[whimper]

I went to my Endo a couple of days ago and was given a sample of Levemir to try. Today, i went to the drug store to pick some up. My Endo told me to use 32 units of it every day meaning that the box of Levemir will only cover me for a total of a month and a half. I was told that in Canada Levemir is not covered so i asked the pharmacist how much it would cost. She told me that it would be, (i forgot the exact amount), but over $120! WOOOOOOOW. That's mighty expensive!
It is very expensive to be a diabetic!
I wonder why Levemir does not come in a vile. It would be a tiny bit cheaper for me that way.

[Gangrel]

It's $140. I was shocked too when i bought mine a few weeks ago. My medical plan CLAIMS it's covered, even though it's not on their documentation. I hope it's just because it's so new.

I will be made if they reject my claim I just mailed in.

I will tell you however, i've only been on it a week and a half, and I already love it way more then NPH.

[August]

Here in S.E. Asia, Levemir has just recently become available. A box of 5 pens is going for US$83.00 ($16.60, for one pen) at the wholesale level, and twice that amount from a hospital pharmacy. (street pharmacies are not allowed to sell it (yet)). I think you folks in North America are being fleeced. We don't have such inflationary devices as health insurance, or medicare here so prices are down to earth realistic. But if they can sell it at a profit for $16. here, . . . Why $160. over there. I must be missing something.

I have just moved to Levemir from Lantus, and find that (for me) Levemir, works much nicer. (and no headaches)

--August

[Funnygrl]

Levemir is available in a vial in the US. My insurance covers it at the same copay as Lantus in either pens or vials.

[grace girl]

The price difference between vials and pens amazes me. I'm on lantus, and I pay full price. The vial is $80. The cartridges for the pens are $120. So, I'm sticking with syringes!

[liz32]

here in nova scotia it's like 160$ mine is covered at 80/20 split..I pay about 32$ and it lasts just over a month....it's totally worth it though.
Liz

[Gangrel]

I wish i still lived in NS whenever I go to Shopper's. Up here in Ontario i have to pay the full amount and get my 80% back after I send in a claim.

[whimper]

I asked about the vile and i was told that they dont make it.....False information, how disappointing! It would save me money!

I know its going to be worth it but i get absolutly no coverage...Gangrel, i hope that your insulin will be covered! Good luck!
Im scared that i will love levemir so much that i will have to pay $$$ for it!

Maybe i should move to NS Liz32! It's ridiculous to get Levemir in BC.

[JasonJayhawk]

Whimper, does Canada use NDC codes (national drug codes)? These are the way pharmacies (in America, at least) can order things they are unfamilar with.

Yes, Levemir is available in vial form. Many insurance companies select the vial form over the pen form because the vial costs a lot less.

Just use Google to find information on Levemir from Novo Nordisk. Check the prescribing information; it'll indicate that it is available in vial form.

[whimper]

Originally Posted by JasonJayhawk

Whimper, does Canada use NDC codes (national drug codes)? These are the way pharmacies (in America, at least) can order things they are unfamilar with.

Yes, Levemir is available in vial form. Many insurance companies select the vial form over the pen form because the vial costs a lot less.

Just use Google to find information on Levemir from Novo Nordisk. Check the prescribing information; it'll indicate that it is available in vial form.

I am not familiar with NDC. I googled it and and it gave me NDSAC (National Drug Scheduling Advisory Committee), is this the same thing? I don't really understand it. Though, i can inquire about it through the pharmacist.

I looked through the internet regarding Levemir. It does come in viles, yay! But looking through the Canadian sites, i did not come across any Levemir sold in a vile. All pens. Perhaps, they dont send it over here? I may have by accidentally did not see the information, but so far...I have not seen any. ??

Thanks for the advice JasonJayhawk Appriciate it very much!



---: Any Canadians using Levemir in viles? --

[whimper]

Originally Posted by JasonJayhawk

Whimper, does Canada use NDC codes (national drug codes)? These are the way pharmacies (in America, at least) can order things they are unfamilar with.

Yes, Levemir is available in vial form. Many insurance companies select the vial form over the pen form because the vial costs a lot less.

Just use Google to find information on Levemir from Novo Nordisk. Check the prescribing information; it'll indicate that it is available in vial form.

I am not familiar with NDC. I googled it and and it gave me NDSAC (National Drug Scheduling Advisory Committee), is this the same thing? I don't really understand it. Though, i can inquire about it through the pharmacist.

I looked through the internet regarding Levemir. It does come in viles, yay! But looking through the Canadian sites, i did not come across any Levemir sold in a vile. All pens. Perhaps, they dont send it over here? I may have by accidentally, not see the information, but so far...I have not seen any. ??

Thanks for the advice JasonJayhawk. Appriciate it very much!



Any Canadians using Levemir in viles?

[whimper]

When should Levemir be used? In the morning or at night?

[Gangrel]

It depends on how long it lasts for you. My nurse has me doing a split dose right away. Some people can make it last the whole day. Experimentation is how you find out, and then once that's done, pick whatever time is suitable for you.

[REDLAN]

here in the UK, my specialist nurse says that most people take it at night. There are a few that take it in the morning, but it typically lasts 16-20 hours. and during the day you should be covered by your boluses. Only a few split the dose.

me I've split my dose and so far it seems to be working well - have to watch the hypos late afternoon, but otherwise OK - ps thanx to those who supplied the advice on how to carry out the split (",)

the other thing I noticed is that since I've split the dose I need less total dose -
on a single shot I needed 21 units, now I'm taking 8 in the morning and 10 in the evening -

[Funnygrl]

Originally Posted by whimper

When should Levemir be used? In the morning or at night?

Both for most people.