Income changes: How can I transition to less expensive drugs?

Hi @santafegal, did you talk to your therapist or a social worker about possible solutions to transitioning your drugs or if there may be financial assistance available to you?

Hello @santafegal! When you say you are doing onto Social Security does that mean you will have Medicare or is there a period where you will have no insurance. If you are going onto Medicare, there are various drug plans to choose from. You or a representative can investigate which plan will give you the lowest prescription costs. I hope this helps. Take care!

Hello, has anyone ever been on Fetzima?

What were the side effects you experienced?

I have read online but would like to hear from someone who has tried this medication.
Thank you.

Hi @dqg, You'll see that I moved your post to this one so you could connect with @santafegal who has taken Fetzima before.
Did your doctor suggest it or already prescribed it?

You might want to check patient assistance programs directly with pharmaceutical companies to see if you qualify.

There are weaning articles on the internet. I usually wean over a longer period, for lesser side effects. I was on Vioxx back in the day, and had to reduce costs: Dr found an older, cheaper drug that worked great, at lower price. So, have a good talk with your Dr or pharmacist before making any changes, particularly if this "cocktail" has been working well for you.
https://www.drugs.com/tips/rexulti-patient-tips#:~:text=It%20usually%20takes%205%20half,to%2019%20days%20for%20Rexulti.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326812#fda-warning

Hi, I've been on 80 mg. of Fetzima for about 6 years. I also take 60 mg. of Viibryd. I don't have any side effects but everyone is different. I have treatment resistant major depressive disorder. I've been taking medication since the late 1980's and nothing works for more than 5 or 6 months. I now want to get off all the meds. There is literally no medication I haven't tried. Some 2 or 3 times and all different combinations. So I may as well stop taking them. It will be under a doctor's supervision. You should give Fetzima a try. My experience is atypical and it may very well be the right drug for you. Your doctor should advise you about possible side effects.
Good Luck!

I take Fetzima and Viibryd, both of which have no generic. I went on Medicare last November and was also concerned about the cost.
I don't know your financial situation but if you are low income you can get "Extra Help". This will pay your monthly premium and cover most of the cost of your prescriptions. I only pay $4.00 for my Fetzima prescription (one month supply) and same for Viibryd. I have Wellcare prescription drug plan. If you get Medicare you must choose a drug plan. The best thing is to call Medicare. 1 (800) MEDICARE. They are there 24 hours. They will tell you what you are eligible for. They will look up drug plans and check if they cover your meds. You may want preaurho

You may need pre-authorizatiom from your doctor. It's a form the doctor fills out stating you need this drug and how long you've been on it. Don't call the phone numbers the celebraties advertise on TV. They work for insurance companies and get commissions. They don't have your best interests in mind. Call Medicare directly.
Good Luck! I hope I helped.