Dear Shelley -

Ever since I've been with Dr. Richeimer (2003) I've been using a compounded ketamine gel. The current mix is Ketamine, Gabapentine and Lidocaine (10, 5 and 5%, respectively) in an "Ogel," and works wonders. Although it's prescribed twice a day, I generally only use it at bedtime, unless my feet are really hurting and I have to put on shoes and socks to go somewhere. As such, 500 ml. lasts about two months, which is ironic because if I was using it 2/day as prescribed I would go through it in a month, and yet my insurance co. is only willing to pay for 400 ml./mo. as prescribed.

As I just Noted in Debbie's thread, I just learned a couple of months ago about the 400 ml. policy from my wife, where we are required to pay cash up front and my wife - as the named insured - gets the check months later. I will try to have the Rx changed to 400 ml./mo. and see what happens: the carrier may well lower the allowed amount to 300ml. TBD.

Also, there is an enormous discrepancy in what compounding pharmacies charge in our area. Not surprisingly, an outfit in BH is extremely expensive, whereas I highly recommend a little place that I understand may be much more convenient for you and with which you are probably already well acquainted: on 15th St. between Wilshire and Arizona, ask for Lisa.

Mike