Sutent

My mom has been diagnosed with RCC.  It has spread to her lymph nodes and her lungs.  She has just started Sutent (50 mg) today.  This will be her first cycle of pills (take for 4 weeks and then off for 2 weeks).  I read several messages about people taking this drug for a long period of time.  My concern is the price of this drug.  How does anyone afford this drug for very long?  The insurance will only pay $ 1500 for this drug that costs $ 9000.  I just don't know how she is going to be able to keep taking the drug if it works.

 

On 1/22/2009 Moms advocate wrote:

My mom has been diagnosed with RCC.  It has spread to her lymph nodes and her lungs.  She has just started Sutent (50 mg) today.  This will be her first cycle of pills (take for 4 weeks and then off for 2 weeks).  I read several messages about people taking this drug for a long period of time.  My concern is the price of this drug.  How does anyone afford this drug for very long?  The insurance will only pay $ 1500 for this drug that costs $ 9000.  I just don't know how she is going to be able to keep taking the drug if it works.

Hi!  I've been taking Sutent for 14 mo. If you contact the drug company they have a program to help those in financial need. You may even get it for free. God Bless                             John

 

 

On 1/22/2009 jorolo1 wrote:

 

On 1/22/2009 Moms advocate wrote:

My mom has been diagnosed with RCC.  It has spread to her lymph nodes and her lungs.  She has just started Sutent (50 mg) today.  This will be her first cycle of pills (take for 4 weeks and then off for 2 weeks).  I read several messages about people taking this drug for a long period of time.  My concern is the price of this drug.  How does anyone afford this drug for very long?  The insurance will only pay $ 1500 for this drug that costs $ 9000.  I just don't know how she is going to be able to keep taking the drug if it works.

Hi!  I've been taking Sutent for 14 mo. If you contact the drug company they have a program to help those in financial need. You may even get it for free. God Bless                             John

Thanks a bunch.  I'll have her do that.  Jacque

 

Thank you so much.  Have you had any side effects?  She started last week, and seems to be doing great.

Hi... I am on dose 12 of my first round with Sutent.  Medicare has this medicine as Tier #5 and will pay a small portion.  My co-pay was $4400 which I foolishly paid because my oncologist never told me there was an alternative.  Because I have property, I am not eligible for any of the "social  programs", but you need to phone Pfizer at FirstResource, 877-744-5675. Choose option #1 for Sutent.  You will quickly get a human being who will either mail or fax you the forms to file an application for relief.

You fill out your half,  your doctor fills out the medical info.  Fax back, add a letter requesting help and they will respond promptly.  They will review your application and if you qualify (not sure the requirements) they will send you your Sutent FOR FREE!

Just got my first free prescription.  Unfortunately, I cannot recover the initial $4400, but after reading so many stories here about success, I think it was worth it!

... besides, paying that amount put me in and out of the Medicare "gap" so that whatever else I  have to take this year will be $2.50.

 

I wonder how have you bought Sutent? I live in the states!!! 

Well, we have been so blessed.  My mom lives in a small town, and her friends started an account for her at a bank.  She paid for the frist round with the donations, and has enough money now for a second round.  She is trying to contact the drug company because we don't expect all of these wonderful people to continue to give us money.  She may be on this drug for the rest of her life as we understand, and that's too much money!!!