krash1
03-16-2006, 01:06 AM
I have been using Kadian for many years. I've tried Oxycontin and Duragesic, but think Kadian to be the best, maybe because it is a slower release than Oxy. The problem is I lost my insurance and I'm trying to figure out what to do. I take 60 100mg kadian capsules per month @ $750 could someone give me an idea of something similar that cost a lot less? Like MS Contin. I've also heard that Methadone works as an extended release opiate. Any suggestions would really help. I'll talk to my DR., but I like knowing what I'm talking about before I go in.
Sponsor
bulletinboard25
03-16-2006, 02:42 AM
Methadone is cheaper than MS Contin.
You can check Walgreen's prices if you'd like.
I believe Dave (Shoreline) even said he went to Methadone for a year when he lost his insurance, so it seems like the cheapest choice for the best coverage.
You can check Walgreen's prices if you'd like.
I believe Dave (Shoreline) even said he went to Methadone for a year when he lost his insurance, so it seems like the cheapest choice for the best coverage.
Kissa
03-16-2006, 08:42 AM
Methadone is the cheapest if you can tolerate it, not all can due to the bizzare side effects it can often cause. If it doesn't work for you I'd think the MSC would be your next best choice if you will.
I know the MSC runs me about $35 a month but that's with a 20% co-pay and I paid about $20 for the Methadone. The problem with the Meth is that it is difficult to get in some states because not many pharmacies carry it. I had to use a private pharmacy when I was on it for a short stint. Some pharmacies still have the attitude that it is used only for treatment of drug addiction and not pain management.
FWIW don't use Walgreens, they are the most expensive pharmacy there is due to their "convienance".
I can tell you if it's the slower release that works best for you neither will be the same as the Kadian (which I was on for many months). You'll end up taking either of the two meds every 8 hours. The MSC spikes once when you take it and then again about 4 or so hours later, the Methadone has a bit of a smoother release rate and less harsh on the stomache for that reason.
Barbie
I know the MSC runs me about $35 a month but that's with a 20% co-pay and I paid about $20 for the Methadone. The problem with the Meth is that it is difficult to get in some states because not many pharmacies carry it. I had to use a private pharmacy when I was on it for a short stint. Some pharmacies still have the attitude that it is used only for treatment of drug addiction and not pain management.
FWIW don't use Walgreens, they are the most expensive pharmacy there is due to their "convienance".
I can tell you if it's the slower release that works best for you neither will be the same as the Kadian (which I was on for many months). You'll end up taking either of the two meds every 8 hours. The MSC spikes once when you take it and then again about 4 or so hours later, the Methadone has a bit of a smoother release rate and less harsh on the stomache for that reason.
Barbie
Shoreline
03-16-2006, 10:24 AM
Hey krash, For those that don't hav insurance, Meth is by far the cheapest med. I was taking 600mgs of Kadina a day , 200 TID. Before I lost insurnce, the plan I was on changed and I did swtch to generic MSC which dropped the retail price from 1400 a month to 800 a month, but was covered by the plan so it was a 20 dollar copay. However generic or name brand MSC is not a 12 hour med. You would need to dose every 3 hours to maintain a similar serum evel. The change from kadian to LA morphine actuallly went very smooth, but sortly after my wife went back to school and I was cash only whcih meant meth only. Although meth will prevent withdrawal with once a day dosing for addicts, when used for pain you can definitely feel it wearing off in 5-6 hours. The side effects are ver different with methadone but whn you have no finanical choice it will do, I actually used meth for over 2 1/2 years befoirte having the pump implanted.. So you do hasve some choices. You may also want to look into the patient assistance program, TTo qualify you you need to be without any insurance coverage and there is a hhousehold income cap, I really can't recall the amount but it was fairly low. You can look into their patient assistance program at needymeds.com.
As far as prices go, you really have to shop around, Walgreens is the most expensive place I have ever checked a price at and they don't match their competitors, which is crazy. There is a Sams club club directly across the street from the closest walgreens to my house and the price was less than half for every med I needed.
Used car salesman have a bad rep but how a pharmacist can make a senior citizen or anyone have to decide between meds and food when they know all you have to do is cross the street to save hundreds really makes me wonder how those guys sleep at night. Places like Sams, Walmart, Costco, etc. don't rely on huge profits in the pharmacy to keep their doors open, they offer pharmacy services as a courtesy to everyone, you don't even need a membership to use Sams pharmacy. If you don't have a Sams check Walmart, they are pretty much identical in price as they are part of the same company.
Some of the other big chains like Eckerds, Rite aid and CVS will price match but you need to bring them the price and have them verify it, other wise, you get bent over with a smile. :rolleyes:
You should also check prices on all your meds, new higher strength meds are often much more expensive then the older version even when generics hit the market at the same time as the new name brand. For example, you can buy 120 5mg percocet for 1/2 the price as 60 10mg percocet. Same with the new 8mg dilaudid, you can buy twice as many 4mgs tabs as you can 8 mg tabs for half the price. The conveinance of only having to swallow one pill instead of two, doesn't make it worth twice the price to me. You can also save money if your paying cash by getting a 90 day supply vs 30 day if your doc is willing.
As far as prices go, you really have to shop around, Walgreens is the most expensive place I have ever checked a price at and they don't match their competitors, which is crazy. There is a Sams club club directly across the street from the closest walgreens to my house and the price was less than half for every med I needed.
Used car salesman have a bad rep but how a pharmacist can make a senior citizen or anyone have to decide between meds and food when they know all you have to do is cross the street to save hundreds really makes me wonder how those guys sleep at night. Places like Sams, Walmart, Costco, etc. don't rely on huge profits in the pharmacy to keep their doors open, they offer pharmacy services as a courtesy to everyone, you don't even need a membership to use Sams pharmacy. If you don't have a Sams check Walmart, they are pretty much identical in price as they are part of the same company.
Some of the other big chains like Eckerds, Rite aid and CVS will price match but you need to bring them the price and have them verify it, other wise, you get bent over with a smile. :rolleyes:
You should also check prices on all your meds, new higher strength meds are often much more expensive then the older version even when generics hit the market at the same time as the new name brand. For example, you can buy 120 5mg percocet for 1/2 the price as 60 10mg percocet. Same with the new 8mg dilaudid, you can buy twice as many 4mgs tabs as you can 8 mg tabs for half the price. The conveinance of only having to swallow one pill instead of two, doesn't make it worth twice the price to me. You can also save money if your paying cash by getting a 90 day supply vs 30 day if your doc is willing.
krash1
03-19-2006, 09:02 PM
Thanks for the info.
Has anyone tried Canada or Mexico for cheaper meds? I looked on a Canadian pharm website and couldn't find pricing for Kadian or MS Contin
Has anyone tried Canada or Mexico for cheaper meds? I looked on a Canadian pharm website and couldn't find pricing for Kadian or MS Contin
Shoreline
03-21-2006, 03:59 AM
Sorry Krash, I meant to say you have to dose MSC or genric MSC 3 times a day or every 8 hours. I didn't notice a huge change going from 200 of kadian TID to 200 of MSC TID as long as I took the MSC on time. Try Sams/walmart or Costoc for price and of course meth would be the cheapest, like 20-30 bucks a month cheap for a comparable dose.
Good luck, Dave
Good luck, Dave