1. Community
  2. Infections
  3. Shingles

Was diagnosed and uninsured. Pricy meds

Posted , 7 users are following.

tech45627
tech45627

I have no insurance, still went to an ER. Turned 26 in December, so no longer had parents insurance. I am a freelance web developer and haven't had projects in a long while so I haven't been able to get any insurance as I've had no funds. Anyways...

They gave me a prescription for FAMVIR (famciclovir) 500 MG and NORCO (hydrocodone-acetaminophen) 5-325 MG. I was only able to pick up the pain medicine. The antiviral price was like $150, and that was after asking about discounts. I had them keep it on hold, basically i'm curious if I magically get together enough money soon would it even be helpful by the time. I first developed the blisters about 3 days ago.

1 like, 24 replies

24 Replies

Prev
  • tech45627
    tech45627

    Posted

    Got the prescription changed to acyclovir. Just under $15! if it wouldn't have been so late last night when I found out the price of the famciclovir, I would've tried to get it changed then. Thanks for that tip broncho!
    • Bronco46
      Bronco46 tech45627

      Posted

      I'm glad you were able to get treatment for a more reasonable cost. 
  • cindie44671
    cindie44671 tech45627

    Posted

    I didn't recognize the rash, and thought it was an allergic reaction. I didn't even go to the doctor till about 10 days after I got the first spots. I got on the medication then, and it stopped it from spreading, and started it quickly into the healing process. It wasn't showing any signs of stopping before the medication, so hopefully it helps you too! 
  • Jmac2
    Jmac2 tech45627

    Posted

    Will the pharmacy split the script so many now and rest when money comes in. I don't know where you live but in Oklahoma there are places like Neighbors on the line, The ministry Center and church's that will give you vouchers to get meds.or take you with the money to get meds. Also some charities that are around. Check with your local church they should have info as to who may help you. I hope the monitors allow this post because there are so many people who are not aware of the help you can get.
    • tech45627
      tech45627 Jmac2

      Posted

      I don't know if they would've done that or not. But I posted 3 days ago, that I got the doc to change the prescription to acyclovir which was much much cheaper, and I actually had enough to go get it as soon as CVS got it ready. I live in Oklahoma actually and was not aware of those. Not religious at all, so guess i'm not surprised that I don't know.
    • Merry19451
      Merry19451 tech45627

      Posted

      I'm glad you got the Acyclovir, Tech. I hope you are feeling better, Okie!
  • steve_1
    steve_1 tech45627

    Posted

    Just out of curiosity and my English nosyness, how much does health insurance cost in the US, say enough to cover all eventuallities?
    • Merry19451
      Merry19451 steve_1

      Posted

      Mine costs ~$350.00. I am on medicare, which I paid into over the course of my work years. My supplemental health insurance covers everything! I chose the best one. The overall tax rate is much lower in the States than in the UK and Europe. You therefore need to pay for certain types of care which the UK and Europeans take for granted. I know we see a lot of people from the UK in cancer centers who couldn't get necessary treatment in their own country. No system is perfect. I despise the Congress who watered down the ACA law, Affordable Care Act, as in its original form would have given the Americans great health care at a great price.

      Some people pay much more than I do for health care.

    • Jmac2
      Jmac2 steve_1

      Posted

      For my husband and I through his work it is 290 pre-taxed. That is after witching insurance companies before that it ran 350.. Not to but in on conversation.
Back to top
Prev

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.