Xifaxan

Insurance brought it down to about $700. My pharmacy found an additional coupon that got the Xifaxin down to $50. Plus it really helped me a lot.

Also, I got it refilled at that price before anyone changed their mind. I haven't taken the second round or needed to yet. I guess it's my own insurance policy against needing it. I.e., if I have it, I won't need it.

@cindychesler So it would have cost you about the same as what we paid if not for a coupon. When I was on it we did not find any coupons that we qualified for. Also, I had heard that the retail price was lower now since the time had run out when there could not be competition from generics. I guess that is not true. That's a shame because I cannot imagine not being able to have it if you need it but can't afford it. It was a sacrifice for us but one my husband thought was worth it.
JK

@techi I never had a problem with xifaxan, but lactulose made me sick to my stomach. That was the justification the hepatologist used so my insurance would pay for it, she had to submit a reason. I hated lactulose, as most people who are on it do. I was able to manage with just xifaxan for almost a year.
JK

@cindychesler I'm surprised your insurance allowed you to get it refilled before it was about to run out. I am on Medicare and they seem to be very strict about that. The immunosuppressants I take are quite costly and I cannot get them refilled until a couple of days before I would run out of them, which worries me in the winter. They get refilled at a specialty pharmacy in Boston and are shipped up here so if we ran into any really bad weather that could cause a delay, or if I am going away and will need a refill during that time.
JK

I took the first round with good results. When I followed up with my gastroenterologist, she told me I might need a second round. She went further to say that many of her patients require 2-3 rounds. There was a refill on my prescription and she advised that I go ahead and get it refilled. The insurance company did not fill it early. I am simply being prepared.

The pricing structure of pharmaceuticals is certainly a mystery to me. I have no idea about patents expiring, etc. I agree, it is an absolute shame that many who need it can't get it. I wish I had gotten it years ago.

@johnbishop John my doctor nurse asked me about if l was having trouble getting xifaxan. She was telling me she can get if for me if l needed it. So l don't know what resources they have with the company but they can get it for you. I don't think it a cost but sometimes l am a little scared of things so easy. Maybe it's just me. I was taking milk thistle and when l was in the hospital they didn't give it to me because it herbal but the gastroenterologist l had told me to get it. And it's highly recommended for the liver.

Hi Lisa @techi, Your doctors nurse may be getting samples from the company but it might be a question you could ask her. I did see that the manufacturer has discounted coupon that allows you to get it pretty cheap.

thanks