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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Janice1 on November 14, 2000, at 17:58:45
Hello everyone,
I'm on both Topamax and Wellbutrin, which are both pretty expensive drugs even up here in Canada. Currently I have great insurance which covers 95% of the cost of the medications, but the insurance runs out the end of December and since I have moved to a new province, I cannot continue on with this insurance policy (Waaaa!). So my point is I really don't want to be paying for the Topamax or Wellbutrin...my total drug bill is $200 Canadian (approximately $140 US) a month.
So here's my question, would it be ethical to ask my doctor (who I've met only once in this new province I'm in) to prescribe me more of my expensive medications so I can stock up on them during the time when I have no insurance?
I'll admit, I'm cheap and I'm spoiled but I can't help it. Who wants to spend $200 a month on medications? I have no ethical or moral concerns about the insurance companies, my only concern is in asking a doctor I barely know to do this. Is this inappropriate, outrageous, totally fine, done all the time?
thanks folks, as always, for your great help, Janice
Posted by dj on November 14, 2000, at 20:13:21
In reply to Would this be ethical?, posted by Janice1 on November 14, 2000, at 17:58:45
> So my point is I really don't want to be paying for the Topamax or Wellbutrin...my total drug bill is $200 Canadian (approximately $140 US) a month.
>
The only ethical issue is the OBSCENE profits the drug companies (and other corps) make for their shareholders while charging RUDE amounts of money for those who really need the meds. In the NY Times today there's an article about how drugs are the biggest cost in the US system. Go figure...and they only deal with symptoms, never mind root causes...Go for it, Janice!!
dj
Posted by Shell on November 14, 2000, at 21:38:59
In reply to Re: Just do it!!!, posted by dj on November 14, 2000, at 20:13:21
After your insurance runs out, you might also ask if your doctor has samples. Some doctors save their drug samples to give to patients who do not have prescription drug coverage.
Does Canadian health insurance cover multiple refills in a 30-day period? (I think that is what you meant, you are going to get several refills on each of your prescriptions while you still have insurance.) I know that my insurance (in the US) will only pay for a thirty-day supply every thirty days, which means that I can not get my prescription refilled one day before that thirty-day period is up (unless I want to pay the full price), so it isn't possible to stock up on refills (or even to refill a prescription a few days in advance).
Shell
Posted by shar on November 14, 2000, at 22:56:24
In reply to Re: Just do it!!!, posted by Shell on November 14, 2000, at 21:38:59
Due to a clerical error on one of my scripts, I'm getting a double dose of ADs (it says take two twice a day). It should say take two once a day. If you bring it up with your p-doc, he/she may understand your position and do something for you, unless it would put you on too high a dose to justify.
Shar
> After your insurance runs out, you might also ask if your doctor has samples. Some doctors save their drug samples to give to patients who do not have prescription drug coverage.
>
> Does Canadian health insurance cover multiple refills in a 30-day period? (I think that is what you meant, you are going to get several refills on each of your prescriptions while you still have insurance.) I know that my insurance (in the US) will only pay for a thirty-day supply every thirty days, which means that I can not get my prescription refilled one day before that thirty-day period is up (unless I want to pay the full price), so it isn't possible to stock up on refills (or even to refill a prescription a few days in advance).
>
> Shell
Posted by pullmarine on November 15, 2000, at 0:10:24
In reply to Would this be ethical?, posted by Janice1 on November 14, 2000, at 17:58:45
> Hello everyone,
>
> I'm on both Topamax and Wellbutrin, which are both pretty expensive drugs even up here in Canada. Currently I have great insurance which covers 95% of the cost of the medications, but the insurance runs out the end of December and since I have moved to a new province, I cannot continue on with this insurance policy (Waaaa!). So my point is I really don't want to be paying for the Topamax or Wellbutrin...my total drug bill is $200 Canadian (approximately $140 US) a month.
>
> So here's my question, would it be ethical to ask my doctor (who I've met only once in this new province I'm in) to prescribe me more of my expensive medications so I can stock up on them during the time when I have no insurance?
>
> I'll admit, I'm cheap and I'm spoiled but I can't help it. Who wants to spend $200 a month on medications? I have no ethical or moral concerns about the insurance companies, my only concern is in asking a doctor I barely know to do this. Is this inappropriate, outrageous, totally fine, done all the time?
>
> thanks folks, as always, for your great help, Janice
Posted by stjames on November 15, 2000, at 0:49:01
In reply to Re: Just do it!!!, posted by dj on November 14, 2000, at 20:13:21
I've been doing this for quite some time. My doc does not
know it. Both my AD's, Effexor and Remeron are not covered by my HMO,
and it takes great effort to get them to.
Every 3 months I have to get reapproved. This has left me without meds for more than a month.
So I tell my doc I am taking twice as much. I try to keep
1-2 months backstock, making sure to use the oldest first. For me I am more comfortable
not telling my doc, so he has no "ethical issues".The other answer is a drug manufature free med program, try http://www.needymeds.com .
I see Wellby mentioned as a on a free med program, you can search the internet for who makes
Topamax and inquire directly, it is not listed on Needymeds but this in no way means
it is not a part of a "compassionate use" program.Another possibility is going overseas by mail to get your meds. IF you were in the states
with a script it is legal and cheaper. Can't say about Canada.Apply now to the free med programs, generally you
get 3 months supply at a time. There is a reported 6-8 wk
processing time. I am now in the process of getting Remeron
and Effexor for free even though I have an HMO and $10 co-pay.james
Posted by Joelle on November 15, 2000, at 12:57:53
In reply to Would this be ethical?, posted by Janice1 on November 14, 2000, at 17:58:45
Hi Janice,
I am from Canada too and my insurance was also running out at one point so I went and got 6 months worth at one time so I could be covered until I got another insurance.
The docs don't care as long as you are receiving your meds.
Go for it!
Joelle> Hello everyone,
>
> I'm on both Topamax and Wellbutrin, which are both pretty expensive drugs even up here in Canada. Currently I have great insurance which covers 95% of the cost of the medications, but the insurance runs out the end of December and since I have moved to a new province, I cannot continue on with this insurance policy (Waaaa!). So my point is I really don't want to be paying for the Topamax or Wellbutrin...my total drug bill is $200 Canadian (approximately $140 US) a month.
>
> So here's my question, would it be ethical to ask my doctor (who I've met only once in this new province I'm in) to prescribe me more of my expensive medications so I can stock up on them during the time when I have no insurance?
>
> I'll admit, I'm cheap and I'm spoiled but I can't help it. Who wants to spend $200 a month on medications? I have no ethical or moral concerns about the insurance companies, my only concern is in asking a doctor I barely know to do this. Is this inappropriate, outrageous, totally fine, done all the time?
>
> thanks folks, as always, for your great help, Janice
Posted by Janice1 on November 15, 2000, at 17:30:27
In reply to Re: Would this be ethical?, posted by Joelle on November 15, 2000, at 12:57:53
thanks everyone for all the information and encouragement,
I'll do it. I guess too, i don't want to potentially embarrass myself in front of someone I barely know. Here I go...Topamax galore, hopefully! Yes, Shell, my drug plan allows for me to collect 3 months of medication. Plus, as far as the insurance companies could be concerned, I could simply be increasing my dosage, I guess. Some of these new medications sure are getting expensive?
peace & glad those pills are working since they are so damn expensive, Janice
This is the end of the thread.
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