Dad has colon cancer and the meds are outragious in cost-- folks are on a fixed income-SSI- need info on free meds to help with pain management. Nothing else to be done,just; keep him comfortable. Lollipops??????? They cost $50 co-pay for six, guess the 7th day is a pain day. He also has 75mg patches with the same expense. How are we to keep him relatively pain free. Meds are supposed to work for 72hrs. (the patch) but it only lasts for 12/15 hours. Let's see,, he has the patches, oxycontin, and the new lollipops. Meds have been doubled and tripled and still has very bad pain-- Lord I just wish someone would come up with a way to cover the costs. Any pharmacutical companies offer help with this?? The sites I have tried have no info. I am NOT computer litterate!! This is extremely hard and slow going but worth it if the info is available. Thankyou in advance to anyone who can help!
2006-09-20 15:22:02 · 10 answers · asked by babz 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
yes, there are drug companies that have prescription drug programs. I have helped people get their cancer medication for free or as little as$5.00. They usually send a 3 month supply or a card to get a 3 month supply at the pharmacy. I suggest you get on the web and type in prescription drug programs or talk to your physician
2006-09-22 11:50:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You say there is nothing else that can be done for your dad. I'm so sorry to hear this. Has your family considered hospice? He can remain at home and the hospice doctor will help get his pain under control. A nurse will be able to visit him at his home (2 times a week or more) and a nursing assistant will be able to visit and help him with his bath. Hospice will pay for any meds related to your dad's diagnosis (colon cancer). This includes any pain management meds.
Let me give you my experience with the patches--Duragesic (or fentanyl) are VERY expensive and my experience has been that they don't work well. The lollipops are worthless! I don't understand why he is on fentanyl patches and Oxycontin.
I suggest calling his oncologist and telling him that the med aren't working. If he (or she) blows you off---GET ANOTHER DOCTOR! Only your dad will be able to say if his pain is controlled or not. Ask to speak to a social worker. They can help you find help with meds. Either no charge or reduced cost. Ask for a referral to hospice. Even if you decide hospice is not for you at least request an information visit from the hospice nurse.
Good luck!
2006-09-20 16:23:10 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he is on SSI and sick, he should be eligible for medicaid as well as medicare. Talk with the social security office or the medicaid office and they will stear you in the right direction. Also, there are many other agencies out there. Look under social services in the phone book and talk with your township trustee as well. You will find what you're looking for. Unfortunately, according to how the law is, your parents and/or you may have to alter your lifestyles to be eligible, but I would think that the fact that he is on SSI and is sick would be enough.
2006-09-20 16:22:22 · answer #3 · answered by Laura Renee 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If calling the pharmacy companies doesn't help out enough Maybe you need to slip dad some marijuana in some brownies. I keep hearing about how it helps with pain. It's cheaper than all the stuff he's taking now.
2006-09-20 15:41:58 · answer #4 · answered by fiestyredhead 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you contact the pharmacy company that sells your dad's meds and can confirm that your monthly income and it is in there criteria range some pharmacy companies have programs that will assist patience with income problems with lower cost and free drugs for treatment.
2006-09-20 15:32:05 · answer #5 · answered by rltouhe 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've heard of a lot of cancer patients smoking a joint for pain relief,might be cheaper than dads meds. goodluck to your dad!
2006-09-21 18:26:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the pops are OK but have you dads onc just write him a scrip for dilauded or percocet they are generic and very cheap, if he is in end stage cancer then hospice covers anything he needs 100%
2006-09-20 16:32:52 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can call the manufacturer or distributor and they will accommodate your dad. You can also call the American Cancer Society
2006-09-20 15:28:22 · answer #8 · answered by mystery_lvr 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2006-09-22 01:40:02 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I WORK IN A DOCTORS OFFICE AND I HAVE SEEN MANY PATIENTS CONTACT THE PHARM COMPANIES DIRECTLY AND ASK FOR HELP. THERE IS HELP OUT THERE...HAVE YOU APPLIED FOR MASS HEALTH, HAVE YOU TALKRD TO HIS DOCTOR ABOUT SAMPLE MEDS...DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK ???..THERE IS HELP OUT THERE BUT YOU HAVE TO BE PUSHY AND INSIST. UNFORTUNATLY IT IS NOT JUST HANDED TO YOU, LET ME KNOW HOW THINGS WORK OUT...GOOD LUCK TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, I WISH YOUR DAD THE BEST.
2006-09-20 15:29:08 · answer #10 · answered by new me 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋