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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2002 >> Imitrex questions
        
(Message started by: Dieselman on Jul 18^th, 2002, 9:09pm)

Title: Imitrex questions
Post by Dieselman on Jul 18^th, 2002, 9:09pm

I would like to know from anyone taking the Imitrex pills what dosage you are using. My new insurance won't pay for my injections any more, but will pay for pills.

As a side note has anyone tried getting a vile of the Imitrex and doing their own lower dose injections (similar to the q-tip method only the "right" way) ?

Thanks to everyone for being here, from a newby on the board but a 15+ year veterine of CH.

Title: Re: Imitrex questions
Post by Svenn on Jul 19^th, 2002, 6:32am

I`m so sorry to hear that you lost the imitrex-shots.Thats the best medication so far and it works within 6-9 minutes.
Imitrex-tabs dont work almost before the attack is over.
aproxomantly 20-30 minutes.
I think thats a tragedy for you my friend

Your friend in Norway Svenn

Title: Re: Imitrex questions
Post by Ann on Jul 19^th, 2002, 7:35am

I can't believe that your insurance has decided to stop paying for the injections. What's up with that? It makes no sense. Can't your Doc help you set them straight? Like Svenn said, the tabs take longer to take effect...you will curse your insurance company!! What a pathetic world we live in!!

As far as the vials are concerned...they are not available here in my neck of the woods. (Quebec, Canada) I talked to my neuro about them this winter and he said that we couldn't get them here because Health Canada thinks we will commit suicide using them! I was flabbergasted! I compared imitrex to insulin with him, some people commit suicide with insulin but they still have access to vials..it's what keeps them alive for god's sake. Anyhow..if you can get them go for it! It's cheaper in the end I think.

(sorry for the rant...I'm just a little blown away!)
hugs
Ann

Title: Re: Imitrex questions
Post by Mastifflvr28 on Jul 19^th, 2002, 8:43am

Sorry bout the lack of injections dieselman :(

I use vials. The vials come in a 5 pack of them. I can use .2cc at a time with great relief. Each vial, I can kill 3 headaches on.
Good luck with everything,
Mast

Title: Re: Imitrex questions
Post by bdalton20 on Jul 19^th, 2002, 2:44pm

I have been using imitrex nasal's for about 6 years now. Now my new insurance says they will only cover 6 doses a month. I was shocked. If anyone has some advise, I would really appraciate it. :-/

Title: Re: Imitrex questions
Post by Plagued_in_SF on Jul 19^th, 2002, 6:46pm

I'm about to go blastic about these *%(&($ insurance companies that restrict imitrex and wish they would experience a CH kip 9-10...I bet their guidelines would change!

I do take some pleasure in maximizing my imitrex by taking only 1/2 of a shot per CH - for those of you doing the same, be sure to store the remaining dosage in a safe, cool place and swab the 'entry' area with alcohol before you inject again.

wishing us all a pain-free life...

Title: Re: Imitrex questions
Post by pjbgravely on Jul 19^th, 2002, 7:31pm

bdalton20, look to the left on the ouch site and click on medications. A phone # to call for help with insuance should be on the left. Keep scrolling down. Paul B.

Title: Re: Imitrex questions
Post by Drk^Angel on Jul 19^th, 2002, 10:16pm

I got the following info from the National Headache Foundation in the US for gettin' help gettin' you insurance to pay for prescriptions for Imitrex...

GLAXOSMITHKLINE Amerge Imitrex 1-800-722-9294 Healthcare professionals 8-8 EST

Your doc has to call them to get you the meds you need, and they'll help...

PFDAN...................... Drk^Angel

Title: Re: Imitrex questions
Post by Dieselman on Jul 20^th, 2002, 9:47pm

Thank you everyone for the replys!!

My prescrip coverage (new insurance) doesn't cover injections of any sort, have to use the regular med insurance ($1000 deductable, OW!) . >:(

I have been lucky enough now to have had 3 pfd's. Went back to Verap. 360mg instead of depakote. The dep only mande me jittery and sleepless!

If the Imitrex pills don't work for me I am definately going to the viles. My pharmasist was nice enough to order a box to show me how they are packaged, and agreed that "short" dosing would be okay.

I've sandbagged here for a long time but thhis was my first posting. thanks for making me feel welcome. :)

Larry the Dieselman

Title: Re: Imitrex questions
Post by NotH20 on Jul 24^th, 2002, 1:23pm

Hey Larry - hope by now you are feeling a bit better. CH's and insurance companies are just about equal in the amount of pain the each give us!!! >:(

As for the dosage on the Imitrex pills - I have to take 100 mgs in order to find any relief and that usually takes approx 20 mins. The 50 mg pills did nothing for the headache.

I don't use the vials, but I do use the older type of injection - not the stat dose. The older types actually come in a tube and you can take the entire injection out with ease. I haven't had to try the lower dosage yet, but will during my next cycle. Thank goodness I haven't had to use one since early January! :D

The best of luck to you and your insurance.....

NotH20