Diabetes Patients ‘Screaming’ About Insulin Costs. My interview with Irl Hirsch, MD on the escalating cost of insulin. (Medscape requests a free registration to access the site.)
Thanks for the link!
FYI, my drug plan dropped Apidra from their formulary, so until I can change plans in the fall, I get to buy it at retail. I’m not even gonna tell you what I paid today. TG for tax refunds.
As the PBM’s say, “Did you try and fail on Novolog and Homolog?” If you have a good reason to not take those other fast-acting insulins, you can as your provider to call for a prior authorization for Apidra. We don’t always win when we call, but we have a high percentage of wins even though it takes time.
Prior authorization was denied. Pursuing other avenues, but in the meantime I need insulin. Now. Not next week—now.
And no, the other two aren’t satisfactory substitutes. Novolog is less effective and Humalog doesn’t work at all. I’m doing all the due diligence; just needed to vent.
Sounds like you are on the case. So this question may be for others. Have you tried the Apidra savings card program? Copay Card Sign Up and Savings Offers | Apidra® (insulin glulisine injection) 100 Units/mL It works with most commercial insurance plans. The reps are pushing them, but I don’t have much feedback on how well they work.
I did use the Apidra savings card and it worked just fine—UNTIL the insurance plan dropped it from the formulary altogether. But for those who are able to use it, do! It helps.
I’ve never used Apidra but have been curious about it. In what ways do you find novolog less effective? I’ve used novolog extensively but am just wondering if there is a legitimate documentable case I can make that I might benefit from Apidra…
The only way to “document” something like that—that is, in a way that insurance companies will believe—is to try them both and keep a detailed log of the results (timing, amount, effect on BG, etc.). That way you can show the contrast. Even then they’re not obligated to cooperate. Some do, some don’t. But it’s your best shot.
Novolog is effective for me but it takes about twice as long to begin working. The primary advantage of Apidra for me is rapid response. An IM using Apidra is very quick. And there are times when that’s important. But that’s a very individual thing. For some people the difference is negligible; for me it’s very significant.