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Author Topic: Big Pharma and A Little Guy  (Read 4109 times)

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Offline Ric Wilke

  • Member
  • Posts: 573
  • I joined AIDSmed.com 10/2002.
Big Pharma and A Little Guy
« on: August 31, 2009, 11:15:39 pm »
Dearest Forum Friends,

I know that many of you have unfavorable opinions of the major drug manufacturers.  I was once in the same camp.  I say “once” because a recent series of events have changed my personal opinion.

About three months ago, I lost my Rx insurance coverage.  (I lost my healthcare coverage as well, but that is another story.)  I was faced with paying retail for a 30-day supply for Truvada ($936.00) and Sustiva ($535.00).  I simply could not afford these costs.  So, I have been on a drug holiday for the past three months.

In desperation, I contacted the two drug manufacturers and discovered that both companies have very generous assistance programs available.

Bristol-Meyer Squibb will furnish me with Sustiva through their Access Virology Patient Assistance Program.  Gilead will furnish me with Truvada through their Advancing Access Program.  Both these programs provide me my medications with a 0% co-pay (FREE).  I will restart my meds on September 1st.

I am one very happy camper.

With great respect to all, Ric

Offline anniebc

  • Member
  • Posts: 6,185
  • AM member since 2003
Re: Big Pharma and A Little Guy
« Reply #1 on: September 01, 2009, 12:14:20 am »
Great news Ric..and yes there are some good guys out there, despite the people they work for... ;)

Hugs to you both
Jan :-*
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Never knock on deaths door..ring the bell and run..he really hates that.

Offline Inchlingblue

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  • Posts: 3,117
  • Chad Ochocinco PETA Ad
Re: Big Pharma and A Little Guy
« Reply #2 on: September 01, 2009, 12:17:08 am »
Wow, that's great.

For those of us who may be in the same situation in the future I was wondering if you could give a few more details. Such as:

Did you have to jump through many hoops, was it a difficult application process?
Did you supply them with proof of income?
Did they take into account any savings?
How long did it take to get approved?
Do you have to re-apply every so often?
How long does it last?
Do they mail the meds to you?

I hope you don't mind the questions, I'm just not sure if I may be in a similar predicament so it would help to know a bit more.

Thanks ;)

Offline Robert

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,658
Re: Big Pharma and A Little Guy
« Reply #3 on: September 01, 2009, 01:33:17 am »

ric

what wonderful news. I imagine the last few months have been stressful, going off meds and all that.  At least the meds are back in the equation.  That's good.

robert 
..........

Offline Tim Horn

  • Member
  • Posts: 797
Re: Big Pharma and A Little Guy
« Reply #4 on: September 01, 2009, 04:00:23 pm »
Hi Ric:

Good news indeed -- I'm glad to hear you're taking advantage of these programs.

As you're currently on Sustiva plus Truvada, have you thought about switching to Atripla instead? Both BMS and Gilead will cover the cost of this med as well. You can call BMS at 888.477.2669 or Gilead at 800.226.2056 to learn about their patient assistance programs for Atripla.

Tim Horn

Offline Ric Wilke

  • Member
  • Posts: 573
  • I joined AIDSmed.com 10/2002.
Re: Big Pharma and A Little Guy
« Reply #5 on: September 02, 2009, 08:02:00 pm »
For those of us who may be in the same situation in the future I was wondering if you could give a few more details. Such as:

Did you have to jump through many hoops, was it a difficult application process?
No hoops. The process was very easy.  They took my information over the phone and faxed me completely filled in applications.  They only needed signatures.

Did you supply them with proof of income?
Yes, both wanted my Unemployment Award Letter and one also wanted last year's Form 1040.

Did they take into account any savings?
No.

How long did it take to get approved?
Less than two weeks.

Do you have to re-apply every so often?
Yes, my initial supply if for 90 days.

How long does it last?
90 days.

Do they mail the meds to you?
One company sent me a card to be used at my local pharmacy, the other has a mail order supplier that shipped over-night at no cost.

I hope this information is helpful.

Warm regards to all, R

Offline Inchlingblue

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,117
  • Chad Ochocinco PETA Ad
Re: Big Pharma and A Little Guy
« Reply #6 on: September 03, 2009, 12:51:27 am »
Very helpful....thanks~!

;)

Offline SouthSam7

  • Member
  • Posts: 428
Re: Big Pharma and A Little Guy
« Reply #7 on: September 03, 2009, 01:54:13 am »
Hopefully you won't have to go without next time.  I believe there is an emergency Rx closet somewhere around.  I've found people would rather donate their extra or redundant ARVs to someone like you rather than throw them away.

I've been there.  Good luck.

Sam

Offline David_CA

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,246
  • Joined: March 2006
Re: Big Pharma and A Little Guy
« Reply #8 on: September 03, 2009, 08:00:26 am »
Hi Ric,

It's great that you've found some assistance!  Will these programs cover you long-term or until Ryan White / ADAP kicks in?  Here's to no more drug holidays (unless they're due to YOUR choosing).

David
Black Friday 03-03-2006
03-23-06 CD4 359 @27.4% VL 75,938
06-01-06 CD4 462 @24.3% VL > 100,000
08-15-06 CD4 388 @22.8% VL >  "
10-21-06 CD4 285 @21.9% VL >  "
  Atripla started 12-01-2006
01-08-07 CD4 429 @26.8% VL 1872!
05-08-07 CD4 478 @28.1% VL 740
08-03-07 CD4 509 @31.8% VL 370
11-06-07 CD4 570 @30.0% VL 140
02-21-08 CD4 648 @32.4% VL 600
05-19-08 CD4 695 @33.1% VL < 48 undetectable!
08-21-08 CD4 725 @34.5%
11-11-08 CD4 672 @39.5%
02-11-09 CD4 773 @36.8%
05-11-09 CD4 615 @36.2%
08-19-09 CD4 770 @38.5%
11-19-09 CD4 944 @33.7%
02-17-10 CD4 678 @39.9%  
06-03-10 CD4 768 @34.9%
09-21-10 CD4 685 @40.3%
01-10-11 CD4 908 @36.3%
05-23-11 CD4 846 @36.8% VL 80
02-13-12 CD4 911 @41.4% VL<20
You must be the change you want to see in the world.  Mahatma Gandhi

 


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