plavix & aspirin

My Dr. is not in on Mondays so I'm hoping someone can give some advice. I've been on Plavix since I was implanted in 3/09. As everyone knows it is not cheap. I'm having the house worked on so my husband will be safe and comfortable when he finally gets to come home, of course this is paid for by us as agencies etc. that used to help on longer do. Due to diabetes, he lost both his legs above the knee and it's been a long haul since April. Now he gets a hernia operation this Wed. to further delay his return. I had two medications to pick up at the pharmacy and when I went to pay, I was told it would be $300+. I left the Plavix at the the pharmacy and will up my aspirin from 2--81 mg a day to 1--325 mg aspirin and check in about it tomorrow with the Dr. With all the things being done to the house I just did not feel rich enough to get Plavix when before the PM I took it instead of coumadin with the Dr's blessing, of course.
Does anyone think this is a viable alternative? I just don't want to spend the money right now.

6 Comments

Expensive Meds.

by SMITTY - 2010-08-17 01:08:02

Hello Riodog,

I'm allergic to Plavix and after my last stent implant I was given ticlopidine (Ticlid) instead of Plavix. This is something you may want to ask your doctor about as Ticlid is much less expensive than Plavix. Thirty tabs of Plavix $107, 30 tabs of Ticlid $15. Now these prices are from about 3 or 4 years ago, so I can't say what you may find now. One other thing, Ticlid is available as a generic. The studies I have read on the comparison show, to me at least, Ticlid to be about as good or better than Plavix in some way and Plavix is as good or better than Ticlid in some ways.

I'm not sure that Coumadin is a suitable substitute for either Plavix or Ticlid as they are used to prevent different problems. Below is what
U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health to say about each of these medicines. Maybe it will help you, but I must admit it doesn't do much for me

"Coumadin (Warfarin) is used to prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger in your blood and blood vessels. It is prescribed for people with certain types of irregular heartbeat, people with prosthetic (replacement or mechanical) heart valves, and people who have suffered a heart attack."

"Ticlopidine (Ticlid)is used to reduce the risk of stroke. It works by preventing excessive blood clotting. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information."

"Clopidogrel (Plavix) is used to prevent strokes and heart attacks in patients at risk for these problems. Clopidogrel is in a class of medications called antiplatelet drugs. It works by helping to prevent harmful blood clots that may cause heart attacks or strokes."

Another item that may be interest to you. If your doctor insists you must have Plavix I suggest you contact the manufacturer, Bristol Squibb. When I complained bitterly about the price of Plavix I was told to contact them as have an they have an assistance program for those qualified. I never contacted them so I can't say if this is for real or not.

I wish you and your husband the best,

Plavix

by ElectricFrank - 2010-08-17 01:08:17

Plavix is one of the high priced meds being pushed by the drug reps. Ask your doctor for a disclosure of what he/she gets in the way of perks for choosing it over lower cost generics. Be prepared for that "worried" look in his eyes if he gives you a sales pitch.

best,

frank

Plavix

by windway - 2010-08-17 05:08:26

I have to take Plavix (Clopidogrel) as I have in addition to a pacemaker, seven stents, it prevents them coating, by thinning the blood.

My medication is supplied free on the NHS here in Wales in the UK, the cost being about £22 ($30) per month to the NHS.

I have recently been switched to Dr Reddy's Clopidogrel, a generic brand which I am told costs the NHS about £2 ($3.5) per month. It is manufactured by Dr Reddy's Laboratories (UK) Ltd

This accurate information concerning cost is verified by my sister who is a pharmacist in the NHS.

I would not recommend that you cease taking this type of medication it is important to prevent heart disease.

If I can assist in possible access to this company or other access in the UK please message me private, I will do my best to help.

Dr Reddy's

by windway - 2010-08-17 05:08:50

Further to my comment there is a comprehensive web site regarding this Company.

www.drreddys.com/

plavix

by sugar - 2010-08-17 09:08:49

I don't take plavix, but I have noticed a very big difference in pricing. CVS was the most expensive here on Cape Cod, then Rite Aid and the cheapest was WalMart. I couldn't believe that these stores can charge whatever they want due to volume selling and I guess WalMart can get the best prices so I would call around and see other store options. Also, sometimes the drug company can send you a form to fill out and they will also give you the medication for free or at a much reduced cost. I don't know who makes Plavix but it is worth a try. I have also bought through Canada companies which are online and just great. They need a prescription - I always photo copy my prescriptions for my records.
Good Luck, Patty

Canadian on-line Prescription

by cruz - 2010-08-19 09:08:50

I don't take Plavix but my Mother does. She orders hers through an on-line company out of Canada. She just couldn't afford the prices if it was filled here in US, even at Wal-Mart. Sorry I complained about one of my prescriptions being $47 dollars, even with insurance. Why are medical costs so high here in the US??...here's one of the reasons. Pharmaceutical Reps are ALWAYS at the doctor's office when I am waiting on them to call my name. One of the doctors there has a voice that is very loud. I'm been in the exam room waiting to see him and he's next door with one of the very attractive reps (they are all very attractive). They file in and out every day to the physicians peddling their very expensive products. I broke my ankle a few years ago and they had me on a ridiculously large dose of Celebrex. I didn't realize how large until there were all the reports on the news of the dangers. It was a workers' comp claim so they were giving me the most expensive drugs out there and plenty of them. The insurance companies don't pay the $300 if they are paying. They have a FAR less charge that's "negotiated" with the manufacturere and the pharmacys. When I got the prescription and they said $47, I reminded them I had insurance. The guy said, "yes we know. If you didn't have insurance, it would cost you $220." Please don't think the insurance company would ever pay $220 or even $120 for that drug. It's a very profitable racket they have.

You know you're wired when...

Jerry & The Pacemakers is your favorite band.

Member Quotes

99% of the time, I totally forget I even have this device.