Clusterheadaches.com Message Board
        (http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi)
      

        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2002 >> imitrex, addictive?
        
(Message started by: dawnofmarch on Sep 29th, 2002, 9:30pm)
Title: imitrex, addictive?
Post by dawnofmarch on Sep 29th, 2002, 9:30pm
does anyone know if imitrex is addictive?  my ins. company says that it is and will only pay for one box of spray (6 doses) a month.  as you all may well know...this stuff ain't cheap.  anyway around this?
Title: Re: imitrex, addictive?
Post by eyes_afire on Sep 29th, 2002, 10:02pm
Hi Dawnofmarch.  Neat name you have there.  Imitrex is not addictive.  The insurance company simply doesn't want to pay for more than 6 doses.  This is a common battle for clusterheads.  You may need your doc to write a 'letter of medical necessity' for your imitrex prescription in order to receive more than 6 doses.
Title: Re: imitrex, addictive?
Post by BobG on Sep 29th, 2002, 10:03pm
Your insurance company is saying that because Imitrex ain't cheap like you say. They just don't want to pay.

And they are idiots that think cluster and migraines are the same thing. Imitrex was developed for migraines

And No, it is not addictive.
Title: Re: imitrex, addictive?
Post by Not4Hire on Sep 29th, 2002, 10:15pm
right, tight, and sooo right.....Bob...Imitrex=not addictive

relief of this pain (by whatever means possible)=HIGHLY addictive

....can I have some more, please?        I'll sell ya my first born......?



:-/ :-/ :-/
Title: Re: imitrex, addictive?
Post by Ueli on Sep 29th, 2002, 11:11pm
Oh yeah, but I know a nice lady who was sent for a month of knitting and crocheting, and nothing else for the pain, for a withdrawal from "Imitrex addiction". Needless to say, she changed the doctor afterwards. The insurance company too thought she was using too much Imitrex, but had no problem to cough up the equivalent of about 600 Imitrex shots for this crap. >:(
Title: Re: imitrex, addictive?
Post by NancyMcFree on Oct 3rd, 2002, 6:19pm
Ok, here is what I was told by my doctor and the insurance company on the 6 injections/nasal sprays per month deal on Imitrex.  

Imitrex was initially tested with migraine suffers.  The tests were done using a standard of 6 migraines per month.  Therefore, the manufacturer "recommends" a maximum of 6 doses per month.  They have never gone back and done studies on what more than that will do in a months time.  

Because this med is now used to treat cluster headaches, we all know 6 doses per month is a joke. The inurance company allows the the doctor to over-ride the limit with a letter to the insurance company.  
But it is really the manufacturer's recommended dosage per month that stops the insurance from automatically approving it.  Not the cost.  

Just sharing what I was told.  I'm not saying the money don't get in the way.  I just don't think it is what starts the problem.  It's the initial testing that was done, and what the manufacturer recommends.  
Title: Re: imitrex, addictive?
Post by kim on Oct 3rd, 2002, 6:39pm
Nothing against anyone here except perhaps the powers that "be" that turn a deaf ear to the word (and ramifications thereof) of the term (and meaning thereof) "Cluster Headache"..... >:(  Old story.  Still really annoying.

Holding her breath.......... ::)
Title: Re: imitrex, addictive?
Post by NancyMcFree on Oct 3rd, 2002, 6:44pm
Kim, if that was directed at me I am not sure what you are pissed about.  
Title: Re: imitrex, addictive?
Post by kim on Oct 3rd, 2002, 7:30pm
that was not directed at you or anyone else Nancy.  I was only making a comment regarding the insurance do-ce-do with clusters.  

Hope that clears things up for ya.   ???

PS:  sometimes I really wish I could jump through this puter so ya'll could see me for the deranged muppet I am. ;D

PFDAN.
Kimmy the weird MOFO ???
Title: Re: imitrex, addictive?
Post by Ted on Oct 3rd, 2002, 7:45pm
I posted an article from Medscape a month or so ago about why insurance companies won't pay for more Imitrex than they do (if any of you want to hunt it out). It's not from any suggested maximum by the manufacturer but it's cheaper to put a cap on how many per month they pay for.
Title: Re: imitrex, addictive?
Post by kim on Oct 3rd, 2002, 7:49pm
Yep.  That be it.
Title: Re: imitrex, addictive?
Post by eyes_afire on Oct 3rd, 2002, 7:58pm
In my humble opinion, the limit of 6 per month has nothing to do with manufacturer recommendations and everything to do with cost (if anything, the manufacturers want to sell more imitrex).  If my current treatment fails and I need to resort to imitrex, I will be fighting my employer, not my insurance company for imitrex.  Somebody's got to pay up, and apparently in my insurance contract, the imitrex injections are totally prohibited from coverage (not even 6 injections)... Unless my employer approves of them.  Apparently my employer and insurance company have struck a deal.  The insurance will cover, but probably at the cost of my employer (and my employer doesn't want to pay up).  I haven't challenged this yet because my current treatment without imitrex has been effective.

Verapamil is not tested and approved for treatment of cluster headaches, neither is lithium, neither is prednisone, and yet most insurances will cover prescriptions for them.  The reason?  They are no where near as costly as imitrex.  It's money.
Title: Re: imitrex, addictive?
Post by kim on Oct 3rd, 2002, 8:05pm
Yup.  Money.  BUT----it's old news -- insurance won't take the leap and recognize the scope involved in treating CLUSTERS - ALONE-- NOT MIGRAINES.  It's really a different animal with differences in the intensity of treatments.  This costs money in and of itself.  Like I said b4.  It's really ANNOYING.....

If a consistent and easily INSURED and OBTAINABLE form of treatement was made EXCLUSIVE for the prevention and treatment of clusters, well now, let the carpet ROLL.  I've said it b4- WE ARE MORE THAN WE THINK.
Title: Re: imitrex, addictive?
Post by Not4Hire on Oct 3rd, 2002, 8:10pm

Quote:
Ok, here is what I was told by my doctor and the insurance company



Quote:
Just sharing what I was told.  I'm not saying the money don't get in the way.  I just don't think it is what starts the problem.  It's the initial testing that was done, and what the manufacturer recommends



Quote:
Kim, if that was directed at me I am not sure what you are pissed about.


...I love ya Nance...but put on yer KEVLAR shorts after makin' that kinda comment......

and:


Quote:
PS:  sometimes I really wish I could jump through this puter so ya'll could see me for the deranged muppet I am.

PFDAN.
Kimmy the weird MOFO


(I just LOVE when ya talk my langwidge, Kimmie....LOL)


Quote:
It's not from any suggested maximum by the manufacturer but it's cheaper to put a cap on how many per month they pay for.


....well........DOH

with all due respect.....and like ol' charlie sez: SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!!!

and
Quote:
does anyone know if imitrex is addictive?  my ins. company says that it is
   ....they sure as HELL hope it *IS* ADDICTIVE...repeat customer an' all that.....(shit!)

.....i really bin wantin' ta RANT lately.......MOFO'ers........ratdammed insurance-HMO-suckin'-  ignerunt ER flamestabbin- dumbastidges......



;D....ok i feel *better* now....go on with yer *whine and conversation*.........


see ya at 2 dark o'thirty...wrestlin/dancin with the MOFO.... ;D
Title: Re: imitrex, addictive?
Post by eyes_afire on Oct 3rd, 2002, 8:10pm
:) Hey Kim, it's good to see you posting again.   :)
Title: Re: imitrex, addictive?
Post by Ueli on Oct 3rd, 2002, 8:28pm

on 10/03/02 at 18:19:50, NancyMcFree wrote:
Therefore, the manufacturer "recommends" a maximum of 6 doses per month.

Nancy, that's an euphemism disseminated for the same old reason: money.

Fact is: In order to gain FDA approval the manufacturer showed that 6 shots per month are safe (for most).
This implies: No statement at all has been made about a more frequent use. And in particular, it does not imply that more frequent use is harmful in any way.
There are many examples of people who take 50 or 100 shots a month, and are still kicking.

PFNADs
Ueli
Title: Re: imitrex, addictive?
Post by kim on Oct 3rd, 2002, 8:32pm
Banalties asied (LOL Not4ire ;D)

This is a discussion that's passed many an hour b4 us ;)

Eyes, i'm neva fa away............... :D  just get  breakes in leakin at the lips (thanfully for ya'll I'm sure... ;)

Imitrex is a real poo poo issue in my pig pen..... ::)  It's just plain ugly when ya look at it through a clear pic...

THAT SAID:  I'm a gonna dance a MOFO jiggity jig and thwak (i mean tank = man THANK) good LAWD general cluster is outal town.................. :D

PFDAN you guys - ALWAYS.
Grins and Sins and whatnot.
Kim :)
Title: Re: imitrex, addictive?
Post by NancyMcFree on Oct 3rd, 2002, 8:37pm
Each insurance provider is no doubt differernt.  Mine have no caps on my drugs other than what is the "recommended dosage" or what my doc perscribes.  I get 30 Imitrex injections per month paid for IN FULL (with a two dollar co pay) from my insurance company.  

Just repeating what I heard ... and I for one believed them when my doc sent my letter for more; I got it.  
Title: Re: imitrex, addictive?
Post by Ted on Oct 3rd, 2002, 8:43pm

on 10/03/02 at 20:10:25, Not4Hire wrote:
....well........DOH

with all due respect.....and like ol' charlie sez: SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!!!


I did:


on 10/03/02, Ted wrote:
....I posted an article from Medscape a month or so ago about why insurance companies won't pay for more Imitrex than they do (if any of you want to hunt it out).

Title: Re: imitrex, addictive?
Post by NancyMcFree on Oct 3rd, 2002, 8:55pm
Dah ... I think I showed you the money.  30 Imitrex shots a month for 2.00 paid for by insurance.    

Your Medscape article obviously did not include my insurance company.  
Title: Re: imitrex, addictive?
Post by Ted on Oct 3rd, 2002, 9:04pm
Uh, Nancy? What are you talking about? You showed me the money because you got an override from your insurance company? We're not exactly in the same conversation now, are we. Maybe you should read that article before you try and dispute it? There was nowhere in it mentioning that it's the law and the insurance companies have to stick to it. Really. Read the article and then come back and discuss its contents. By the way, if you had to get an override with your doctor's note that means your insurance company does have a cap and therefore the article WAS talking about your company too.


on 10/03/02 at 20:55:53, NancyMcFree wrote:
Dah ... I think I showed you the money.  30 Imitrex shots a month for 2.00 paid for by insurance.    

Your Medscape article obviously did not include my insurance company.  
Title: Re: imitrex, addictive?
Post by NancyMcFree on Oct 3rd, 2002, 9:18pm
Ted, are you here to help people get what they need to help with their headaches?  If you are quit playing word games with me here.  I don't really care who worded their post correctly and accurately.  The bottom line is -

I GOT 30 SHOTS OF IMITREX PAID FOR BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY (I was responsible for 1 copay, which in my case was 2.00)

YOU MAY BE ABLE TO ALSO .....

Read the "Insurance" thread on the other board that was posted about 2 months ago (it refers to the manufacturer supplying you with an arbitrator if necessary for your insurance company to get what you need; it also it refers to a doctor over-ride for the "standard dosage per month of imitrex), then read this thread and try.  You may be able to get what you want and need.
       
Enough said.  

     
Title: Re: imitrex, addictive?
Post by kim on Oct 3rd, 2002, 9:26pm
Ted- Want me to light that headress up for ya?  Fuck it.  Let's just dance in the flames of your crown - LOL :D  Good GAWD, already.   ;)

Hey Ted :D  Need imitrex?  Just ask Nance :D  Meantime, gimme a match! :o
Title: Re: imitrex, addictive?
Post by NancyMcFree on Oct 3rd, 2002, 9:37pm
LOL.  Ted, my intent there was not to flame you; merely get my point across that while some people may think that they are limited on the Imitrex they may not be.  You need to fight for it for sure ... but it might be available via your insurance.  

Kim, Ted doesn't use Imitrex ... perhaps an advil would help. Sorry if I gave you a headache Ted.  
Title: Re: imitrex, addictive?
Post by Ted on Oct 3rd, 2002, 9:45pm
Nancy, you're getting a little upset because I asked you to read an article before you dispute the facts in it. I don't understand that. I also don't understand why your questioning my helping people here. I'd LOVE for you to tell me why you claim I don't. Is it the articles I post here, the support I give people or the work I do for OUCH that has you questioning that? I'm also not sure why you think we're discussing a difference in just words here when we're discussing a difference in ideas.
Thanks for the other suggestion though. Why do you get the override though, if Advil helps your headaches?
Kim, I'd give you a match but you might just catch on fire from the booze fumes (i.e. what did you just say?)  :)
Title: Re: imitrex, addictive?
Post by kim on Oct 3rd, 2002, 9:46pm
C'mon baby lite mah fire........... ;D
Title: Re: imitrex, addictive?
Post by Ted on Oct 3rd, 2002, 9:53pm
But you know that it would be untrue, If I was to say to you.... :-)
Title: Re: imitrex, addictive?
Post by NancyMcFree on Oct 3rd, 2002, 9:57pm
If you are interested in how insurance companies will try not to give you your meds ... please read Ted's post; otherwise follow the directions I already gave and hopefully that might help you.  Hope you can weed through the bullshit on this post to find what you need.  

PFDAN's to you all.  
Title: Re: imitrex, addictive?
Post by kim on Oct 3rd, 2002, 10:07pm
Poof!  Kimmie jus BLEW UP IN A POOF OF SMOKE ........... :D

SOMEBODY ALWAYS GETS SMOKED.  THESE DISCUSSIONS ARE ALWAYS DUFFICULT.............

TED= TESTY AND FULL OF YEAST ;D

SMOKED OUT KIM (SMOKEY JOE) :D

**Girl we coldn't get mudh higer..................**LOLOL ;)
Title: Re: imitrex, addictive?
Post by Ted on Oct 3rd, 2002, 10:20pm

on 10/03/02 at 22:07:15, kim wrote:
**Girl we coldn't get mudh higer..................**LOLOL ;)


Don't think you could. :-)
Title: Re: imitrex, addictive?
Post by kim on Oct 3rd, 2002, 10:36pm


The answer my friend is blowin in the wind (right beside yur bald head ya booga!)

Now shaddap ya bleedin democart- i mean demosquat! ;D

PS:  I have not taken imitrex in at least 5 years, so i admit openly that I am a communist imitrex political pirate. 8)
Title: Re: imitrex, addictive?
Post by dawnofmarch on Oct 4th, 2002, 8:46am
soooo....call my ins co and get a mediator?  sounds like a plan.  also heard that my dr. should have a form from the manf. for perscription assistance.  any other suggestions?  feisty group here.  thanks alot for the help
Title: Re: imitrex, addictive?
Post by forgetfulnot on Oct 5th, 2002, 12:10am
Answer to the original question?

NO

Lee, goodnight!


Clusterheadaches.com Message Board » Powered by YaBB 1 Gold - SP 1.3.1!
YaBB © 2000-2003. All Rights Reserved.