Abrupt Medication Changes Due To Big Pharma's Greed
So - I, along with many, many other Americans, can no longer get Symbicort inhalers, due to the fact that big pharma, in cooperation with Medicare and my insurance/pharmacy monopoly, has raised its price from $35 per month to $410, along with all the other similar meds. Since I ran out, I am having slight breathing difficulties. My doctor has now found a workaround, and help is on the way, in the form of albuterol ampoules that also contain Budesemide (the same ingredient in Symbicort). It should arrive within a couple of days, and meanwhile I will just have to rely on extra regular breathing treatments with my albuterol/Ipratropium. The additional new med will be used as a second breathing treatment, so I'll be using both. If it gets me back up to snuff, I'll be happy. And also, if I can afford it. I will report back as soon as I know more.
Hi
, I hear your frustration. Not being able to afford the medications that are helping us is frustrating and can also be scary. I am glad your doctor seems to have found a workaround for you and I hope it goes well. Please check back in with us and let us know how you are doing when it comes in. All the best, Sam S. (COPD.net, team member). Update - Today, after several days of untangling the chaos of a large pharmacy and my doctor's attempts at communication, I finally received my new med - Budesonide solution ampules (0.5mg/2ml) for my nebulizer, to be used twice a day behind my albuterol breathing treatment. I did my first one tonight, and can already feel improvement, though I am told it will take a week or more to see full improvement. But my breathing had gotten to the point where I was having an exacerbation, and my fear was surfacing. No fun at all. But my breathing is better, and my fear is decreasing, so I am relieved. Cost? Since it is supplied by my oxygen provider alongside my albuterol, it is fully paid for by Medicare Part A (per my doctor), so YEA!!! It's almost too good to be true, but I feel optimistic. I've gone from seriously stressed and doing poorly to much better in just a few hours! It shows me how much my fear affects my health. A lot. I will report back as soon as I have a bit of time to gather more results. Thanks, Leon. I do have an infection, and it is slightly worse this morning. I have a scrip for Amoxicillin coming this morning. Looks like I will be spending some quality time in the bed with my Kindle and my pillow for the next week, while the chores pile up. Oh, well. It's back to bed I go. Feeling rough now. It's very odd to note that the new med has opened me up noticeably and yet my breathing is not good. Weird. 
Good morning kloker - thanks for the update! With any luck at all, this amoxicillin will kick in and knock out this infection (tough cough and yellow congestion, as you shared). If the antibiotic has 'opened you up' - that may be indicative of its effectiveness now. The difficulty breathing may be the 'normal' difficulty from COPD.
I know it's challenging, but try not to dwell on the chores - you may want to focus on letting yourself recover and enjoy the reading. Once you are back at it again, you can peck away at the chores - they will be waiting for you to return! (Perhaps those friendly and supportive neighbors of yours will be able to help you through this!)
We are here for you too - we are all pulling for your quick improvement this week.
Keep your chin up!
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
Hi Kloker, I have been going to Canada for couple of my COPD meds. Few years now and never have encountered any issues.
My spiriva is very expensive here at US and I will hit Medicare donut hole quickly. It’s $47 per month. In Pharmapassport pharmacy in Canada I pay $76 for 3 month supply and that includes shipping. I also get my rescue inhaler Ventolin there for less than $100. Again, 3 month supply. Price in US is same at $47 per month.
My largest concern getting all my meds here in US will make me hit Medicare donut hole than I won’t be able to pay for hardly ant drugs while in it.
