information about Revlimid and etc.

Hi Beinva!  I know that I wrote earlier and told you that I was able to get Revlimid on compassionate grounds 18 months ago here in Australia, WELL... In an official announcement from Celgene on 22/1/08 the following was quoted in our MYNEWS Newsletter here in Australia:

"Celgene Announces Revlimid Available on Compassionate Basis"  Australians with the blood cancer multiple myeloma have a brighter future with the treatment Revlimid (lenalidomide) now approved for marketing in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).  The manufacturer of Revlimid, Celgene, has announced that the product will be made available free to suitable patients through a  compasionate supply arrangement.   To read the consumer media release issued by Celgene in full visit the MFA website and click on Latest News.  www.myeloma.org.au

Since this is now the case in Australia, surely you could approach Celgene in the States and see if 'compassionate grounds' is possible for you!!  Its only a suggestion -- nothing ventured nothing gained.  When I first suggested Revlimid to people here they thought it was impossible, but my wonderful oncologist decided to try....and the rest is history!!  Revlimid has been my saviour for the past 18 months, I know its not going to be this for everyone, but hey, its certainly worth a try.  And.. I take it neat -- no dexamethasone or any other drug with it!  Just 10mg per day and its brought my paraprotein/m-spike down from 90 to 8.5!! 

Have a go -- what can you lose??!!  Good luck, Cath

if you pay for the first months medicine which is about $3500 every month after that should cost about $350. call caremark pharmacy at1 800-843-6601.Medicare or celgene will pick up the rest.

by the way maybe you have to get insurance for a $100 a month deducted from her disability check to ensure coverage.

 

On 1/28/2008 beinva wrote:

Could someone that has taken the drug, Revlimid, tell me more about the cost of it.  My mother is 78 years old and has had MM for 2 years.  She has bee treated only with dex but now her protein levels are going up and they want her to add Revlimid to reduce the proteins. She was quoted  $9,600.00 for a month supply.  Is that correct?  My parents can not pay that much for the drug. Does anyone have any suggesions?  Please help!  I am not ready to let her go without giving all that we can give to fight MM.

My husband has just completed his 4th cycle of revlimid and it seems to have stopped the progression of his MM for now.  Without cancer insurance I don't know how we could have afforded it.  I have the toll-free number of the pharmacy in Raleigh,NC where we get the revlimid from.  You may find that they have some financial help.  The number is 800-850-4306.  Best of luck and I am praying for your situation

 

My mother's doctor requested a grant or assistance from the manufactor of Revlimid. She received a telephone call from them and will be helping them out. We are so happy and celebrating more days that we will have with her!  Thanks for all your help!!! 

Yes. It's extremely expensive. My mom lost her medicaid and couldn't receive it. She is on it now because of two things: one, I looked into a Medicare part D subsidy. She qualified and as a result, my mom paid $3 for the revlimid and then went into catastrophic mode and paid nothing for it. Unfortunately she lost her subsidy at the end of last year which leads me to... two, There is a foundation called the Chronic Disease Fund. It offers assistance to people with Myeloma and will take care of the copay for you if you qualify. This has enabled my mother to continue to take the revlimid. Good luck. Let me know what happens.

My mother started medication last Monday.  She is paying 25.00 for it (when it is delivered) and now her insurance company is paying!  I hope that she will begin feeling better. 

Thanks for your message and concern!

Since my mother has been on Revlimid and Dex., she has developed a horrible rash on her face.  Has anyone else had this reaction?

I'm not sure if this will help you (or anybody else paying full price for Revlimid), but I was able to find on Google a cheaper alternative to purchase this medication.

http://www.pharmawebglobal.com/drugs/Revlimid

http://www.pharmawebglobal.com/drugs/Revlimid /5mg
http://www.pharmawebglobal.com/drugs/Revlimid /10mg
http://www.pharmawebglobal.com/drugs/Revlimid /25mg
http://www.pharmawebglobal.com/drugs/Revlimid /25mg

I really hope this helps.

Take care.