CREON..Pancreatic enzyme supplement cost

Posted by altc321 @altc321, Aug 18, 2023

If you’re using CREON, has anyone chef the difference in prices from CVS retail and CVC mail order? I paid $190 for a one month supply (90 capsules) on my first order my local CVS. At my Mayo session yesterday, the nurse ordered my refill but used the Mayo pharmacy, which uses CVS mail order. I was shocked at the price difference… for a 3 month supply (270 capsules), the price was $90!!! Don’t know why the big cost difference, but hope this is real when delivered.
Has anyone had this experience?
Altc333

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@lvtexas

Can you share pharmacy? And do you get perscription directly from your doctor?

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canada pharmacy online. you need to setup an account (very easy), your doctor will need to send in the prescription to their phamacy.

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@lgk2948

Thank you, we have tried that, apparently our income is slightly above the limit. We now purchase from Canada and save a substantial amount on our purchase.

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Can I ask how you get it from Canada? Does your Dr have to write a prescription to a particular pharmacy up there or is it just ordered through the mail?

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You need to first setup a account at Canada Pharmacy Online, then have your doctor send (fax) the prescription to them. Then you go online to your account and order the Creon. I purchase 300 units for $455. We tried Abbvie, but, they weren't to helpful for us.

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@lgk2948

CVS charge us $635 for 120 capsules, we are in CA. I wonder why the price is so high

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@lgk2948

If you are not able to get reduced cost through the Creon website, you might try the Good RX website and see if you get a better price there.

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Yes, I had the same experience. When my oncologist recommended creon, I called my insurance company to find out how much it would cost. The cost was unbelievable! The hospital that preformed the whipple has a pharmacy that helps patients get medication at a reduced cost if your income is within a certain level. There were so many forms to fill out that it was overwhelming. I had just had surgery and I was so fatigued, filling out, copying and faxing the forms seemed like an impossible task. Then, my insurance company put me in touch with CVS Caremark mail order. I get a three month supply of 36,000 usp creon tablets for $90.00!! I take it three times a day so it lasts me for three months.

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I get two different doses of Creon from the Abbvie company for free by mail. I did not fill out anything. My oncology office did it all. My husband and I are both retired teachers, so not high income. There is a customer service number you can call for help.

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I have Medicare with a part G plan and drug coverage with AARP. I am in what is called the donut hole now and my last script for 200 24000 Creon was $380. If I get through the donut hole that will go down a lot and next year after the deductible before the donut hole it will be less also. I also checked with a Canadian Pharmacy and that would have been a little less once you add in shipping. But if I did that I would not move closer to getting through the donut hole. I figure I will make up the extra and then some if I just stay with my Part D AARP plan. It is the lowest cost if I go to my local Walgreens. Mail order would be more and other pharmacies would be more expensive. There in a Medicare site where I can compare drug plans. I just list the meds I take and it tells me what plan would be less expensive. This year it was the AARP plan. I can change my part d plan every year if I want and there are no penalties.

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@whipple2232

Yes, I had the same experience. When my oncologist recommended creon, I called my insurance company to find out how much it would cost. The cost was unbelievable! The hospital that preformed the whipple has a pharmacy that helps patients get medication at a reduced cost if your income is within a certain level. There were so many forms to fill out that it was overwhelming. I had just had surgery and I was so fatigued, filling out, copying and faxing the forms seemed like an impossible task. Then, my insurance company put me in touch with CVS Caremark mail order. I get a three month supply of 36,000 usp creon tablets for $90.00!! I take it three times a day so it lasts me for three months.

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@whipple2232, so helpful and good to know. Thank you.

How long ago was your surgery? How are you doing now?

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@colleenyoung

@whipple2232, so helpful and good to know. Thank you.

How long ago was your surgery? How are you doing now?

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Hi Colleen. Thank you for reaching out. I had whipple surgery in October 2023 after a routine endoscopy discovered a 50mm sessile polyp at the ampulla. A biopsy showed the tumor was benign, but I was told that this type of tumor had the potential of becoming cancerous. Due to its size and location, whipple surgery was the only way to remove it. I am fortunate to live in close proximity to an excellent cancer hospital and I had faith in my surgeon and her staff. The surgery is a difficult one with many possible complications and side effects. I didn't want to live in fear, however, so I decided to have the tumor removed. It's been eight months now and I'm still trying to get used to the "new normal". I still get fatigued easily and I'm working on replacing the weight I lost. It also affects your mental health. The term "chronic illness burnout" comes to mind. I had no luck locating any whipple support groups locally, so I decided to sign on to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am helped and humbled by all of the posts. I was very fortunate that this tumor was discovered before it got worse. I will prayer for everyone who has gone through this surgery. And chemo and radiation? I can't even imagine the amount of strength that takes. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your group.

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