Fentanyl patch help - Pain Management Message Board

jokerschaos75 · 01-22-2008, 11:54 AM

Hi, I am new here and am hoping to find some help. I use the fentanyl 75mcg/hr patch. I have had 4 surgeries on my spine within 2 years and I am only 32. I lost my health insurance on the 1st of 2008 and my patches cost $410.00/month. I don't know how to pay for them and do not know of any generics out there, so if anyone has any idea's of what I should do, any places that give out samples, or any way to get them cheaper, please let me know, thanks for your time, Cheryl

brianpain33 · 01-22-2008, 02:12 PM

Cheryl:
I have a couple of suggestions for you to try:

1. look at the customer service number on the box of patches that you have. contact them and tell them your situation and see if they have any type of patient assistance

2. look at the thread at the top of this pain message board directory titled "Do you need help in paying for your medications"

3. do an internet search on presription medication assistance

4. Ask your doctor to switch you over to Methadone which is one of the cheapest narcotic medications out there and provides excellent pain control similar to the patches. Call your pharmacy and ask how much a 30 day supply of methadone would be.

5. If you are on the Brand Duragesic then ask your pharmacy how much a 30 day supply of generic patches would be preferably the Sandoz brand which is pretty much the same as the Duragesic brand. I did a search and found that a 30 day supply of generic Sandoz brand patches should be around $210. I know that is still alot but cheaper than over $400.

I am sure you will get some type of help from one of these options. I know other members will have other suggestions too.

Brian

conductor · 01-22-2008, 08:54 PM

Dear Cheryl,

Brain did an excellent job of suggesting ways to help your situation. Please read and re-read his #5 suggestion! I am a patch user, as well--75 mcg, in fact. I change it every 2 days, which means I use 15 patches per month. SANDOZ patches are made by the same lab as the Brand Name Duragesic. The Mylan generic is probably cheaper, but it did nothing for me in the form of pain relief! The SANDOZ generic is worth every extra penny! As you can tell...this is a soap box issue for me.

Sincerely,
Jon (Conductor)

jokerschaos75 · 01-26-2008, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brianpain33

Cheryl:
I have a couple of suggestions for you to try:

1. look at the customer service number on the box of patches that you have. contact them and tell them your situation and see if they have any type of patient assistance

2. look at the thread at the top of this pain message board directory titled "Do you need help in paying for your medications"

3. do an internet search on presription medication assistance

4. Ask your doctor to switch you over to Methadone which is one of the cheapest narcotic medications out there and provides excellent pain control similar to the patches. Call your pharmacy and ask how much a 30 day supply of methadone would be.

5. If you are on the Brand Duragesic then ask your pharmacy how much a 30 day supply of generic patches would be preferably the Sandoz brand which is pretty much the same as the Duragesic brand. I did a search and found that a 30 day supply of generic Sandoz brand patches should be around $210. I know that is still alot but cheaper than over $400.

I am sure you will get some type of help from one of these options. I know other members will have other suggestions too.

Brian

Thanks for all the info and help, greatly appreciated, thanks again Cheryl V

jokerschaos75 · 01-26-2008, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by conductor

Dear Cheryl,

Brain did an excellent job of suggesting ways to help your situation. Please read and re-read his #5 suggestion! I am a patch user, as well--75 mcg, in fact. I change it every 2 days, which means I use 15 patches per month. SANDOZ patches are made by the same lab as the Brand Name Duragesic. The Mylan generic is probably cheaper, but it did nothing for me in the form of pain relief! The SANDOZ generic is worth every extra penny! As you can tell...this is a soap box issue for me.

Sincerely,
Jon (Conductor)

Thanks for your help as well, greatly appreciated. You know I should switch to the 48 hrs. due to the fact by the time the 3rd day rolls around, I am dead, I cant walk, stiff all over and it just stinks waiting for the 72 hrs to be up. I am going to tell new Dr. to HELP me, thanks again. Cheryl