Hi Vinny. Just thought I would send a quick note of support. It is tough without prescription coverage. I am in the same boat being self employed and individual insurance plans are very expensive. I carry only major medical (no prescription coverage or coverage for tests/doctor's visits) with a $5,200 deductible and even that costs me $238 a month. :( I am sorry you are having trouble getting warfarin regulated. I had to be on it many years ago for a blood clot (didnt have AF then). It took a while to get it balanced, but once they got the right dosage, it did get easier. Take care and I hope things start to get better for you.

Read the old posts about warfarin and Pradaxa. I am not getting into the debate. You don't need to be afraid. Send the links.

Hi Vinny; No prescription drug plan either, self-employed, but I did take Warfarin for 4 months, and as Claire stated, 'takes several weeks to balance your system. I personally see no point in starting a prescription that you can't continue. 'hope things stabilize quickly.

I feel very fortunate that, based on my overall good health, I can take aspirin (very inexpensive) instead of anti-coagulants. My heart goes out to anyone who has to make the decision of which anti-coagulant is best for them. It is at those moments you really have to have some faith in your doctor and avoid the mixed messages that can sometimes be protrayed on the web. Many sites have an agenda. Your doctor's agenda is to provide you with the best care and has your individual interestes at heart. I have compassion for those who have the added burden of having to weigh the costs of these drugs and/or testing for the same into the same decision making process. I count my blessings each day...

Tough gig Vinny, good luck and I too hope that you get things stabilized. Some thoughtful and informative responses here - for sure. I too am burdened with no drug/prescription coverage at this time. The one medication (other than aspirin) I'm currently on (Metoprolol ER) is expensive enough as it is versus the cost of the regular (Metoprolol Tartrate), I can't imagine dealing with additional 'scrips and their cost @ this time. No doubt you've likely exhausted any KS health care assistance in your area - if you haven't then I would strongly suggest that you do. I believe there's also some AARP plans etc., for people over 50-55. As far as any fear factors go with the new med.s you're facing, clearly all of these med.s seem to effect everyone very differently as does this strange condition AFIB. I'm sure things will work out. ;)

"Hi all.....I get some of my meds for free through a catholic charity clinic.
They sent me 3 bottles of (60) 150mg . After reading some reviews on webmd...Im scared to start this drug. Ive only been on warfarin for about a month but at least i know i can continue to get warfarin at a discount price. Most the drug companies only give you a free supply for 6-12 mos.
I have no health insurance and wont be able to afford this drug or even the copay. Im getting very depressed with this whole situation. The warfarin dosage has been all over the place...take one.....two....now wait 2 days.....then take a half.....its crazy....I dont know why ..Im just scared to take this drug....sigh.....Vinny"

You can't just switch on your own... you have to have a doctor guide you through the transition. Did a doctor prescribe the Pradaxa or a Priest? You can't stockpile Pradaxa, it has a shelf life and also, when you open it it has to be used in 1 month. Pradaxa is expensive. I take it, but if price is an issue, Coumadin/Warfarin works. It DOES take a few months to stabilize or get your levels stabilized. Eat greens consistently. Don't open the Pradaxa until you are ready to use it... take twice a day. I take mine at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. If the Catholic Charity thing doesn't say they will give you Pradaxa for a long, long time, then use the Coumadin/Warfarin.

petey

I wasn't clear... don't take both. (Pradaxa and Coumadin/Warfarin).

So did you get Pradaxa or coumadin from the Catholic charity? And Petey is right, you CANNOT take both Pradaxa and Coumadin. What does your physician have you taking? Do not change any of your meds WITHOUT talking with your physician. If you are taking Pradaxa, you should take it same time each day. Pradaxa is twice a day. Take it with a meal too and copious amount of water . Coumadin, take it the same time daily too. You need to be consistant in taking the meds everyday. Also, with coumadin, until they get you in therapeutic range, (good range) they will need to keep adjusting it. I work patients that come in daily for coumadin checks. yes it does get frustrating. But consistancy matters. If you eat a lot of green leafy veggies then you need be consistant with that too. Your coumadin will be adjusted to that. If you are eating green leafy veggies 3 nights a week, then be consistant with it.

I took Pradaxa when I was 1st diagnosed with afib. I didnt have any problems with it. Just remember to take it with food, lots of water, and same time each day. Stay positive!! Things will get better!

I had a good prescription plan and I cancelled it. I found a site online that is better than any insurance. You can save 75% on Pradaxa if you want to take it, and a variety of other drugs. It's called my RX discount cards. You print one out for your pharmacy, and that's all you need. I get brand name Lipator for $4.00 co-pay. Show me an insurance company that does that. I also am staying out of the debate, but I wanted you to know this card is a lifesaver.

Surfrat, ask your dr. if you can't take 2 100 mg. metoprolol a day rather then EX. It's exactly the same thing, and it's on the $4.00 program at Walmart. That's what I've been doing for years.

Hey Tomorrowsdream, THX for the tip/heads-up. For the benefit of all here, is this the URL (website) you were referring to?

I haven't checked it out/reviewed it as of yet fully. If it's not please post the .com for us.

In regards, to the Metoprolol ER and your substitute suggestion, that's interesting. I was told by my pharmacist that the ER was relatively new to the market and that's why it demanded a higher price.

THX again for the info.

;-)

Surfrat (aka: Thomas)

EDIT: Here's the URL:

http://www.my-rxcard.com/

;-)

The URL is www.yourrxdiscounts.com/ You print out the coupon once and turn it into your pharmacy and it's good for anything listed there, and that covers a lot of medications. I cancelled my prescription insurances, because this card is pure golden. I picked up 3 prescriptions today for $8.00 total.

Metoprolol ER is not new. My Dr. said taking 2 regular metoprolol o a day would be the same thing as far as remaining in my bloodstream, and to top it off it's on Walmart's list of $4.00 drugs. A 90 day supply is $10.00. Metoprolol is inexpensive, but they get you coming and going with the ER.

Good Luck.

THX Tomorrowsdream. I'll definitely look into it. A 5 day supply of this stuff is like $20.00 let alone a 90 day supply. Thank you again for the URL clarification. LOL. Alot of people complain about Walmart, but Walmart ROCKS! I do hope they fix/tweak their labor practices/treatment though. I actually know people who refuse to shop @ Walmart. Lol. ;-)