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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Imitrex Info
        
(Message started by: mischki on May 8^th, 2006, 6:33pm)

Title: Imitrex Info
Post by mischki on May 8^th, 2006, 6:33pm

This may not be new to many of you, so don't rag me if it's old hat, but you can order Imitrex in vials (again). Our pharmacist ordered the vials for us when we asked. He said that sometimes he can order them sometimes not, but luckily, they are on the market again now.

We loved the tip (which saved us tons of money), but we've found it easier at 2 a.m. to fill a needle than to try to see the mark on the statdose shot and find a Q-tip... our pharmacist also said that, if we know we're going to use it within 24 hours, we can pre-fill the needles and put them in the fridge. (Since the beer fridge [smiley=beer.gif] in our bedroom is normally empty during Richard's cycles - we have lots of space and don't have to go far lol!) The vials/needles option is not as transportable, though, and may not be for everyone.

Also, I just got enrolled in something called "Bridges to Access." We have no insurance, and spent $500 last week to get Richard's meds (which are almost gone - he's peaking!). So I did a search on the internet and found this program. You have to meet certain income requirements, have no insurance, and get a doctor to "sponsor" you, but we just got reimbursed for all but a $10 copay for our prescription that we just filled, and they will start shipping the meds to us directly for free.

I don't know if any of this is new to any of you, or will help any of you, but I thought I'd share our good news: (Almost) Free Meds! My kids might get to go to college after all! ;;D

Here's hoping the beast stays at bay!

Michelle (and Richard)

Title: Re: Imitrex Info
Post by Jasmyn on May 9^th, 2006, 1:20am

Glad you found help with your insurance problem. PF wishes to Richard.

Title: Re: Imitrex Info
Post by Richr8 on May 9^th, 2006, 1:28am

Fabulous news Michelle. I'm so glad you were able to find some help. Keep us posted on Richard's progress

Title: Re: Imitrex Info
Post by mischki on May 9^th, 2006, 9:10am

Sorry, I just realized I should have posted this under the meds section... oh well! I'll pay more attention next time! (Please forgive me... :-[)

I did read somewhere, though, (maybe it was here?) that you can get Imitrex statdose in 4 mg shots now too. That's still twice as much as Richard needs, but I was reading the Imitrex tip link again, and saw the line about GSK producing smaller statdose shots, and thought "how cool would that be if they actually listened to you guys!"

I know - long shot! (Pun intended! My bad!)

Thanks for all the well-wishes. It's been awhile (since R's last cycle) that I've been on here. This one doesn't seem as bad as the last. Richard seems to be handling it better, too, now that he has his "arsenal" - O2 (I just ordered a clustermasx), Imitrex, and an understanding doc.

Once again, thank you to this site! I don't know how we would have made it through this past year and a half without all you guys!

And if any of you are ever in good ole' Arkansaws, look us up! We'd be glad to meet ya'll!

Michelle (and Richard)

Title: Re: Imitrex Info
Post by Steve_Gn on May 15^th, 2006, 10:56pm

Sorry to hear about the cycle. Mine has ended after 15 weeks. They always seem to get longer.
I always feel when I am suffering that I am the only one without insurance.
Guess not though. Seems to be wide spread.
Imitrex has always worked well for me, however the cost is very high.
Good luck to Richard....Keep plugging away.

Steve