar. Definitely talk to your rheumatologist.

Lisa

Lois

1/19/12 2:02pm

I "feel you" :-). I was taking Humira @one injection/week. I was covered by Medical Mutual and my co-pay was $20.00. Once I turned 65yrs., Medicare didn't cover Humira and the co-pay went to $4000.00/ month. I was livid because being in the medical field (nurse anesthetist), I had an idea how pharmaceutical companies operated with their patents on drugs, etc. I called the company and complained about the price. They offered assistance but you had to be making $12,000.00 or less per yr. to even qualify. I told my Dr. that he had to come up with another protocol because I wasn't paying 4000.00/month for 4 injections. He is a rheumatologist that is in research and chose a Remicade infusion for me. Ironically, it is the same medication as Humira except it is more closely related to the human component than Humira which is synthetic. He says it is usually tolerated better by his patients, if you can deal with the 2-3 hr. infusion time. The fun part is that it cost just as much as Humira but is entirely covered by Medicare. I get an infusion every 6-8 weeks and use the time to read, look at DVD'd, or sleep. I really enjoy the 3 hr. down time because it gives me a chance to have a quiet time all to myself.

Ask your physician about the Remicade Infusion. I has worked for me and it sure is cheaper.

Lois

May

1/19/12 2:25pm

Thank you so much for your response. I have been worry about this for sometime. How long have you been on Remicade? Do you get any side effect?

Lois

1/19/12 2:39pm

I have been on Remicade for about 1 1/2 yrs. I haven't noticed any side effects at all. My blood work, (kidney function and liver function test) are monitored every 6-8 weeks. I was on MTX 20mgs. once/week and Prednisone 2.5mgs bid with it. However, my liver function test showed untoward signs and the MTX was changed to Arava 20mgs./day. So my protocol consist of Arava 20mgs./day; Prednisone 2.5mgs bid; Folic Acid 800mgs/day and Remicade infusion Every 6 wks.

I have not noticed any nausea, tiredness, or hair loss. I really feel very good.

I do have muscle aches in the deltoid area but my Dr. diagnosed it as fibromyalgia (which usually accompanies RH) and is another issue altogether.

Q: Is there a cheaper way to go with RA medicine?

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