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]

Hi Jimmy,

I have Original Medicare with Express Scripts as my drug plan and Extra Help with the Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid).

I'm 1a and have had HCV for around 40 years now. I've refused Interferon tx for about the last 20 years, and have been waiting for something like Sovaldi for the same length of time. I was diagnosed with cirrhosis about 3 years ago and remain compensated. However, because of my symptoms, neuralgia etc., believe decompensation is not so far away. This gives me a sense of desperation.

When I called Express Scripts they said Sovaldi is covered on my plan with prior authorization. But she also said the co-pay is only $3.60 with a 90-day supply costing $87k. I questioned the copay so she contacted another dept within Express Scripts, Accredo, and they say the copay is much much higher. Meanwhile, all of us out here already know that. :) So, I will call Accredo in the morning and see what they say. I just want to be prepared in case the new doctor says they are waiting on the insurance companies to figure things out also.

So, I do not understand why my doctor, and I assume his clinic, will not prescribe it. I have an appointment at OHSU for 2/27 and will see if they will help.

I'm kind of guessing that the clinic I have already been to might be overwhelmed with patients wanting treatment all of a sudden because the doctor said he would add me to "the list".

My remaining concern is that Medicare will not keep letting me seeing specialists. The appointment at OHSU I assume will be covered as a second opinion. Do you know if Family Practice doctors can write for Sovaldi?

[hepc4Sandi]

Hey Jill, I just started the same combo 3 days ago on the 7th, I am type 4, so 12 weeks with Sovladi, Pegasus and Copegus (ribavirin). So far so good. You will be just 7 days behind me in treatment. Let me know if you have any questions.

[MeWithC]

Tomorrow will be my last dose of "week 6".

I am a G-2...doing Sovaldi & Ribasphere....

This is my second time around.....
I was a regular here until, certain people drove me crazy, so I left....
Probably when I was doing tx...
I had been waiting 19 months for this stuff.......I started the treatment, Jan 2nd...as soon as I could...with a lil luck, I'll be SVR the last week of June.......

With Peg, make sure you drink copious amount of water...your body will tell you also...You will crave it...I did.

Don't forget to rotate your spot for shots...I was fine going side to side..

You have a great attitude....remember that that when the meds act up...It's the meds, not you & it is only temporary...this is not you....It will leave you..

Be well
MWC

[hepc4Sandi]

Thanks MeWithC,

Congratulations! So are you doing it for 24 weeks or 12? How are your symptoms? Anemia? Blood levels ok? How often are you getting your blood tested? Attitude changes? If so what kind? What types of situations?

I will be done on May 1! Lei Day! Day 5 now, 79 to go! (Yay in the 70s!)

I can tell I will need to rotate injection sites as I have sore lymph nodes on the side that got the shot, nothing too bad, but I notice it, plus a slight pinkness around injection site. Don't want to do stomach though, only upper thighs. I am feeling sun sensitivity, can't stand the sun on my hands or arms. Am wearing a large hat, and wearing gloves to drive and have ordered sun protector sleeves with gloves so I can resume my walks. Get spacey from the Riba, so can't drive for awhile after taking it, so am working from home.

Drinking tons of water—90 oz a day, good thing I have a good bladder.

Attitude is ok. Have lots of work to do (I am a freelance computer graphics artist),  and it is non-pressure stuff, but keeps me busy, and not thinking about the Tx. Plus not worrying about income issues (my major worry thing).

[hepc4Sandi]

Oh congratulations!

Disregard my question in the later comment about 12 vs 24 weeks.
Oh I hope to be there quickly! Does it feel like it has flown by?

It is so wonderful they have test new drugs now! We are so lucky!

[flyinlynn]

Congrats to all the treaters out there and good luck!
My Hepatologist is going to see if I can get Sovaldi Olysio no Ribivirin no Interferon. This would be off label use but I have been hearing of other folks being able to get it prescribed. I am a GT 1a null responder (treated 3 times with interferon) dx cirrhosis in Jan 05 I have had esophageal varicies banded. I also have some ascities.
I am waiting hopefully to see if I can get the meds I should hear in a week hopefully
Good luck everyone
Lynn