Cosentyx - Week 1....and beyond....

[mataribot]

I am sorry about all the troubles you are having... I do have a question, what do you mean by "exclude?" They do not cover the medication, or simply will not approve it? The Consentxy patient assistance program should tell you if your drug is covered by your insurance.

[angel-1963]

I am sorry about all the troubles you are having...  I do have a question, what do you mean by "exclude?" They do not cover the medication, or simply will not approve it? The Consentxy patient assistance program should tell you if your drug is covered by your insurance.

Hi Mataribot!

I was told by my medical assistant at my dermo's office that my insurance company said the drug is excluded from coverage.  There is an NDC block on it.  It is not covered by my insurance.   The patient rep at Cosentyx I work with said she is dealing with many people who have the same insurance company I do and we are all going through the same thing.   Ugh!

[mataribot]

The argument for this is absolutely stupidity. There arguing that since the drug is new it may cause harm to you so they want to wait 6 to 12 months. They are really trying push you to generics in order get the drug manufacturer to lower it's cost. However, Cosentxyt is top psoriasis performer and is already priced aggressively. Until something comes out better, it's price is not going to be any lower.

Honestly, I am sorry you have to endure this. I hope you stay strong and fight this.

[angel-1963]

The argument for this is absolutely stupidity. There arguing that since the drug is new it may cause harm to you so they want to wait 6 to 12 months. They are really trying push you to generics in order get the drug manufacturer to lower it's cost. However, Cosentxyt is top psoriasis performer and is already priced aggressively. Until something comes out better, it's price is not going to be any lower.

Honestly, I am sorry you have to endure this. I hope you stay strong and fight this.

Yup, I will be trying my hardest.  Again, I sent them a long appeal letter I wrote.   The medical assistant at the doc's office already made it seem like the doctor is all done with this issue.  Ugh.  I think my Cosentyx rep works behind the scenes on insurance coverage issue also.   My Cosentyx rep assures me I will get the starter kit of 5 weeks and then free drug for additional 6 months.   Told me not to stress about it.   Well, I do stress about it.   I do not have thousands of dollars to spend a month for a prescription.  I might be able to afford a co pay of $45 if I have to.  While I will say everyone at Cosentyx is wonderful to work with, everyone is quick to hand out this medication as if it is candy.   Get you hooked and then leave you with a GRAY area after the six months.   My doctor already said, "You will be put on Humira immediately."   This is scary.   From one med right to another one if I cannot somehow continue to get the Cosentyx after that 6 month free period.  It might be a case of they gave me a yummy ice cream cone and now have to yank it away type deal.  I am hoping not.  

Note:  my only side effect seems to be I am achy all over like the flu on and off from this.  Today is my second injection.

[mataribot]

Give them the finger on Humira. If you have  not tried Stelara ask for that. They cannot clock block you on that. Overall there is no real difference (performance) between drugs long term. Insurance would love you on Humira so they can give you biosh errr mean biosimilar as soon as possible.

[angel-1963]

Give them the finger on Humira. If you have  not tried Stelara ask for that. They cannot clock block you on that. Overall there is no real difference (performance) between drugs long term. Insurance would love you on Humira so they can give you biosh errr mean biosimilar as soon as possible.

My insurance company just issued some supply limit on Humira.  I do not know details nor do I care to at this point.  lolo.     So, no Humira?  I really do not want to try that at all.   Let me know your thoughts on the Humira vs. Stelara!   Hopefully, I will continue on Cosentyx with success.  Just took more pictures of my progress!

[mataribot]

It depends on your situation... Humira (tnfs) are better for arthritis short term. However, Stelera has been my best treatment for Psoriasis. It is slow working, but extreamly effective for psoriasis. I had great result and would highly suggest it if Consentxy is not an option. Besides you would not have to worry about biosimilars for a few years.

There are others on this forum who more than likely reconmend Stelara.

[Fred]

Let me know your thoughts on the Humira vs. Stelara!  

There are others on this forum who more than likely reconmend Stelara.

Yep Matari is right. What you have to remember is what works for some may not work for others.

For me in answer to your question Stelara gave me back my life, granted it's not great on psoriatic arthritis but is was better than Humira which ended up giving me a week in hospital looking like a lobster that had just come out of the pot.  

Humira V Stelara or any Bio V another Bio is never going to be clear cut, the studies may give an idea but until one tries it for themselves there is no way of telling which is the best.

[angel-1963]

Completed week TWO of injections.   Sustained a bruising and swelling at the one injection site in my thigh.   Reported that to my Cosentyx rep and she had to report it as an ADVERSE reaction.   Hmm.   I might have been pressing down too firmly with the pen...not sure.   I always get a little nervous.   lolol     The first week I had no bruising or bleeding.   I used almost the same injection site as last week which I hear is a NO NO.    I will find a different spot on my thighs next week.     As I get further into the second week I will let you know if there is any additional improvement!   Again, week one was decreased flakiness on my legs especially!  

[Fred]

I used almost the same injection site as last week which I hear is a NO NO.

No you must move to a different site each time.

#1 You can use your left then your right thigh.

#2 You can use the left and right side of your belly button. (*Keep a couple of inch's away from your belly button.)

#3 You can also use your left and right top of the arm, but more difficult on your own.

#4 You can also use your buttocks, but not many people do.  

When I was using Enbrel Twice a week I followed this protocol marked on my calendar for each shot.

Left Belly (LB)

Left Thigh (LT)

Right Thigh (RT)

Right Belly (RB)

And then start all over again.

That way you will avoid any problems of going in the same site to often.