Has Anyone Started a Prescription for Sovaldi yet?

[nursehepc]

Just curious. I had an appointment with my hepatologist that was rescheduled from the end of November 2013 to the end of March 2014 because they stated that actual drug availability and insurance issues would need to be worked out. They stated that all patients that have been warehoused were rescheduled for appointments in March. I note that my BCBS insurance lists Sovaldi as covered but the pharmacy management plans for specialty drugs do not yet list Sovaldi. Gilead lists several pharmacy distribution centers that currently warehouse Sovaldi but not management plans (i.e., CareMark, Express Scripts).

I called to see if I could be put on a waiting list for an earlier appointment and was told they did not yet have the drug (was an administrator so I am not sure they understood how the approved use of the drug was being distributed).

Just curious whether anyone had actually filled a prescription in the U.S. I know that over 800 prescriptions have already been written since its approval, but how many have actually been filled?

Joanne

[Sarah1949]

I know how you feel safetyalex. Sovaldi was just approved yesterday for me, a week after the pre-auth was sent to them from my doctor. However, they denied the Olysio. It seems there should be a dark joke in there somewhere.

So now I have to be tested for the Q80K variation. I have a lot of fear around never getting treated and dying slowly of this disease also so it is day after day of stress. If I don't get the Olysio I'm going to wait for the one pill on 10/10. Also, once the script is approved then you still have to wait 7-15 days for the specialty pharmacy to send the drugs but that is minor.

[safetyalex]

I am in Orlando Fl, and my doctor just wrote the sovaldi scrip. My insurance is from my wives job, Florida hospital employee health care plan. The scrip has been in the approval/denal process for a week, and I am going crazy wondering if it will be approved or deny. I am type1 and I am 55 yrs old . Got infected at 22 yrs old. Living with it for 33 yrs, and seeing about 17 out of about 25 of my infected acquaintances dye. I am scared that if I dont get the sovaldi scrip filled, that I will likely be killed by this hep C virus.. What kind of actions and or steps can I other then an appeals process which I dont trust anyway because the healthcare insurance company will handle the determination when it comes to the appeal decision anyway. Anyone knows, I thought I WOULD HAVE GOTTEN THE SCRIP FILL BY NOW.

[nursehepc]

My Dr. told me he had a patient that had to change insurance companies mid-treatment and ran into the same problem. He told me not to change insurance while on treatment (easy for him to say - life happens and we don't always have choices).

I wonder if Gilead can help? I am guessing your Dr has already/patient care medical management person has already reached out to them? Perhaps they will provide compassionate meds if your insurance company doesn't come through...  It is ridiculous that they would jeopardize your treatment 2/3 through.

I hope things work out. Let us know what happens. Best wishes. Jo

[topanga1954]

I have been on Sovaldi and Ribapak for 4 months. I started on 5-17-2014. to complete in November. I am Genotype 3A, so my Dr has me on a 24 week treatment.  My problem is that I had a change to my insurance from Lovelace Health Plan to Molina Medicare Advantage.  I am having the hardest time getting the Sovaldi approved this time around.  It keeps being denied and my Dr and pharmacist both have tried to tell them I was already on the treatment plan and I need to complete the full 6 months.  Now we are at the point that we have to appeal it through a 3rd party entity.  I have already received a grant for $10,000 which should cover the remainder of my treatment, but we have to do this appeal first.  I am curious if you or anyone else had any problems with their insurance on getting the Sovaldi approved.  Also, I'm wondering what happens if a person has to stop a medication before treatment is completed.  Any words of advise from anyone would be appreciated.  I have about 3 weeks left of pills to complete my 4th month of treatment.  I pray and trust that God will allow me to finish this road to recovery.

[shawnofthenw]

I ws just refuse sovaldi & elisyo This week now have to go through the appeal process. And Group Health of Washington said it wasn't due to the cost witch is B... S... I know for a fact if it was $ 200 it was have been approved.

[nan535]

Hi Mary
If he reaches 12 weeks undetected after EOT, he would be considered cured of the Hep C virus. I think we will know something by 4 weeks in his case as he was on a minimal dose of ribavirin throughout treatment.

Thank you for your prayers.
Nan