Anyone take new drug Camzyos (mavacamten) for HCM?

Posted by captainterry @captainterry, May 25, 2022

Since FDA approval in April has anyone (non-clinical trial patient) actually obtained a prescription and had it filled? If so, when and where was the cardiologist located? Is the registration process for doctor/patient/Rx taking a long time for this much anticipated drug?
Thanks from a fellow patient!

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@manning2000

Yes, I’m taking it. My co-pay is $35/30 days. In my third month with this Med. At this point, I haven’t seen any changes yet.

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I was told my co-pay would be over $3500/month. Obviously I cannot afford that. I have received 30 days free for a trial and another 2 months on a grant and will be seeking financial assistance to get ready for the future. I’m very glad you managed to get the affordable co-pay.

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It was quickly explained to me that the first month was over $7000 but my part would be over $3000. Each month the cost decreases and my personal costs would drop so at the end of a year my cumulative cost would be over $7000 which the prepaid $10000 card would cover. So far ( I just finished 4 month on Camzyos) this has been correct and I have paid nothing. My statements come from Medicare. In my opinion, the person who told me this probably also doesn’t have a complete understanding of the process. If you google “cost for Camzyos” you’ll find a variety of answers such as “The cost for Camzyos oral capsule 2.5 mg is around $8,426 for a supply of 30 capsules, depending on the pharmacy you visit “ Or $75,000 for the year or $49 a month with insurance, etc. Camzyos use is still in a study phase and as happy as I am that I can take it and it works for me BMS needS us as part of their study. It doesn’t work for so many people and I am sure BMS is trying to find out why.

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@newtosohcm

Hello and thank you for your input. I’m curious about the funding you mentioned because I too received a foundation grant for $10,000 and was told that this grant would cover 2 months since the cost of 5 mg of Camzyos every day is $5000. How is it that your grant covers the cost for a year? I will be looking for grants continuously I guess for as long as I take this drug. Sigh.

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To clarify: I was told that the cost is $5000/month

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@nbs

You are so thoughtful to respond to my message. On the great side, Camzyos is totally working for me. From what I was told by my doctor's office, BMS assigned my specialty pharmacy. In St. Louis, no CVS is qualified to distribute REMS drugs (CVS is my regular pharmacy). My camzyos pharmacy has a $10,000 payment card distributed through BMS which more than covers the cost for one year so payment is not an issue. Aside from this once a month dance I do with the specialty pharmacy, I could not be happier. And I agree with you, how brilliant was it for someone to figure out that OHCM could be prevented by stopping excess miacin from triggering the actin on the heart muscle (basically a miacin inhibitor). All of your information will help others to ask questions ahead of time to avoid delays. I am so glad to hear how well you are doing and for so long!!!

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Hello and thank you for your input. I’m curious about the funding you mentioned because I too received a foundation grant for $10,000 and was told that this grant would cover 2 months since the cost of 5 mg of Camzyos every day is $5000. How is it that your grant covers the cost for a year? I will be looking for grants continuously I guess for as long as I take this drug. Sigh.

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@avcowie

I am in month 4 of trying Camzyos. It seems to have a negative effect on exertion symptoms - the recovery is longer and symptoms come on abruptly. I have asked my cardiologist if I can stop taking it as I feel no benefit. Now waiting to hear from the prescribing cardiologist to stop and go back to Rythmodan. On the bright side during that same conversation Dr Ong is going to co-ordinate my surgery for septal myectomy and mitral valve repair. Fingers crossed it happens before Christmas 🤞🤞

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Update
I stopped taking Camzyos 5 days ago since I was feeling even more tired and anxious on it. Today I feel better, just a bit more general muscle tightness and soreness than usual. My blood pressure medication is helping my heart stay as healthy as possible until the Camzyos is out of my system. Up to 30 days is what I read. Is that correct?

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@whidbey

I am not feeling well on Camzyos and am really curious about your experience!

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I am in month 4 of trying Camzyos. It seems to have a negative effect on exertion symptoms - the recovery is longer and symptoms come on abruptly. I have asked my cardiologist if I can stop taking it as I feel no benefit. Now waiting to hear from the prescribing cardiologist to stop and go back to Rythmodan. On the bright side during that same conversation Dr Ong is going to co-ordinate my surgery for septal myectomy and mitral valve repair. Fingers crossed it happens before Christmas 🤞🤞

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@whidbey

I am not feeling well on Camzyos and am really curious about your experience!

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I am sorry to hear you are feeling unwell, @whidbey.
@nbs has good advice for you, and I would also suggest you let your cardiologist know what is going on and that you feel crummy.
Hopefully other Camzyos members can chime in with their experience and share and compare. I have learned so much from them and can only imagine how you must be feeling...a month in and not doing so great. You just began taking it recently, like last month, correct?

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@whidbey

I am not feeling well on Camzyos and am really curious about your experience!

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Definitely let your doctor's office know how you are feeling. How are you not feeling well? There might be others who have had the same reaction. My only side effect had been feeling very tired but once my dose was lowered that effect disappeared.

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@nbs

No, but Dr. Owens is brilliant. My cardiologist is Dr. Prabhu - also brilliant. I am only a few months ahead of you being on Camzyos. I think your doctor has more HCM patients involved with camzyos than my doctor and hopefully yours has figured out how to navigate Optum. Best of luck! I hope it works for you.

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I am not feeling well on Camzyos and am really curious about your experience!

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@kelliw

Good morning! Yay that you have started! I am really hoping you will feel relief quickly! I did! It has been a life changer. I started March 30th. I have my life back! I am so happy you started sharing your journey with all of us. This group has been such a great support! Keep us posted! 🙂

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Thanks so much.

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