Hi folks,

A dear friend in my support group is losing her medical insurance, and will no longer be able to afford the oxycontin she has depended on for several years. Needless to say, she's pretty freaked out about the whole situation.

She believes her only viable (affordable) alternative is methadone. She is currently on a dosage of 240-280 mg. oxycontin/day (depending on breakthrough).

1. Does anyone know of any other affordable alternatives?
   
2. I have made her aware of the wisdom of getting an EKG, but I do not understand the part about "QT events" I've seen mentioned in posts here.
   
3. She has concerns (fears) about the conversion process (withdrawal, pain, reactions). Any comments/experience?
   
4. What else can she expect in the way of side effects, long-term effects, or anything else?
   
5. Anything else she should know or be aware of about methadone (or any other suggested alternatives) for chronic pain?

She has been told she will be on these medications for the rest of her life, barring any major miraculous surgical breakthroughs.

I have provided her with everything I have, but I want her to know as much as possible in order to make an informed decision, be safe, and have effective pain control.

Thanks folks,

Doc