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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 16 of 16. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by RobertDavid on April 3, 2006, at 15:58:33
According to a call I had with BMS today, drug reps are out this week with EMSAM in hand to deliver samples to doctors. BMS suggested that if my doctor did not get samples, but wanted them, he/she should conact their drug rep at BMS and samples would be delivered. I've requested my Dr. to ask for samples for me to get it quicker (it's been such a long wait) not to mention perhaps saving money on paying for a perscription should it not work for me. My isurance won't cover it.
Otherwise, they indicated that EMSAM was being shipped to wholesalers on the 10th of this month. Appearantly the wholesalers then sell it to the parmacies. It would appear that scripts should be able to be filled shortly thereafter/by mid month. Just an FYI for those anxious to give EMSAM a try.
Rob
Posted by ed_uk on April 3, 2006, at 16:33:18
In reply to EMSAM availability update-BMS reps have it., posted by RobertDavid on April 3, 2006, at 15:58:33
That's pretty cool.
Thanks for posting :)
Ed
Posted by Phillipa on April 3, 2006, at 18:20:41
In reply to Re: EMSAM availability update-BMS reps have it. » RobertDavid, posted by ed_uk on April 3, 2006, at 16:33:18
The big but word. How many docs will even want the samples? Love Phillipa
Posted by gibber on April 3, 2006, at 22:53:45
In reply to EMSAM availability update-BMS reps have it., posted by RobertDavid on April 3, 2006, at 15:58:33
Is there any sort of official source for this information on the net? That way I can let my slightly reluctant doctor know about it. Who would he contact for samples...do you have a phone number?
Posted by CEK on April 4, 2006, at 11:04:23
In reply to Re: EMSAM availability update-BMS reps have it., posted by gibber on April 3, 2006, at 22:53:45
My pdoc acts like there are no other options if it's not a SSRI. I think if I even brought it up, he'd jump over the desk and strangle me.
Posted by RobertDavid on April 4, 2006, at 12:18:50
In reply to Re: EMSAM availability update-BMS reps have it., posted by gibber on April 3, 2006, at 22:53:45
> Is there any sort of official source for this information on the net? That way I can let my slightly reluctant doctor know about it. Who would he contact for samples...do you have a phone number?
I called BMS at 800-631-5244, followed a few prompts and got to a live voice. They gave me the info. If your doc has a BMS rep, or calls one he/she should be able to get samples. Otherwise per my post it should be available in pharmacies within 2 weeks (all this according to BMS).
Good luck
Rob
Posted by djmmm on April 5, 2006, at 23:37:56
In reply to Re: EMSAM availability update-BMS reps have it. » gibber, posted by RobertDavid on April 4, 2006, at 12:18:50
> > Is there any sort of official source for this information on the net? That way I can let my slightly reluctant doctor know about it. Who would he contact for samples...do you have a phone number?
>
> I called BMS at 800-631-5244, followed a few prompts and got to a live voice. They gave me the info. If your doc has a BMS rep, or calls one he/she should be able to get samples. Otherwise per my post it should be available in pharmacies within 2 weeks (all this according to BMS).
>
> Good luck
> RobDoes anyone have an idea of what Emsam will cost?
Posted by RobertDavid on April 5, 2006, at 23:44:28
In reply to Re: EMSAM availability update-BMS reps have it., posted by djmmm on April 5, 2006, at 23:37:56
> Does anyone have an idea of what Emsam will cost?
Today BMS told me my doc would have samples for me by Friday and that I should be able to get my script filled next week. I'll post the cost when I pick it up.
Posted by Enigma on April 6, 2006, at 12:54:59
In reply to EMSAM availability update-BMS reps have it., posted by RobertDavid on April 3, 2006, at 15:58:33
Is there a webpage of info, say, tailored for doctors? I want to print out a page of info, or more, and fax it to my doctors office.
MAOI's are the only AD's that have ever helped me, and I've tried too many to list.
My ^#&!@^% doctor hasn't even heard of the patch. How sad. I knew about it years ago, when it was in testing.. jeez.
Posted by RobertDavid on April 6, 2006, at 14:11:36
In reply to Re: EMSAM availability update-BMS reps have it., posted by Enigma on April 6, 2006, at 12:54:59
> Is there a webpage of info, say, tailored for doctors? I want to print out a page of info, or more, and fax it to my doctors office.
Go to www.bms.com, then click on "products", then click on EMSAM. It has complete perscribing and other detailed info there. Good luck Rob
Posted by bassman on April 6, 2006, at 19:00:01
In reply to Re: EMSAM availability update-BMS reps have it. » Enigma, posted by RobertDavid on April 6, 2006, at 14:11:36
Does anyone have a feeling for whether the 6 mg (no dietary restrictions) dose would be sufficient? Our MAOI expert opinions? Also, if you have to have the higher dose and then have to follow dietary restrictions, what would be the advantage of the transdermal delivery versus oral?
Posted by RobertDavid on April 6, 2006, at 19:25:47
In reply to Re: EMSAM availability update-BMS reps have it., posted by bassman on April 6, 2006, at 19:00:01
> Does anyone have a feeling for whether the 6 mg (no dietary restrictions) dose would be sufficient? Our MAOI expert opinions? Also, if you have to have the higher dose and then have to follow dietary restrictions, what would be the advantage of the transdermal delivery versus oral?
Below is info about EMSAM from www.bms.com regarding dietary restrictions:
EMSAM is an irreversible MAO inhibitor. As a class, these compounds have been associated with
hypertensive crises caused by the ingestion of foods containing high amounts of tyramine. In its entirety, the data for EMSAM 6 mg/24 hours support the recommendation that a modified diet is not required at this dose. Due to the more limited data available for EMSAM 9 mg/24 hours and 12 mg/24 hours, patients receiving these
doses should follow Dietary Modifications Required for Patients Taking EMSAM 9 mg/24 hours and 12 mg/24 hours.My understanding is that dietary restictions are not necessary at the 6mg (20mg patch)dose and that they most likely are not necessary at the higher doses. The reason for the food restriction for the higher doses is just that as they say "limited data". My doc tells me that they just didn't spend the money to test for it at higher doses. There are still drug interactions to be conserned with though.
As far as advantages vs oral, 24 hour steady stream of medicine/single daily dosing, significantly reduced side effects, more effective (all of course we'll know more about as it is used).
That said, I got my script to a pharmacy, they ordered it and said I can pick it up tomrorrow. Saturday morning will be my first day. I'll post how I'm doing, starting with the 20 mg patch.
Posted by Enigma on April 7, 2006, at 12:31:53
In reply to Re: EMSAM availability update-BMS reps have it., posted by RobertDavid on April 6, 2006, at 19:25:47
Thanks man, look forward to hearing how it goes.
I faxed some data from the fda about Ensam to my "doctor". I'm curious how she'll react when she receives the fax. ;)Celexa just isn't doing a thing for me, besides causing fatigue and anxiety. :(
I want to quit now so I can go on Emsam in a couple weeks.I'm pretty sure my doctor will go for it.
If she doesn't, I'll look for another doctor, yet again.I still can't believe she prescribed me an SSRI after soooo many have failed miserably for me in the past (and she has my past-pill list).
Jeeez.
Posted by RobertDavid on April 7, 2006, at 14:22:29
In reply to Re: EMSAM availability update-BMS reps have it., posted by Enigma on April 7, 2006, at 12:31:53
Yep, just picked up EMSAM. $440 for 30 patches I'm sorry to report. Insane. Should it work my only hope is that the price will come down particularly with the bigger pharmacies.
Anyway, I've got the patch on, I'll post how I do. Rob
Posted by Enigma on April 7, 2006, at 17:28:06
In reply to Re: EMSAM availability update-BMS reps have it., posted by RobertDavid on April 7, 2006, at 14:22:29
Ok, question for ya...
Too tired to read the whole thread :(... Did you say that your insurance wouldn't cover Emsam?
Even if it helps me (if I get it), I can't swing $440 each month for it... not in my current situation anyway..
I have Bluecross BS New England.. I'll have to call them and see if they will cover it.
Odd, just did my taxes, and either I screwed up severely, or being on disability really helped me out. I should have owed a good deal of money (for cashing in on ESPP shares), but instead I'm going to be getting a small refund. Hmmm.. I'll have to go over these numbers again.
Posted by RobertDavid on April 8, 2006, at 10:58:05
In reply to Re: EMSAM availability update-BMS reps have it., posted by Enigma on April 7, 2006, at 17:28:06
For those interested I'm starting a new link for my EMSAM trial as I'm on mulitple links regarding EMSAM. I've finished my first 24 hours.
This is the end of the thread.
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