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New Message Board Archives >> Jul-Sep 2003 >> How many Imitrex Inj. are included in a script?
(Message started by: Lori on Aug 14th, 2003, 1:02pm)

Title: How many Imitrex Inj. are included in a script?
Post by Lori on Aug 14th, 2003, 1:02pm
I just had a script (my first one) for imitrex filled. I got a kit and it has two doses. Is this all you normally get with a prescription? I have 8 refills I can use, but if I'm only going to get two doses for my 20 copay once a month...I may need to rethink if I even want to go that route. I'd rather get 12 zomigs a month for my 20 dollars. Do I need to ask the doctor to write the script differently? It looks like I have the pen like injector, I guess. I am not in cycle now, just stocking up for next one.

THANKS!

Title: Re: How many Imitrex Inj. are included in a script
Post by Woobie on Aug 14th, 2003, 1:09pm
yep - thats all you get, atleast thats all ramon got.. but we could refill it every day if we needed to.

gotta love that insurance.  

If you have to stock up that way  ... do it.  Bettter to have some than none.. and you can use the imitrex tip ....   (one of DJs new buttons to the left... ) to make it last longer.

and im sure someone here can give you a link for info on fighting with insurance companies.  I dont know it.

good luck!
tina   :-*

Title: Re: How many Imitrex Inj. are included in a script
Post by Peppermint on Aug 14th, 2003, 1:10pm
Statdoses Lori, are two to a box, 1 box per scrip.  You can split those doses from 6 mg...and more easily if you use the vials inistead.  Also, there is the imitrex tip to the left of this board... along the buttons DJ just redid.  

This is why insurace companies suck.   If the 2 or 3 mg doses work for you, then do it, you'll have that many more doses to abort.  

If Zomig works, then you might want to reconsider.  If it works I think that's most important (depends on your side effects.)

Pepper


edit: GEEEZ woobs, YOU are fast... :)
BTW... check your IM's pleeeease...:P

Title: Re: How many Imitrex Inj. are included in a script
Post by Lori on Aug 14th, 2003, 1:14pm
Thanks for the response. I can't believe that's all they give you to a script! I'll have to call to see how often I can refill but I'm guessing only monthly. I thought I'd stock up on some injections because I've never tried them but thought just incase...it would be good to have some. Thanks again.

Title: Re: How many Imitrex Inj. are included in a script
Post by Melissa on Aug 14th, 2003, 1:27pm
when your doc wrote the script, what did he/she write as the quantity?  Like, 1 as needed?  Just curious because my neuro wrote mine as Qty 3, as needed with 5 refills.  Maybe you should ask your doc to word it differently ???  It might change how many you recieve...


:)mel

Title: Re: How many Imitrex Inj. are included in a script
Post by FrankF on Aug 14th, 2003, 1:28pm
Don't forget to go here: http://www.migrainehelp.com/5.offers_and_information/screener_page.html
Fill out the form and Glaxo will send you six $10 coupons. That will cut your $20 copay in half.  ;D

Title: Re: How many Imitrex Inj. are included in a script
Post by maggie_may on Aug 14th, 2003, 1:33pm
Hi Lori...  you might have only gotten 1 statdose kit because that is how your doctor wrote it on the prescription form.  Then again, maybe that is all your insurance will allow - each is different as I've learned from my own (my script was for 12 injections, or 6 kits per month - but when I went to refill the following month, my insurance rejected it.  I'm going to try again to fill it, hoping that a 3 month wait will do it so I can stock up).

Go for those coupons too - even though it's only $10, it's still $10 less that you have to pay.

maggie

Title: Re: How many Imitrex Inj. are included in a script
Post by don on Aug 14th, 2003, 2:26pm

Quote:
Statdoses Lori, are two to a box, 1 box per scrip.  


This is not correct.

The number per script is dependant upon how your Doc writes it.

Quite frankly I fail to understand how anyone who does not use the medications can make suggestions as to how someone else should.

Title: Re: How many Imitrex Inj. are included in a script
Post by Patrick_A on Aug 15th, 2003, 6:14am
Exactly as Don just said. I dont prefer the injectors, so i was getting the Sprays, but only 12 per month. I went to my plan administrator and found out it was simply in how my Doctor was writing the script. My insurance company had no problems supplying the meds. So i got my Ins. comp. to tell me exactly how to write the script so i would get 2 a day on a 30 day supply. I just got back from the Pharmacy with 60 sprays and 60 pills and only 2 co-pays. God i am absolutely loving it!
Its simply in how it is written!

PFDANAWF, Patrick

Title: Re: How many Imitrex Inj. are included in a script
Post by Giovanni on Aug 15th, 2003, 6:32am
Imitrex injections are authorized by most insurance companies for monthly refills for two boxes or four injections.  YOUR DOCTORS HAS TO REQUEST AN OVER RIDE for this drug in order to get more.  I started off with two boxes and now get 9 boxes per month for $20.00.  Each year this RX is re evaluated and again the over ride takes place.  Contact your doctor's office and request more than two boxes.  Also, Glaxo will assign a case worker to your case if your doctor can not get the over ride for you.   ;D

Title: Re: How many Imitrex Inj. are included in a script
Post by don on Aug 15th, 2003, 7:52am
I think the message here is a simple one........................

Do not take the first offer at face value.


Investigate and research. Question your Docs and Insurance Companys. Know your rights . Learn the system.

Title: Re: How many Imitrex Inj. are included in a script
Post by Big_Dan on Aug 15th, 2003, 7:54am
I got a script for twelve at a time....

... but my insurance only let me have 8....
>:(


-Big Dan

Title: Take a little piece of my heart
Post by rumplestiltskin on Aug 15th, 2003, 10:14am
My story...2 weeks+ into a pitched battle to get stingy "dispensing guideline" over written/changed.
E-mail to Lori Choyce, asking for help, remains unanswered after over 2 weeks.

Insurance Co.: HAS
Prescription Drug Program: Eckerd Health Services (they establish and control dispensing guidlines) IE: SATAN

Round 1 Doctor wrote prescription for 60 Zomigs. Pharmacy only permitted to give me 6/month.

Round 2 HAS says that EHS controls that and that "there is nothing to be done".( The sale begins when the customer says "NO") "Dispensing guidelines" are based on FDA Limitations. (bullshit lady...I can read the fucking Zomig instructions)

Round 3 I called EHS and asked for the "Dispensing Guidlines" for each of the Triptans in their various types and concentrations.
Relpax: 20 mg 12/mo., 40 mg 6/mo.
Maxalt: 5mg and 12mg 12/mo
Axert: 12.5mg 6/mo
Amerge 1mg 18/mo, 2.5mg 9/mo
Frova: 2.5mg 12/mo
Zomig:2.5mg and 5mg 6/mo
Imitrex: Pill: 25mg and 50mg 18/mo, 100mg 9/mo
             Nasal: 12/mo
            Injection: (6mg stat only) 12/mo

EHS holds there ground on "dispensing limitation". I finally drag it out of them that there is one possibility to get it changed... an in depth request/explanation of "medical necessity" faxed to them from my doctor. "...but we usually then request a release of liability from the doctor and none of them are willing to take that chance" . She gave me a long list of specifics that must be included in my doctors fax.

Round 4 Fax to my doctor requesting "letter of medical neccesity" with long list of specifics from EHS. Days pass waiting for assistants to get fax to him, him to write it and assistant to find fax machine.

Round 4 1/4 Facing the weekend with 6 Zomig and 6 CH's a day, I get Dr. to write script for Imitrex...which they fill (dispensing guidlines in place)...2 days after filling the Zomig one...Hmmmm says I...is the trick to get the various Triptans filled at the stingy amounts?

Round 4 1/2 Multiple phone calls. Dr.'s fax not arriving at EHS. Dr.'s ASSistant claims to have sent it. EHS gives me alternative fax # in case "something went wrong...we get 2000 faxes a day SIR!"

Round 5 Confirmation that fax arrived at "THE PUSHER".. BUTT...further info was needed and EHS has faxed my Dr. with that request.

Round 5 1/2 Den keeps chanting "Serenity prayer"

Good Grief
den

Title: Re: How many Imitrex Inj. are included in a script
Post by Lori on Aug 15th, 2003, 12:40pm
Thanks all for the input, it's too bad you have to jump thru so many hoops to get proper treatment. This info will really help though, so thanks.


Title: Re: How many Imitrex Inj. are included in a script
Post by Peppermint on Aug 15th, 2003, 2:52pm
Lori,
I hope you get what you need to be armed for your next round. :)


on 08/14/03 at 14:26:33, don wrote:
This is not correct.

The number per script is dependant upon how your Doc writes it.

Quite frankly I fail to understand how anyone who does not use the medications can make suggestions as to how someone else should.


On one count you're right Don, I failed to say that it depends on how your doc writes it.  

On the other...I'm sorry that I posted that information about the imitrex.  I'm sure someone else would have pointed it out, its something I've discussed this with a clusterhead who has done exactly that, splitting the doses.

I just thought it might be a helpful suggestion.  

Title: Re: How many Imitrex Inj. are included in a script
Post by jonny on Aug 15th, 2003, 3:57pm

on 08/15/03 at 14:52:38, Peppermint wrote:
On the other...I'm sorry that I posted that information about the imitrex.


I think Don was talking about Doc's but I could be wrong and just in case I am STFU DON.....Dont make me drive ten minutes to bitch slap you!!

............................jonny 

Title: Re: How many Imitrex Inj. are included in a script
Post by eyes_afire on Aug 15th, 2003, 5:28pm
Yup Den, your story sounds like what I went thru with a non-CH med.  I really don't understand how my own insurance plan works and am having a hard time finding out.  When I ask for a copy of the insurance policy from my employer, they claim they don't have one.  If I ever wanted to have my current 'Imitrex injection ban' lifted (which I'm not ready to do right now) would I have to get a GSK case worker to appeal to my EMPLOYER since my employer (not the insurance company) pays for the dispensing of meds?  I don't know and then I would be concerned about being 'blacklisted'.

Actually, I know exactly how these insurance companies work... they purposely 'lose' faxes and stonewall in hopes that the medical condition will pass and the medication will no longer be needed.  Either that, or they hope you will give up.

The riches of the wealthy CEOs are made on the broken backs of the commoner.

--- Steve

Title: Re: How many Imitrex Inj. are included in a script
Post by Elaine on Aug 15th, 2003, 9:53pm
I agree with Don! Please research !
I wouldn't dare give any type of advice unless I had used it.. or if I was a supporter and did NOT witness a person with clusters day in and day out, I wouldn't feel qalified to give advice.  Thats why I don't answer certain post about certain drugs. If I don't take it I don't answer it!

Ree my typing was off, thats what happens when you type with one eye ;-)!

Supporters who live with the pain day in and day out know as much about CLUSTERS as clusterheaads. I would take their advice anyday. People who don't know and don't live with it, should support in another way. Be there for people but don't give out advice that is wrong!

Flame away if you like but its how I feel and its how I always felt! My feeling are no secret, they been posted before. ;D

Title: Re: How many Imitrex Inj. are included in a script
Post by Ree on Aug 16th, 2003, 7:56am
I saw that coming Elaine...  When it comes to meds...as a supporter I always say " Dave does this or Dave does that..." Unless its something I have tried for Migraine and that isn't welcome here either...How often does anyone even see me post in the Medicine section... almost never... I know ya meant well Pep... but you're looking to get flamed if your gonna post about stuff like that.  Everyones doses and prescriptions are different.

Ree  

Title: Re: How many Imitrex Inj. are included in a script
Post by Mastifflvr28 on Aug 16th, 2003, 8:09am
Exactly Ree and Elaine,
And for someone that who is not a sufferer, not a direct supporter, has never dealt with the doctors, has never dealt with the pharmacies, has never dealt with the insurance companies, should NOT be giving specific medical advice.

Mast

Title: Re: How many Imitrex Inj. are included in a script
Post by jonny on Aug 16th, 2003, 2:18pm
Hmmmm

.........................jonny

Title: Re: How many Imitrex Inj. are included in a script
Post by Kirk on Aug 16th, 2003, 3:20pm
My script read 60 doses refill three times. I have to call the VAMC pharmacy 14 days in advance.
I think it all depends on your Doc's handwritting.

Title: OUCH
Post by rumplestiltskin on Aug 17th, 2003, 9:33am
Statdoses Lori, are two to a box, 1 box per scrip.  You can split those doses from 6 mg...and more easily if you use the vials inistead.  Also, there is the imitrex tip to the left of this board... along the buttons DJ just redid.  

This is why insurace companies suck.   If the 2 or 3 mg doses work for you, then do it, you'll have that many more doses to abort.  

If Zomig works, then you might want to reconsider.  If it works I think that's most important (depends on your side effects.)

love
den

Title: Re: How many Imitrex Inj. are included in a script
Post by jonny on Aug 17th, 2003, 2:00pm
Well said, Den

.......................................jonny

Title: Re: How many Imitrex Inj. are included in a script
Post by Lori on Aug 17th, 2003, 6:14pm
Thanks all for replying. I will be calling the insurance co. tomorrow and finding out my limit to start. Then I will have my doc write the scripts properly and then use those $10 coupons I sent for on my copays. I will get zomig too because I know it worked last time. I just figured I'd give the injections a chance since I've never tried them and they seem to work for many here. You all are great! Thanks again.

Title: Re: How many Imitrex Inj. are included in a script
Post by FrankF on Aug 17th, 2003, 6:31pm

on 08/17/03 at 18:14:55, Lori wrote:
Thanks all for replying. I will be calling the insurance co. tomorrow and finding out my limit to start. Then I will have my doc write the scripts properly and then use those $10 coupons I sent for on my copays. I will get zomig too because I know it worked last time. I just figured I'd give the injections a chance since I've never tried them and they seem to work for many here. You all are great! Thanks again.

If you can get the Imitrex 0.5ml/6mg vials (the doctor needs to prescribe the syringes too) it is easier to do the 2mg or 3mg shots suggested by the Imitrex tip here.
Also, the U-100 insulin syringe needles (#28 guage) are about 1/2 the diameter of the Statdose needles so they don't hurt... barely even notice them.
My insurance was recently changed to Aetna of California. They normally allow 4 statdoses or 8 vials per month... I will have to fight with them for more... but I think it is decent of them to offer that much as standard fare considering many insurance companies only allow half that.


Title: Re: How many Imitrex Inj. are included in a script
Post by Edna on Aug 17th, 2003, 11:30pm
My advice............get info from the insurance itself first. Then, you will need to  talk with your doc about HOW HE writes the script.  Know from experience. My doc "accidentally" (thank God) wrote my last mail in script for the vials of imitrex.......WOO HOO....for the copay price I had to pay I got a LOT MORE than what I had bargained for.........and that was great.

I phoned the mail order script plan.....the rep there even told me that for the $90 copay (some copay eh?) that I was paying.....to have the doc write the script for how many I would need for 90 days....when I explained to her that it could be as many as 180 doses....she said it would cover!!!!!!!   Go ahead!!!!

So find out the specifics of your own insurance and speak to your doc.   And, if you have mail order drug program, it could help.

Hope this helps ya,
EDNA

Title: Re: How many Imitrex Inj. are included in a script
Post by don on Aug 18th, 2003, 8:31am
Nope, not talking about the Docs.

Talking about anyone giving medication advice that is Not a Doc, Not a Pharmacist, or Not someone with first hand experiance with the meds.  

P.S Drive time has been reduced by 3 minutes since I moved to Quincy. I wanted to be closer to you. I love you. I love your Gargoyles. I love that big rainbow flag flying in your front yard.

Title: Re: How many Imitrex Inj. are included in a script
Post by AlienSpaceBabe on Aug 18th, 2003, 1:14pm
$20 copay per vial
no monthly limit
sucks, huh?
using 1 1/2 to 2 vials per day.....
and quickly going broke.
how in blazes do the elderly pay for their medicine? oh yeah... it either medicine or food for them....
f'ing gougers, those insurance companies!

Title: Re: How many Imitrex Inj. are included in a script
Post by vig on Aug 18th, 2003, 1:53pm
I can get 4 x 6mg Imtrex statdoses (2 per box, 2 boxes) every nine days.
I also get 6 x 5mg Imitrex Nasal Sprays every 5 days.

each is $20

I am stockpiling.

Title: Re: How many Imitrex Inj. are included in a script
Post by Ree on Aug 18th, 2003, 2:04pm
smart man vig...! stockpile away!!!  ree

Title: Re: How many Imitrex Inj. are included in a script
Post by jonny on Aug 18th, 2003, 6:03pm

on 08/18/03 at 08:31:27, don wrote:
Talking about anyone giving medication advice that is Not a Doc, Not a Pharmacist, or Not someone with first hand experiance with the meds.  


So taking a med gives you the knowledge of a Doc?

because I take Lithium means I can tell someone how much to take?

Are you saying that someone that reads my posts for a year about Lithium cant offer advice like I do?

Someone repeating what I have said would be good info right?..................or not?

............................................jonny

Title: Re: How many Imitrex Inj. are included in a script
Post by FrankF on Aug 18th, 2003, 8:02pm

on 08/18/03 at 13:14:57, AlienSpaceBabe wrote:
$20 copay per vial
no monthly limit
sucks, huh?
using 1 1/2 to 2 vials per day.....
and quickly going broke.
how in blazes do the elderly pay for their medicine? oh yeah... it either medicine or food for them....
f'ing gougers, those insurance companies!

It ain't so much the insurance companies. Glaxo owns the patent on Imitrex and they plan to make as much money off it as they can. $125 for a statdose two-pack is bullshit (to be fair to Glaxo... the cost to the pharmacy is much less). They don't give a shit about clusters, or our pain, or about the few who choose to end it all. It is all about profit. The insurance companies limit us to a measly 2 shots or 9 tablets because Glaxo makes Imitrex so damn expensive.

Title: Re: How many Imitrex Inj. are included in a script
Post by Cadrew on Aug 18th, 2003, 8:07pm
That is what I got with PHP and it sucks because that is only a 24 hr dose.  My dr. is good about having plenty of samples to help me out and prescribes vicodin too.  So ask your Dr. about samples.  But that is the major problem with Imitrex because there isnt a generic form and it costs soo much that insurance does what they can to put the screws to ya.   Good Luck



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