[lindkaye]

Hi there;

I am currently taking Lyrica and Cymbalta for my RSD and depression. I believe the Lyrica is helping - not in quite so much pain. The Cymbalta has also helped with my crying attacks, if you know what I mean! Problem I have is my husbands insurance changed and when I went to get the prescription refilled, they were denied at first. After many weeks and the dr sending the insurance company information- the insurance company has agreed to fill it for me. Problem is they are both at the high end - $50.00 each per month. I don't have the financial funds for $100 a month just for these two drugs. I am on other meds and paying for PT on my own. Does anyone have suggestions for other drugs I could try that work for you instead of Lyrica or Cymbalta? I cannot take Neurotin - I swell up really bad. I plan on asking the dr when I see him - just thought words from experienced people might give me ideas to pass thru to the dr when I see him. Also - does anyone get aching from Lyrica? I have severe body aches in my joints and not sure if it is the Lyrica or not. Tonite even my fingertips ache! Guess I better go get some cheese to go with my whine! hehe Thanks for your responses.

[ali12]

Hi Lindkaye,

I used to take Lyrica and it didn't help me at all ... I had to come off it as it made me feel pretty dizzy and was affecting my Blood Pressure after a period of time!!

I'm not sure what other drugs might help you - you really have to keep in mind that EVERYONE is different and no two drugs work the same for two people, it is really a matter of "trial and error" and seeing what works best for you and what has the less side-effects etc.

For me, the only drug that has worked is Ketamine. I am only allowed to take it on my really bad days though as my Doctor feels that it could potentially mess around with my hormones and create more problems because of my age. I was put on the Ketamine as a last resort and it is basically only mainly used when you have tried all other meds and nothing works for you!!!

It might take a bit of time but you WILL find something that works for you one day ... just keep in mind though that everyone is different and no-one can tell you to try such and such a drug because it worked for them as it might not work for you!!! You really have to make your own mind up when it comes to taking the medications and don't let anyone tell you what you should and shouldn't do - it's your body!!!

I really hope you can find something that can help you soon! Are you on Ibuprofean? That can help for some people with the swelling although it might not work for you!! Also it might be worthwhile taking Vitamin C to try and prevent Osteoperosis but please talk to your doctor and see what he/she suggests.

I'm thinking about you and please keep us all updated when you can!!

[bassman]

Originally Posted by ali12

I'm not sure what other drugs might help you - you really have to keep in mind that EVERYONE is different and no two drugs work the same for two people, it is really a matter of "trial and error" and seeing what works best for you and what has the less side-effects etc.

Lindkaye,

I whole-heartily agree with Ali. Getting the right combination of drugs is something your doctors need to do, as reactions and inter-actions with other things you might be taking need to be studied on an individual basis.

Please discuss the financial aspect with your doctor, the medical assistant or nurse, and your pharmacist. Sometime drug companies have programs to help take care of the co-pay so you have very little or no out-of-pocket expenses. The above-mentioned people might know about this. Otherwise, if you tell them you are having trouble paying, they might come up with a generic or substitute that works. One drug I am on cost $1,500 per month. I was enrolled in a manufacturer's program where they took care of the co-pay (after insurance) for the first six months. What a help that was.

There is a problem in the United States with people not taking needed medicine because of cost. This is especially true of senior citizens who often have worse insurance than working people.

Good luck to you,

Mike

[llrn7470]

Try to contact the makers of the drugs. Many drug companies have programs to help get them to people who need the at little to no cost. I know that Astra-Zeneca is one, but unsure who makes Cymbalta and Lyrica. The name of the drug complany should be on the bottle in tiny print. If you can't find it, ask the pharmacist and google it.
Hope this helps.
Lori Lee

[daniella]

Hi. I was on both of those at one time and my insurance does not cover meds at all. Anyhow they didn't help me and Lyrica I had side effects. Anyhow I would encourage you to talk to your doc about the finance issues. I have gotten samples of meds from docs at least to know if I can tolerate. Also letting your doc know about your finance issue can help them start you off on a drug that is more affordable. Sorry I wish I had more answers for you but I have had little success with oral meds.

[GalenaFaolan]

Here are some links to check out. If you make a certain amount per year, you can get the lyrica for free. When I was on it I checked it out but, as usual, hubs makes too much money for me to get anything at all. Stupid income limits if you ask me.

http://www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com/...tails.aspx?p=2

I opened up the income limit guidelines but if it's not there just click on the underlined household income guidelines. For me, we have 3 in our house hubby has to make at or under $36,620 a year. To qualify you, if you meet that, print out an application, the doc fills it out and you send your tax return along with it. They send the meds to your doc, a 3 month supply.The application and authorization for you take to the doc is at the bottom.

For Cymbalta the guidelines are Basic eligibility requirements are as follows:

* Patients must be legal US residents.
* Patients' income must be below certain levels, based on the number of people in the household. (I believe it would be the same income thing as lyrica.)
* Patients must not have any other prescription drug coverage (Medicaid, VA, Blue Cross, Medicare Part D, etc.)
* Patients must not be eligible for Medicare.

http://www.lillycares.com/index.jsp

This one on the lyrica site gives you the programs you are eligible for which include low cost options. http://www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com/...c/default.aspx

Just click the get started button.

Some others......

http://www.qdrug.com/sf/

http://www.needymeds.org/ --- Look on the left side for the list of programs.

This website is for a discount card for meds. It's free! :-) I was using it before florida came out with their drug discount card and I switched to that. It does cut money off your cost if you can't find a better option from any of the programs and links above.

http://www.esunhealth.net/

Hope this helps you and anyone else who needs it.

Hugs,

Karen