Connect
Benlysta Preauthorization Denied; Pain Meds That Help Lupus?
Hi all! Hope you're doing good. I learned last week that my insurance denied my doctor's preauthorization request for Benlysta, a biologic designed for Lupus. Disappointing to say the least.
Insurance is requiring I first try Plaquenil, which I understand is very common and foundational for many autoimmune conditions, but my doctor originally said it isn't "strong enough" for my numbers and pain symptoms, and so, that's why we started with Methotrexate (but had to stop because my white blood cells dropped too low).
Sigh. It's a process. But my pain while I wait 2-4 months for Plaquenil to kick in isnt adequately resolved by daily Prednisone, and I'm having to temporarily add pain meds.
Questions: Has anyone tried Benlysta for Lupus? Did it resolve joint and/or muscle pain? How long did it take to kick in?
And, has anyone found a prescription pain med that helps with autoimmune joint and muscle pain, as a bridge while finding the right immuno modulator/immuno suppressant? I'm hearing good things about Cymbalta.
Thank you!
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Autoimmune Diseases Support Group.
Connect
Unfortunately my daughter is now on very strong pain pills for lupus, RA, Crohns, bechets, and one more I can't think of right now. I don't suggest doing this. There is a new pain drug out, I can find out the name from her later, that is not a narcotic. You can probably look it up. And will your doctor help you argue with the insurance. Sometimes if the doctors pushes, or adds another reason, they will give in. It's worth a try. All these disease come with their own pain. None of it is easy on you. I am a mother, 84 and relatively healthy. It's my daughter, and she is living with me. She is on long term use of steroids, as she is allergic to every one of the new wonder drugs.
Unfortunately my daughter is now on very strong pain pills for lupus, RA, Crohns, bechets, and one more I can't think of right now. I don't suggest doing this. There is a new pain drug out, I can find out the name from her later, that is not a narcotic. You can probably look it up. And will your doctor help you argue with the insurance. Sometimes if the doctors pushes, or adds another reason, they will give in. It's worth a try. All these disease come with their own pain. None of it is easy on you. I am a mother, 84 and relatively healthy. It's my daughter, and she is living with me. She is on long term use of steroids, as she is allergic to every one of the new wonder drugs. Careful with Cymbalta. I would not suggest trying that one for pain. If you go on line and a read, some people have a very bad emotional reaction that looks like a mental health issue, but isn't. I have talked to 2 people that had this same experience. There are better drugs.