After my husband's Erbitux today, stopped to get his 2 "new" prescriptions at Walgreen's. $310 for 10 Fentanyl 75 mcg. patches and $160 for Percocet tablets for breakthrough pain. He has no prescription insurance. How are we supposed to deal with this? Anyone have any ideas for medication help?
Lori

We got some of the more expensive meds billed through the hospital when we went for the chemo. The nurses actually suggested this. You could also try contacting the drug companies and explain your situation. Most have websites now.

Sue

Lori, thats just insane!!!!

If you havent called the American Cancer Society yet, please call your local chapter. They helped me with my meds by sending a voucher to the pharmacy for $300 to help with my meds. I have good insurance but the more expensive meds had a $40 co-pay which added up quickly.

Another avenue is the drug manufacuterer. Look up the meds online, most companies have something to help people in your situation.

You could also try the hospital where he is treated. Ask for help. Where I went, they asked the patients if they were ok or in need of financial assistance. Even try asking the doctor who is prescribing the meds if they have samples or have any resources you can go thru.

Even try asking a church or local organization like Lyons clubs. It doesnt hurt to ask, the worst that can happen is they say no which is where you are right now. I dont know how medical assistance works with prescriptions, but maybe your local public assistance office is worth a try too.

Your husband needs these meds to get thru tx. Just remember, its ok to ask for help. Hope you find some assistance.

I have never heard of prices like that for Fentanyl patches costing so much. I just went and checked my receipt for that stuff and it shows the full price as $71.99 before my copay is deducted. Christine gave you some good advice. From our local cancer society I received 2 checks to help me. One was for $500 and the next was for $300. I had to be told to call them too by someone in the forums.

You might also check alternative pharmacies -- Last I heard, Costco was the least expensive and you don't have to be a member to get in to use the pharmacy. Wal-Mart also has good prices.

I can't believe the cost of care across the pond!
For all of it's faults I must say they NHS here has been fantastic. We did not pay a penny for care or meds. Cancer patients here get free prescriptions, and every week we got boxes of Ensure and scandishake free of charge.

But you still talk funny.

David... what are you drinking?

I have a friend and a couple of relatives that say UK, Canada, Japan and other countries' health care systems are in shambles because of socialized medical care. I disagree, but, since talking politics is not my thing I find it hard to get into the debate.

haha David, I talk even funnier than you might expect! My dad is a Texan, my mum is French, i grew up in France but have been living in England for the past 15 years. I have been told I sound foreign but no one can figure out where I come from. But my dad's mate whom I visited in hopsital said :"You sound like a limey"