Resumed Besremi

[Elizka]

I've posted prior that in January my insurance denied Besremi even though I had been on it successful for a year. Anthem Blue Cross kicked it off their formulary in a new plan year purely because of the cost.

3 appeals later, nothing worked and the outside agency that stepped in on the 3rd appeal said my counts were normal and I didn't need it (because of the BESREMI!), and that I didn't use Pegasays first and fail with it.

My HEM and the cancer pharmacy in the medical center were all stunned they would deny an FDA approved drug and direct me to take a non-FDA approved drug for PV. They have never seen that happen.

I was able to change insurance on March 1 as my I'm turning 65 and that was a qualifying event.

I selected one that didn't use OptimRX for the pharmacy plan and had Besremi on their formulary.

Started Besremi again this week! I'm back into our club!

I have noticed more headaches, but I'm sure they'll pass.

I'm getting blood work today to see what my HCT is as I'm sure it is over 42 (where my doctor and I agree to keep it) especially after no Besremi.

[Wennn]

Good job!

Thank for sharing💯

[hunter5582]

OptimRX should truly be ashamed of their response. It is absurd to require failure on an off-label use of one form of interferon before allowing access to a FDA-approved use of another. This was, of course, purely driven by the fact that Besremi costs is 3x that of Pegasys. Sadly, I expect that OptimRX is not at all ashamed of their response.

One of the best ways we can advocate for ourselves is to make good choices in the insurance we select. It is often a very complex decision as the way insurance formularies work can be quite arcane. It is sometimes even more complex when Medicare part D plans are involved. It is vital to research all options carefully when making this decision. Good on you for making the right choice!

Welcome back to the Besremi Club.

[kristinmarie]

Hi Elizka, I think that your old insurance company, Anthem Blue Cross, was just trying to offer to you a much cheaper version of pegylated interferon. Many health experts including Dr. Silver had commented that both versions have the same effectiveness,

May I ask you why you wouldn't go on pegasys? If you may share your thoughts.

[Elizka in reply to kristinmarie]

Besremi is a novel interferon developed for PV. Dr. Mesa and others have called it a "clean" interferon drug. I also want to be on a drug approved by the FDA for my disease.