How do folks pay for at-home instillation meds, etc.?

[ErinBear]

Hi,

My urologist is talking about the possibility of doing at-home instillations. I'm not sure about this....at least the first hep/lidocaine/sod.bicarb instillation was really painful and has caused a big flareup. So I'm not sure about the whole idea. I guess I'm wondering how people pay for this if they do home instillations? From what I'm reading here, the medications and catheters sound quite expensive. Are there patient-assistance programs for any of the medications, as there are for some oral medications (like Elmiron)?

.....trying to think about how to do this if we are honestly going to try it...

Thanks in advance,
ErinBear

[ICNDonna]

We don't have prescription coverage. When I tried the home instillations, it took a big chunk out of our budget. Somehow we managed, but it wasn't easy.

Donna

[SandyRN]

I have insurance and all I have to pay is the copays for the heparin, lidocaine, and sodium bicarb. I get generic brands so all I pay is approx 30.00 total for the meds, and I get the caths for about 30 cents a piece. I havent had to use as many this month, so my meds will not have to be refilled again for at least another couple weeks.

Its not that bad...if I'm saying that then it cant be too expensive...my drug copays are through the roof!!

ps...forgot, ya have to pay for the syringes and needles needed to draw up the medications, but they are reusable if you take care of them they will last quite a while. Guess I paid about 10.00 for the syringes and needles and I'm going on my 3rd (?) month or so using the same ones...(I keep sterilizing them)

[ErinBear]

Hi Donna and Sandy,

I appreciate the replies a whole bunch! I am on a low income and don't have prescription coverage either, so I'm really wondering if this is possible at all. It's good to hear some of the supplies are re-usable if sterilized. But I would imagine the medications themselves add up. Hmmmmmmmm......

Thanks again for the responses!

Take care,
ErinBear

[jen48446]

I'd call around to the area pharmacies & medical supply stores, even research the supplies online. You just never know where you might find the best prices @. In that aspect I'm lucky my mom works for a medical supplier & my sister is a R.N. so I have discounted access although I don't have a need for it it's good to know if I do I can use it.

[ErinBear]

Hi Jen,

Thanks so much for your reply. If I do end up doing the at-home instillations, I will most definitely do a lot of calling around first! I know the prices vary wildly among pharmacies. Thanks for the suggestion. I appreciate it!

Take care,
ErinBear

[Tracey5399]

Hi ErinBear,

I to am in the same position as you. I do not have insurance either which makes it a little difficult getting the treatments & meds i need.

Pm me if you like i have a lot of info on patient assistant programs, that is how i get my Elmiron & pain killers. Most of the companies that have patient assistant programs are awesome to work with and very helpful.

Good Luck,
Tracey :)

[IcyAngel23]

I have insurance and they cover the complete cost of the catheters and instill prep packs( gloves, iodine, lube and drop cloth). I do have to pay for the heparin which for 25-4ml bottles was $12.00/ Lidocaine for 25-2%concentration for $1.57 and sodium bi-carb was $.58 for 25- bottles. If you have insurance using the mail-order option you can save even more. I just did it at Walgreens. I use Lo-fric caths. and they are awesome. I barely even feel it going in and less pain after. The Lo-fric isn't like any cath. you have used before. Lo-fric is a sponsor of the ICN network and if you go to the icon on the homepage it will take you to learn more about Lo-fric. There is also a form you can fill out for free samples. It takes a little looking to find it but it is worth it. I use to use peds feeding tubes because they were so small but even at that size it caused alot of pain and burning afterwards. If you have anyother questions let me know. I get cases sent to my house and I just love them.

[ErinBear]

Hi Tracey,

Thanks so much for your message - I really appreciate it. I am on patient assistance programs for some of my medications, too, so I know what you mean! They are really helpful programs. I'm not sure if you can get bladder instillation medications that way though. (?) I suppose if we really go through with it, I'll have to look into it. Thanks again for your kind message!

Take care,
ErinBear

[ErinBear]

Dear IcyAngel,

Thanks so much for your message - it helps to hear what you've been paying for your instillation meds and get some idea of what some prices might be. I'm still not sure we would really do this, but I appreciate that - so thanks! And yes, I've heard of the LoFric catheters, and they do sound really helpful. I'm glad they've worked so well for you! Thanks for telling me about that too. I appreciate it.

Thanks to everyone here for all of the helpful messages! You're all so kind.

Take care,
ErinBear