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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2002 >> Imitrex Shelf Life???
        
(Message started by: ejwrancher on Mar 2^nd, 2002, 6:26pm)

Title: Imitrex Shelf Life???
Post by ejwrancher on Mar 2^nd, 2002, 6:26pm

I have been in my cycle since January 3rd and have not a headache in days. Thank god, so I believe my cycle is over this time around. My Neuro introduced me to the wonder drug Imitrex Inj, which I have only used 2 times and have 2 (free samples) left, and purchased by prescrib, a Statdose Pak, which was covered by Ins. My question is, because my Ins only covers 3 refills every months. My co pay was 12 dollars, which would have been 126 dollars if I would have paid cash. I am wondering if I could purchase 3 refills, every 3 months and stockpile the Injections for when I have another cycle, which was 18 months this last time. As we all know, we could live on this stuff during cycle, which for me has been 8 weeks, almost to the day, every cycle I have ever had for 15 years now. The Statdose pak has an Expiration Date of Nov 2002. Will this stuff go bad after that date? Should I not use it after that date? this sound like a good idea, if this stuff will last, but I do not want to waste it. Let me know, thanks

Title: Re: Imitrex Shelf Life???
Post by don on Mar 2^nd, 2002, 10:26pm

I dont know about using the med after the shelf life but here is a sugeestion.

If your going to stockpile, as many of us do, when a portion of that pile is approaching expiration donate it to someone who is in cycle and has used up their insurance company allotment.

Make that "Fuckin" insurance companies!

Title: Re: Imitrex Shelf Life???
Post by Elizabeth on Mar 4^th, 2002, 6:57pm

Too bad we can't keep a running list of who needs it.... maybe keep it up to date with who's been sent a supply and who hasn't?

Title: Re: Imitrex Shelf Life???
Post by DawnT on Mar 4^th, 2002, 11:34pm

I know that I have a stockpile!! MIne is not inj though, it is nasal spray. I take one with me everywhere I go, even though I am in remission. I figure, the beast may stay away if it knows I am prepared...at least I hope.
My copay is $15, and I would be willing to donate! Anything to help a fellow pain victim.

Title: Re: Imitrex Shelf Life???
Post by Edna on Mar 6^th, 2002, 9:04pm

Stock pile - I say of course.......sharing idea also works for me.....considering my cycles come every 2 years (normally)

This past cycle of mine found me with expired imitrex stat dose injections.......guess what.......used every one of them........until I could get to the doc and get a new rx for em........and they worked just as well.

Also found out through my insurance for prescriptions through the mail how to get "more for my money" in the future.......instead of sending the stat doses I was sent the vials of imitrex (which turned out to be better for me since the tip on imitrex worked for me) it was much easier to follow using the tip with a vial instead of having to pull apart the stat dose kit......ANYWAY.....the woman told me to have the doctor write the script for as many as I normally would use for the 90 day supply and it should all be covered on one copay amount.....WOW....gonna have to try that the next time I come along with a cycle and have to revisit my doc for a new rx

Hope this might help someone else........PF wishes to all
EDNA

Title: Re: Imitrex Shelf Life???
Post by JIM on Mar 7^th, 2002, 9:23pm

I have used injections that were two years past their expiration and worked fine Store them in a cool place away from heat I figured they couldn't do as much damage as the headache Who could sit through a CH
attack and not?

Title: Re: Imitrex Shelf Life???
Post by reelboat on Mar 7^th, 2002, 11:43pm

I agree with Jim. I reciently used Imitrex that was 2 years past the expiration date with no noticeable decrease in effectiveness. I stockpile. Its the only way I can figure to get enough to last through a cycle.

Title: Re: Imitrex Shelf Life???
Post by justin on Mar 8^th, 2002, 12:28pm

i meant to stock pile when i was in remission and i didn't. now i'm paying for it. going on vacation next week and think i'm gonna run out. i'm switching neuros and my apt isnt' until the day before i leave not enough time to get a script filled , plus i'd have to pay for it since it's been less than 30 days since my last dose. although i think maybe it starts over with a new script. hmm....anyway. i might call the internist to see if i can get a script from her for the injections. so it might be nice to know if anyone does have some reserves incase of emergency. oy. my butt hurts too from so many injects. 2 a day for almost 10 days so far.

Title: Re: Imitrex Shelf Life???
Post by rc843 on Mar 8^th, 2002, 12:32pm

i've been using the pills for about 5 years now. i just came out of a 4 year remission and had to use pills that expired 2 years ago. they worked fine. thank goodness i had them, they are like gold as we all know.