Cost of Intron A: I'm new here and I've been... - MPN Voice

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Cost of Intron A

dp146 profile image
9 Replies

I'm new here and I've been reading several post and that made me little calm. So thought to share my problem and ask for your suggestions.

I was diagnosed with ET JAK2 positive 6 years ago at the age of 25 and was on HU+ aspirin. At present. I want to expand my family and my doc prescribed INTRON A. I'm here in US, and the cost of this medicine is too much. My Insurance company only provides 20% and rest of 80%, around $1500 is on me for a month supply. (Already feeling bankrupt!!)

I tried some patient assisted program, free programs, but I am not eligible for that. I am so worried and anxious and depressed for all these, along with the difficulties of getting pregnant.

Can you guys please suggest me something to reduce my copay cost? I really appreciate your support and help.

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dp146
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9 Replies
mhos61 profile image
mhos61

Hi dp146.

Most of us on this site are based in the UK, however, we do have some members from the USA. Hopefully, someone will see this post and be able to offer you some assistance. I really feel for you; what a world we live in!

We are so lucky here to have the NHS, but even with this some regions certainly get better access to treatment.

May I ask which MPN you have, and why were you put on cytoreductive therapy? I ask this because of your young age. It’s quite possible aspirin alone is all that’s needed, unless you had a thrombotic event, were particularly symptomatic or had high counts. Also, are you under the care of an MPN Specialist?

Keep us updated

dp146 profile image
dp146 in reply to mhos61

Hi mhos61,

Thanks for your kind words.

I have Essential Thrombocythemia with JAK2 positive. I was on hydroxycarbamide + aspirin for all these years. I was off to hydroxycarbamide coz I am trying to conceive now and it is not favorable drug for pregnant.

With only aspirin, my count was 1300 and I did not had any thrombotic event, so I was put on medium risk. but recently I went up to 1900. So my specialist told me, either I have to go back to hydroxy (Which I don't want for now) or Intron A (Which is costing much more than enough).

Wyebird profile image
Wyebird in reply to dp146

I’m UK based so I haven’t had to experience what you are going through. I wish you well and hope a solution can be found.

mhos61 profile image
mhos61 in reply to dp146

There is also a cheap drug called Anagralide which works on just bringing platelet counts down - unlike Hydrea, which may affect all blood cell counts.

In an ideal world you should get access to Pegasys without any financial worry. I hope you are provided with adequate guidance, so you can attain the best medical care that you so rightly deserve.

I wish you well and would be interested in the outcome. Xx

Snook37 profile image
Snook37

Hi, I had a similar question about Pegasys, and it cost me $800 for a “month” supply but that assumes I take a full dose, I only take a 1/4 dose right now so it actually lasts 3-4 months, which is much better. My insurance pays 80% and I pay 20% which is $800 per refill. I also did not qualify for any assistance. Unfortunately not much out there that’s guaranteed to help.

dp146 profile image
dp146 in reply to Snook37

Hi Snook37, thanks for your valuable reply.

would you mind to tell me the name of manufacturer of Pegasys? My Hematologist also told me that Merck stopped manufacturing of Pegasys and it is not available now. that's why he is putting me on Intron A with 3 Injection/week.

Snook37 profile image
Snook37 in reply to dp146

I believe it is Genetech. Pegasys is usually 1 injection per week or longer because of the polyethylene glycol which allows it to remain in your system longer at more stable amounts.

Snook37 profile image
Snook37 in reply to Snook37

Not sure Merck ever made it - Genetech still has the patent for a few more years. My local hematologist knows very little about Pegasys but my MPN specialist knows a lot about it. I would get to an MPN specialist.

robbjoy profile image
robbjoy

Hi! I’m on Pegasys and my insurance costs me $23,000 a year copay so I completely understand your frustration. Good news, there are grants available. I have used PAN foundation and most recently, the maker of Pegasys, Genentech. I get my medicine at no cost due to the high insurance costs. Let me know if you need details and feel free to join my Facebook group MPNs R Us. We have all the details in our files. Best of luck to you. 💜

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