My 24 yr., old son was diagnosed with RA at 18. I also have it and it developed at age 48. He is wo
Son is Working as a caregiver full time. His OTC drugs IBU, no longer take the swelling down. He has painful wrists, hips and feet. Also shoulder. No insurance, little income, self supporting. What is the possibility of getting free RA meds?
You need to contact the companies that make the biological drugs (enbrel and humira)
my understanding is that they will try to qualify you for free meds or discounted ones. you should google the drug names to get to companies, the way my rheumy explanes it it should be a easy process. Good luck.
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RAinformation2
Thursday, June 04, 2009 at 02:23 AM
Go to www.Myhumira.com They have a no insurance plan that offers up to free drugs depending on the case. You call a 1-800# and they will decide what they can do for you! I know Enbrel and Orencia have similiar plans as well. Check them out!
Good Luck!
Brad
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RAinformation2
Thursday, June 04, 2009 at 02:25 AM
Wow, this is all good info. Appreciate it very much!
The drug companies have programs to help people get the drugs they need. For list of these programs and contact information, click here.
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smirfkin
Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 01:36 AM
I'm in a similar situation to the son from this last post. I've had symptoms since I was 17 and finally got diagnosed about 2 years ago. My rheumatologist didn't want to put me on anything other than Plaquenel (probably spelled that incorrectly) because I'm still in my child bearing years. Due to lack of funds and/or health insurance I haven't had an appointment for over a year. My problem now is that I really need to get in and get started on some medication other than the OTC NSAIDs. The RA has progressed majorly and we all know how that feels. I feel like I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place being that I'm in the midst of searching for a job too! I've resorted to looking for clinical trials just so I can have access to a rheumatologist and medication but I'm finding that the trials in the area right now are only for about a one month supply (if I don't get the placebo).
Lene Andersen
Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 10:48 AM
you definitely need a new rheumatologist - unless you are actively trying to conceive, limiting you to one medication doesn't make a lot of sense. Methotrexate does cause severe birth defects, so it's important that you do everything you can to not get pregnant when you're on that, but I haven't heard this concern preventing treatment before.
Both you and the person asked the question may benefit from reading Lisa Emrich's latest post about financial support for medications and you may also want to check out one of my recent posts on SSD, in case that's applicable to you.
I'm Canadian, so I don't know the ins and outs of the American healthcare system, but isn't there some way you can get a doctor without paying for it? I vaguely recall someone mentioning your local health department as a possible source.
Good luck!
Your Ideal Rheumatologist
Establish a relationship with your doctor that works for you.
Thanks so much for the info! I will have him pursue this.