Pricing of Breast Cancer Drugs

lawrencemorgan · New User Joined: 18 May 2006 Posts: 5

Hello

I am new to this forum. Recently my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and because of no insurance it means paying for her treatment. I have looked high and low, asking for help from others and was recommended this forum by a friend. Femara is the treatment of choice for her. Has anyone any comments on its use vs armidex or aromasin?

Reading up it seems that aromasin may be stronger...

Finally, regarding cost I was recommended by my friend to try the website elitenetpharmacy.com to buy letrozole which is $140 there. However aromasin is only $120. Given this I am tempted to go for the aromasin.

Has anyone tried both and can anyone say one is better than the other?
Also can anyone recommend a cheaper source for either of these?

Thank You in advance.

BFagan2067 · Experienced user Joined: 07 Oct 2004 Posts: 54

I dont know your mom's situation, other then the lack of insurance but most of the drug companies have an indigency policy that supply those with a limited income with meds at a reduced price or free...you might want to look into that. Good luck to your mom!
_________________
Barbara
52, dx 11/98, stage IIIA
Lump 12/98 (5.2cm), MRM 1/99 (5+/28nodes)
A/C , RADS, Taxol
tomox. 2/99-6/00, arimidex 7/00-5/05

lawrencemorgan · New User Joined: 18 May 2006 Posts: 5

Thank You. That will be a blessing for our family.

Personally I didn't mind paying if I had to but I will explore the option presented.

Just curious does anyone know who does have to pay the full price of breast cancer drugs? The price at that site were the lowest I could find for non-generics and yet still they are high. But if people can either claim from insurance or receive the drugs subsidised I wonder who exactly (apart from someone like msyelf who wouldn't otherwise have been aware of alternatives) pays full price?

BFagan2067 · Experienced user Joined: 07 Oct 2004 Posts: 54

Those people who pay full price are those who are uninsured or underinsured who make to much money according to the the drug companies, the governement... there are a whole lot of people who do not have insurance or do not have insurance that would cover certain meds.. the medications that insurance pay for are on what they call a drug formulary, if your drug is not on that formulary then the doc can prescribe another drug or if you want to go with the original drug then you pay for that out of pocket. for example I take welbutrin xl... my choice, I researched and felt that this was the best drug for me.. my pcp gave me a months prescription(that he got from the drug reps, lots of docs have drugs from drug reps that they give to patients all the time, a prime example is antinausea meds that alot of people without insurance could never afford, some are 100.00 a pill their oncs will give them the pills they need, if they have them.) Wellbutrin XL is not on my drug formulary so I could get another antidepressant but I wanted that so I pay out of pocket 165.00 a month, I am fortunate I can afford it. This is the only thing that I had to pay for, for a long time. Actually there is no reason why you should have to pay for your moms drugs... I know that in your heart it is the right thing to do but please explore other alternatives.. the drug companies make big money from cancer drugs, many in the medical profession refer to cancer as a cash cow... this really irks me as that we live in one of the wealthiest nations in the world, for many, and yet we do nothing to care for those who are underinsured, uninsured and uninsurable due to presexisting conditions, such as cancer.... burns my butt... find out what company makes the medicine in question, go to their website and see what has to be done to get your mom her meds... remember to keep a close eye for any legislation that is presented to deal with health care policies, write to your senator and reps and let them know all people need and deserve health care and not at the cost of the average citizen, like the current bill S1955.... but at the cost of big business like the insurance companies who make huge profits...OK, stepping down from the bleeding heart liberal podium...sorry that this is alot more then you asked about... again my best to your mom and your family. If you have any questions that you may have that you want to ask me personally, I have been through surgery, chemo, rads, tomoxifen, arimidex and am a seven year survivor... please feel free to email me at Bfagan2067@aol.com... just put in the subject line.. from the breast cancer forum so that I dont delete...
_________________
Barbara
52, dx 11/98, stage IIIA
Lump 12/98 (5.2cm), MRM 1/99 (5+/28nodes)
A/C , RADS, Taxol
tomox. 2/99-6/00, arimidex 7/00-5/05

lawrencemorgan · New User Joined: 18 May 2006 Posts: 5

Hi I appreciate your words. I will definitely get my mom to email you.

Just wrt:wellbutrin it seems you are being overcharged. The site my friend gave me has it for just $80 a box which is half what you are paying. I haven't ordered from there yet as I will follow your prior advice first but if you can't get it on insurance yourself I would look into there.

expect an email from my mom:)

BlueSkies · New User Joined: 19 May 2006 Posts: 4

Hi.. Not too sure if the medication that you require is included, but it's definitely worth a check. Last week I went to Long's Drug to purchase Tamoxifen for my wife. I was initially quoted $105.00 for a 30-day supply, but when it came time to pay, I noticed a sign saying that a discount is given to AAA members, and so I presented my AAA card expecting maybe a $5.00 to $10.00 discount. Imagine my surprise when the total amount was reduced to $46.00! That was a 60% discount!! We too do not have insurance.

lawrencemorgan · New User Joined: 18 May 2006 Posts: 5

Hi thanks but I am able to acquire tamoxifen for $10 a box anyway and besides I require either aromasin or femara. It seems to be discounted at elitenetpharmacy.com right now to just110 for a 30 day supply so I will go with that after all. Thanks

delinquent · New User Joined: 09 Jun 2006 Posts: 6

There are some medications which do not work for cancer, but I have just found one drug which is very efficient in dealing with it. If you check out the site below, you will find out more about XELODA and itz magical curing effect!

http://www.drugdelivery.ca/s3673-s-XELODA.aspx

HOPE IT HELPS YA!

Cindy · Senior User Joined: 01 Dec 2004 Posts: 171

You may also want to contact www.patientadvocate.org and click on personal help. They may be able to put you in touch with pharmaceutical agents that can help you. Other avenues are asking onc for samples (pharmaceutical provide them to docs for passing out to patients). The pharmaceuticals, themselves, may have a free program. Check out their websites. Good luck to you.
_________________
Where is the cure???
www.truefacesofbreastcancer.org
www.diepbreastreconstruction.org
www.mybreastcancerstore.com
www.habierose.com

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