Arikayce vs Amikacin

Robin,
Which Part D plan do you have?
Thanks,
Harry

Thank you @mjb24. My doctor offered IV Amikacin today at my appointment. We are considering our options… yes, it does seem rather unfair- especially because choosing the government insurance is required once a person turns 65. Failure to do so will result in being financially penalized. The private insurance I had prior to age 65 was very good. Oh well.. I remain grateful for so many other things, I’ll choose to focus on those. Be well.

I talked to my Arikayce coordinator today and there is another patient assistance program to help with co-pays if you are on Medicare or another federal insurance. She told me that most people are covered one way or another. Just wanted to share that update.

I was on IV amikacin for four months after I got a bad reaction to rifabutin ( high liver enzymes) . I had it 3 times a week and was going to the infusion place. I had a port( a PEP line I think it’s called which was put in the hospital setting) in my arm and it was very convenient except I got allergic to the dressing that covered the port. Otherwise I felt stronger. True for about 2 hours after the infusion I was tired and I believe I lost some hair but It helped me a lot and I believe that was the time I converted to being MAC negative. The only thing to remember is please make sure they check you kidney and liver function- it was done once a week. This was my experience. Good luck to you. If your blood work is fine you should be all right.