POZ Community Forums

Meds, Mind, Body & Benefits => Questions About Treatment & Side Effects => Topic started by: Rhaegar on July 01, 2013, 10:17:03 pm

Title: Alternatives to the Truvada/Norvir/Prezista combination
Post by: Rhaegar on July 01, 2013, 10:17:03 pm
I recently started a new job and it seems like my new prescription plan will cost me $250 per medication for a 90-day supply.  So, at three medications I'm looking at $750 x 4 for the year. 

My question is this: What other combinations with only two (or perhaps one) medication would be an alternative for someone with the K103N mutation?

-Kevin
Title: Re: Alternatives to the Truvada/Norvir/Prezista combination
Post by: mikeyb39 on July 01, 2013, 11:28:47 pm
hi there,
I can't speak of anything about the meds and mutation info, but did you also sign up for the co-pay assistant program for each of your current medications? 
Title: Re: Alternatives to the Truvada/Norvir/Prezista combination
Post by: buginme2 on July 02, 2013, 12:49:29 am
You could prob take Stribild.
Title: Re: Alternatives to the Truvada/Norvir/Prezista combination
Post by: Rhaegar on July 02, 2013, 06:06:49 pm
You could prob take Stribild.

Thank you for your suggestion, I hadn't thought of that for some reason.  I emailed my doctor, so hopefully he and I can have a serious discussion about it.  I can't see a reason not to at least consider it.

Also, thank you to mikeyb39.  I do have copay assistance cards, but I'm being transitioned to a mail-order 90-day supply prescription plan, so I don't know if I'll be able to use those long-term.

-Kevin
Title: Re: Alternatives to the Truvada/Norvir/Prezista combination
Post by: intaglio on July 08, 2013, 08:41:44 am
You can use the copay program with the 90-day (mail order) pharmacies. You submit your claims directly to the pharmaceutical companies if the mail-order pharmacy cannot process the copay program claim.

You do have to submit written proof you are required to use the mail-order pharmacy to fill your prescription. You do this by contacting your insurance company and requesting a copy of your benefit coverage that states this requirement.

FWIW, I was told I had to get these three meds through a mail-order pharmacy. When I requested a copy of the verbage in writing that I was required to do so, they couldn't provide it, as it didn't exist. They wanted me to use the mail-order pharmacy. They couldn't require me to use it.

So, ask for written proof you will only be allowed to fill your prescriptions through the mail-order pharmacy. If they cannot provide to you in writing where your coverage stipulates it is your only option, then you should be able to continue to use a local pharmacy to fill these prescriptions.
Title: Re: Alternatives to the Truvada/Norvir/Prezista combination
Post by: Rhaegar on July 10, 2013, 12:51:16 am
So, a successful discussion with my doctor.  He agreed that Stribild is a good option for me.  After checking my GFR he gave me the go-ahead to fill the prescription once August 1st rolls around.