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Cost of treatment
I am currently living in Panama, without insurance and have been diagnosed with NETS, biopsied and they believe its origin is the small intestine . I have had 2 Lanreotide shots , one each month and Im about to have my third. An evaluation is to occur after this shot which so far has been good. I feel great and my wife is a retired oncology nurse and she says I show no signs of cancer. The Lanreotide shots are over $2000 per shot. Does anyone know how to lower this cost?
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I don't know anything about Panama, but there are generic versions of Lanreotide that might cost less. There is also Octreotide and in Panama the new Octreotide capsule might be an option. (not yet approved for NETs in the US). There might be programs or opportunities for co-pay assistance. Maybe your wife knows somebody where she used to work that deals with those? Good luck.
Not sure if IPSEN Cares program for Lanreotide injections is available in your area but you can Google it & see.
I was also going to suggest you look into the Ipsen Care program. They are the company that makes the Lanreotide. It is likely you will be taking this monthly shot for a long time, so it is a good idea to connect with Ipsen.
Also, if you haven't already, please consider consulting with one or more NET specialists. Here are some resources for newly doagnosed individuals, including how to find the specialists.
https://netrf.org/for-patients/
https://www.carcinoid.org/for-patients/diagnosis/newly-diagnosed-the-basics/
@mimighosh when my husband had these injections we received a grant for them. In the US our co pay was closer to $2500. It was our oncologist who helped us with this.
May I ask who provided the grant and how to proceed? Thank you so much for your input
His oncologist provided the form. The form is called PANO Service Request Form. PANO stands for patient assistance now oncology.
Actually, this was for his chemo drugs. So I gave you some mis information.Blue Cross Blue Shield covered his lanreotide. But this might work for lanreotide too.
You might also go on lanreotides website to see if they have a patient financial help section.
https://www.ipsencares.com/somatuline-depot-patient-support
This is where you will find the program from Ipsen which helps patients get access to Lanreotide.
They will need paperwork from your oncologist.