I have been on methotrexate since 2017 and I am getting Rheumatoid Nodules. My doctor says that I need to go off of it, but my Medicare Supplement plan has a co-pay of $1,880.00 or the biologic drugs, which I cannot afford on Social Security income. She also tried Cinzia and Enbrel and they would not pay for those either. I retired in June of last your so I show income for the first 6 months and have been denied assistance plans. What other meds may be less expensive and might work? There are days that I cannot get out of bed because the pain is so bad.
Substitute for methotrexate for RA?
Question posted by MsKKelley on 18 May 2021
Last updated on 18 May 2021
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Answers
sherap
18 May 2021
MsKKelley, I understand your dilemma. I could not tolerate MTX so I had to change meds. I was not on Medicare when I tried Humira, but my Dr. did get me on a plan with Abbvie. Unfortunately, I had an immediate allergic reaction to Humira so that ended that. Then I went onto Medicare and all assistance was cut off because of Medicare. Then went on to Plaquenil and Sulfasalazine - which worked well for me for almost 3 years. I am now on Xeljanz. Yes the payments are horrid - at first - but if you can plan for it I will tell you with a supplemental drug plan ( costs me aroun$15.50 a month) my costs go like this - Jan. Around $1800.00, Feb. around $ 1,500.00, March around $250.00 - which stays that way until end of the year. If you can afford the $250.00 a month and can save and plan for the Jan and Feb co-pays you can go on the biologics or the other meds now offered. I know that there are support groups to help with costs for low income - I did not qualify, but perhaps you can. I would try sites like Creaky Joints or Rheumatoid Arthritis. Both are great sites for information.
MsKKelley
18 May 2021
I will check out those other two drugs. I did not qualify either. Maybe they could get me by a year or so, until I can get this sorted out. I just have so much pain and swelling since stopping Humira. My knees look like watermelons and my ankles like cantaloupes! Im starting Physical Therapy next Tuesday, but wondering if I can even tolerate it.
adoptmeow
18 May 2021
Have you tried contacting the pharmaceutical companies directly? Many have assistance programs for persons with low incomes.
MsKKelley
18 May 2021
So far, I have been declined for all of the assistance programs. I think it might be because I retired in the middle 2020 and show income for Jan through July.
Related topics
rheumatoid arthritis, methotrexate, doctor, medicare, supplement, copayment, nodule, drug
Further information
- Methotrexate uses and safety info
- Methotrexate prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Methotrexate (detailed)
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