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Purchasing Medication from Canada

Sat, 11/14/2009 - 00:09
Topic: Medication Issues

Hi!  I take Keppra and Lamictal, and my neurologist will only write prescriptions for brand only.  The new generics have different fillers which are not metabolized the same way the brand meds are.  Some people have had problems with breakthrough seizures on the generics.  Even though I have health insurance, I am paying a lot for these two meds.  My health insurance uses Caremark.  (Caremark mail order won't accept any manufacturers coupons.)  I just appealed the cost of the brand drugs, but lost the appeal.  I am paying between $860 and $960 for Keppra (750 mg) and Lamictal (100 mg), respectively, for a 3 month supply.  This does not include what my insurance kicks in.  My husband and I have priced both drugs online at Canadian pharmacies, and found we could save a lot of money on Lamictal.  I am also planning on seeing if my neuro. will prescribe Keppra XR for me. 

Has anyone else gotten their medicines from Canada?  If so, what has been your experience?  Thanks!

Karen 

 

 

Comments

Re: Purchasing Medication from Canada

Submitted by Terribee on Sat, 2009-11-14 - 17:14

 

Wow, I can't believe you have to pay that much for meds! I live in Canada and only the brand name works for me (I take Keppra and Lamictal).  I was only able to get coverage for generic brands and had to pay the rest out of pocket.  However I found out that if I got a note from the doctor saying that only the brand name works then I could get everything covered.  I managed to get that approved for Lamictal and now everything is covered.  Have you tried that avenue?  Let me know what happens,

 

Terri

 

Wow, I can't believe you have to pay that much for meds! I live in Canada and only the brand name works for me (I take Keppra and Lamictal).  I was only able to get coverage for generic brands and had to pay the rest out of pocket.  However I found out that if I got a note from the doctor saying that only the brand name works then I could get everything covered.  I managed to get that approved for Lamictal and now everything is covered.  Have you tried that avenue?  Let me know what happens,

 

Terri

Re: Purchasing Medication from Canada

Submitted by hkhoyt on Sun, 2009-11-15 - 00:37

Thanks for the input, everyone!  It's nice to know there are people out there to "talk" to!  As part of my insurance appeal, I did include letters from my neurologist and family doctor stating that the brand only will work for me.  I included my own letter and a scholarly article on Lamictal.  However, they strictly applied the policy limitations regarding prescriptions with a generic.  It looks like I will be purchasing at least the Lamictal online.  Also, thanks for the tip about ordering in advance.  I've been waiting until the last minute to order my meds to avoid the large hit to my wallet. 

I really appreciate everyone's input.  Take care all & God bless!

Karen 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for the input, everyone!  It's nice to know there are people out there to "talk" to!  As part of my insurance appeal, I did include letters from my neurologist and family doctor stating that the brand only will work for me.  I included my own letter and a scholarly article on Lamictal.  However, they strictly applied the policy limitations regarding prescriptions with a generic.  It looks like I will be purchasing at least the Lamictal online.  Also, thanks for the tip about ordering in advance.  I've been waiting until the last minute to order my meds to avoid the large hit to my wallet. 

I really appreciate everyone's input.  Take care all & God bless!

Karen 

 

 

 

 

Re: Purchasing Medication from Canada

Submitted by chumley1064 on Fri, 2010-04-30 - 03:49
I also have to purchase my meds from caremark. I take tegretol 1400 mg per day (200mg x7) The first time that I ordered from caremark they sent me generic meds. My doctor says no to generic meds. Caremark has two different ways that you can be charged for brand name  meds. They call it something like doctor A, and doctor B. If I remember this right Doctor A means that the doctor is demanding that the script be filled with name brand meds. Doctor B means that the patient Wants the script filled with name brand meds. Get the doctors office involved in this, dont do it alone. My doctors office called them and set them straight. They said it was the doctor that was demanding this not me. My out of pocket cost went from over $400 to $100for a 90 day supply. Good luck, keep fighting. Dennis

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