My prescription expired, my Diabetes didn't.

[Rick Yost]

I have lived with insulin dependent Diabetes for sixteen years now. I do as well as anyone can in managing my sugar, diet and exercise. I'm doing pretty good actually.
Two years ago my insulin was changed from Novilin NPH, to Lantus. The results have been great. However, I've since moved away from the doctor who prescribed Lantus.
I have also been out of work for more than a year now, and I'm just getting by financially.
Although my prescription has stopped, my disease has not. Yet I have to keep paying money to doctors to keep getting my insulin.
There must be some way for me to buy the drug I need to stay alive, without paying another 'heathcare professional' for an office visit, just to have them tell me I'm Diabetic.
How do I get Lantus without having to 'buy' a prescription?
Can anyone help me?

peace

[camjen1]

I don't know how you can get it without prescription but I share almost the same grief. My DR gives me only 2-3 refills of insulin per prescription. This means that I have to see him every month. I have called on occasion to get a refill to delay the visit for a week or two and I get told the DR didn't approve of it. At that point I have to remind the person on the other line that I will die without it. Finally they huff and puff and they grant my request. It's not like it's an addicting drug it's one I need to stay alive.

Sorry to hear your troubles maybe you can find a new DR and tell him of your situation. Good luck. :wink:

[lgvincent]

Lilly has a program called Lilly Cares which will give insulin free (or perhaps at low cost) to those who can't afford it. A doctor will have to send in the request but if approved, you will get a 4 month supply. You can call
800/545-6962 and I believe you will get a recorded message telling how the program works. I don't think Lilly makes Lantus but perhaps they make something similar. Maybe the company that makes Lantus will have a program like that, too.

[etherael]

You can also try going to your Social Services office of where you live and apply for General Assistance..it's possible they could give you a monthly monetary allowance and offer Class: G Medicaid insurance..which is useful at Pathmark and other pharmacies.

[HypnoToad]

move to canada :top: you still have to pay for your insulin but your doctors visits are free once you get a health card

[Belinda]

Have your doctor write it out for a year and do a three month prescription at that . You will only have to go get meds 4 times a year and that way it (copay) is cheaper for you.

[Dewey]

Hi Rick,

I agree in that perhaps you could ask your doctor for a longer prescription (such as Belinda suggested), or find a different doctor who understands your needs (and listens to them, as well). I know that's not easy to do, but once you have found that Endo/CDE/PA (or other), it'll definitely make a world of difference for you and your care. Please keep us posted, and hope you get the help needed. :shakehand Welcome aboard, by the way. :)

[Mark C]

Find another doctor whom will work with you to manage your care. I am so tired of the every month routine. THree months between visits for a CONTROLLED diabetic seems about right.

[yitzvann]

hmm i am suprizes to find that most diabetics think insulin requires prescription.
been using both novilin and lilly with out prescription in all 48 bstates and canada.
go to walmart, walgreens, rite aid, eckerds, savon drugs, etc,,, and just ask at the pharmacy for what you need.
i think if you have insurance, then the insurance plans require a prescripotion, but pay with cash and you will find its easier. no doctor required. but be careful with your doses and monitring..

[lgvincent]

hmm i am suprizes to find that most diabetics think insulin requires prescription.
been using both novilin and lilly with out prescription in all 48 bstates and canada.
go to walmart, walgreens, rite aid, eckerds, savon drugs, etc,,, and just ask at the pharmacy for what you need.
i think if you have insurance, then the insurance plans require a prescripotion, but pay with cash and you will find its easier. no doctor required. but be careful with your doses and monitring..

Some insulins, like Humalog, require a prescription. Some insurance programs may require a prescription, and some states (I think) require them.

[middnite03]

ok i know i'm gonna get it for this one, but..... did you ever think of buying it online from a pharmacy located outside the us??? say canada???

I had to do this when I was unemployed, and it helped especially when you are paying less then half the price for humilog that way, then if you went to a pharmacy and paid cash....


ok, every kill me now for sugesting this :shot:

[twocute64001]

I know humalog and novalog do require a prescription to purchase, but lantus, N or other long acting insulins do not require a written prescription. Just contact the pharmacy where you usually buy it and they will give it to you. Insulin needles DO require a prescription, but once written it does not expire so you should be good to go.

As far as the cost goes, you can apply for assistance through the county and state or contact the manufacture. Manufacture programs are easy to qualify for and are usually based on ability to pay. If you are not working and have no current income the cost can be 0.00 or up to 15.00 if on low income such as unemployment.

also There is an ad running on TBS that I thought might help some of us here

IT SAYS: 6000 americans who are without perscription coverage now receieve free medications. This is through a program called FREE MEDICINE DIRECT

The ad says that if you spend more than 50.00 a month on perscriptions you could qualify for free medications, since one months supply of insulin can cost over 200.00 (mine is over 300.00 a month) this would cover you. This program will cover all your medications you take, even zocor and viagra are on this plan.


Call 800-281-3167

There is no reason in the US for someone to do without medical care or prescription drugs. There are numerous free and sliding scale programs out there. They just seem to hide and you have to search them out. If you need more info on the programs in your are e-mail and I will help you locate them. Good luck.

Kathi

[rzrbks]

IT SAYS: 6000 americans who are without perscription coverage now receieve free medications. This is through a program called FREE MEDICINE DIRECT

Not Flaming but........


Generally, anything you get for free in the U.S. is worth Exactly what you paid for it.