Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...
Hello All,
I made the call to the Rheumie to go ahead and change my meds as my Insurance situation took an unexpected turn for the better. The boss who didn't want me jacking up the group rates due to my coverage costs per year, made a wonderful gesture to help with plan costs on the best plan available...yeah me! So, he either values me as an employee after all or ... well, we'll just go with I'm a valuable employee.
Anyway, the Rheumie went in an unexpected direction and is seeking authorization on Xeljanz instead of the Humira that I was expecting.
Does anyone have any experience with how long I can expect to wait on the approval process? I know that all insurance differs.
When I asked if I should just get my Enbrel filled to use until the Xeljanz is approved, I was told that I will need to be off of the Enbrel for at least 2 weeks before I can start the new med. Anyone else have to endure a waiting period before being able to start Xeljanz?
Heck, I hurt with the Enbrel, it's going to be a long two weeks without it. I let the Nurse know that we should go ahead and make the appt for my steroid shot now. She just told me to give them a call when I needed it.
Keeping everything possible crossed that this process will move quickly and as painlessly as possible. Any experiences with this med would be appreciated.
Hugs,
Kim
I made the call to the Rheumie to go ahead and change my meds as my Insurance situation took an unexpected turn for the better. The boss who didn't want me jacking up the group rates due to my coverage costs per year, made a wonderful gesture to help with plan costs on the best plan available...yeah me! So, he either values me as an employee after all or ... well, we'll just go with I'm a valuable employee.
Anyway, the Rheumie went in an unexpected direction and is seeking authorization on Xeljanz instead of the Humira that I was expecting.
Does anyone have any experience with how long I can expect to wait on the approval process? I know that all insurance differs.
When I asked if I should just get my Enbrel filled to use until the Xeljanz is approved, I was told that I will need to be off of the Enbrel for at least 2 weeks before I can start the new med. Anyone else have to endure a waiting period before being able to start Xeljanz?
Heck, I hurt with the Enbrel, it's going to be a long two weeks without it. I let the Nurse know that we should go ahead and make the appt for my steroid shot now. She just told me to give them a call when I needed it.
Keeping everything possible crossed that this process will move quickly and as painlessly as possible. Any experiences with this med would be appreciated.
Hugs,
Kim
I've stopped both the Enbrel and Humira before. These meds are long acting as far as I know and I didn't get an immediately let down when I stopped them. Took more like 6 weeks for the entire effect to wear off.
Anyway - good for you getting the good insurance. That is a huge benefit and it certainly sounds like you company values you - a real rarity these days!