Question:
Ins will not approve Vioxx or Celebrex, what can I take?
I switched to a HMO which will not approve my prescription for Vioxx or Celebrex for my osteoarthritis. Tylenol does nothing for the stiffness. Any suggestions? — Joanne T. (posted on June 19, 2003)
June 19, 2003
I have arthritis as well, but both of the drugs you mention, made me very
ill prior to surgery so I do not take them post surgery. Does your HMO have
a list of approved drugs for this type of problem? I have a PPO and they
restrict coverage of certain "named" drugs. Usually, if there are
several types of a certain type of drug, they will approve at least one.
— M B.
June 19, 2003
I have the same problem with getting my insurance company to cover Vioxx or
Celebrex for me too. Vioxx is the only thing that seems to keep my knee
pain to a minimum. My doctor prescibed Ultram (Tramadol) for me. It helps
a little although not as well as the Vioxx does. Hope this helps.
— ImANewDee
June 19, 2003
I had a plan once that wouldn't cover Vioxx, but I had my doctor submit
information to them that I had tried their other "approved"
medicines and they didn't work. My Vioxx was then covered.
— Moysa B.
June 19, 2003
Have your surgeon and arthritis doctors send an appeal to the insurance
company explaining why you cannot take other NSaids. They can charge you a
higher co-pay, but they cannot deny you medically necessary medication. I
had the same problem with two different insurance companies. One had the
gall to say that I wasn't old enough to have arthritis so I didn't need the
Vioxx. My doctor sent in copies of the x-ray reports to confirm that I did
have arthritis. Do whatever you got to do but please work at it. It will
be worth it in the long run because you're right, Tylenol just won't cut
it. Amanda
— cjabates
June 19, 2003
Most insurance companies will pay for Vioxx & Celebrex with a prior
authorization. Usually it just takes a phone call from your Dr to the ins
company. They do not like to pay for such medications for they are newer to
the market & therefore more expensive. There are other medications or
medication combinations available comparable to Vioxx & Celebrex.
Explain the situation & ask your Dr or Pharmacist for a recommendation.
— Sarah H.
June 19, 2003
My husband has severe arthritis in his right shoulder. He is taking
Doctor's Best glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM. He researched different brands,
asked several healthcare providers, and even tried a couple of brands
before finding that Doctor's Best is the most effective brand. He can now
raise his right arm up straight over his shoulder, which he couldn't do for
many years. He also sleeps through the night without the pain waking him.
glucosamine/Chondroitin is a relatively expensive product, but he
recommends this particular brand very highly to everyone with aches and
pains. cj
— Cynthia J.
June 19, 2003
This may be a blessing in disguise. I was taking Vioxx and/or Celebrex
(had to switch up from time to time) before surgery but my surgeon told me
after surgery to never take them again. Apparently, what we thought was
safe for our tummies is not. These drugs have been known to cause ulcers
and other problems for WLS patients. One of my co-patients ended up in the
hospital for several weeks with ulcers from taking Vioxx after WLS. I take
the Glucosamine and it helps a bit. The best thing I've found for my RA is
exercise. It hurts like the dickens to start but once I get going and get
everything kind of "loosened up" it felt better. Good luck!
— Vicki H.
June 19, 2003
I agree with Vicki! My Dad's death was from Vioxx. It caused a bleeding
ulcer in 1 wk of using it. He was NOT a wls patient. We are even more so
sensitive with no stomach to buffer.
— ZZ S.
June 19, 2003
There is another product called Bextra, you might check if is in your
benifits formulary. Another thing you can do is ask the prescriptions
benifits company to mail you a list of what is in formulary (what is
covered) so that you and your MD can make a choice withing that formulary
list.
— Carol H.
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