New Medication

[Granny333]

Haven’t been on site for awhile. We’ll update, Anastrozole has lasted for me for 3 years. I guess now it is time to explore new territory. Oncologist prescribed new medications in pill form. I almost had a heart attack when I found out what my part I had to pay.$1200after insurance. I can’t do that so hope he comes up with less expensive

[Hazelgreen]

We may/may not be similar in age . I am not a granny, but I'm old (turning 80 this year). I'm fortunate to live in Canada where my meds cost me nothing (except I have paid taxes since I started working part-time at age 12).

I had surgery for breast cancer in 2006, and have been on meds since 2019 when it became obvious that it had metastasized. I took ribociclib with letrozole as prescribed initially, but gradually have cut back while watching my level of cancer antigens (CAs) to ensure these stay in the normal range.

Currently, in my sixth year, I take 400 mg of ribociclib with letrozole only on four weekdays. I need to check on my CAs again to see whether this dose can be further reduced. I find I'm less tired when I take fewer meds.

I hope you find that you will need fewer expensive meds to stay healthy. It may be worthwhile to do your own study as physicians can only prescribe what is accepted by their disciplines, and adequate research has yet to be done on minimum dosages.

Best of luck, Cindy

[HelenWi]

The drug manufacturers provide assistance when you can’t afford the drug; be sure to apply. Your onco office should be able to help with that. ( Are you on Medicare by the way? If so. There is a $2000 annual cap on prescriptions.)

Best,

Helen

[JEE123]

I got financial assistance .and now only have the$2,000 Medicaid deductible. The drug companies aren't as generous as they used to be. I thought there was no way I would get financial assistance but I wrote a compelling letter and it worked. Like all things you to be persistent.

[JEE123]

Also curious what you are switching to.