Just got the first bill for antirejection meds...

[draven]

And felt like 


its going to cost me R9000 a month which is about $924

Put it this way before i was on dialysis i was not even earning half of that.

and my doc informs me that i need to take the real deal pills and not generics. and in case anyone is wondering our government hospitals dont stock most of the pills and a disability grant from the government is a joke less than $100 a month. I'm 27 years old with a History of medical problems so no medical aid over here will want me. so i guess while my parents are alive i better stock up on meds before they kick the bucket

[RichardMEL]

Gee, that's really tough Draven. I hope your parents can continue to help you out with these vital medications.

I am very glad here in Australia that the government believes that it is better to subsidise the medications rather than risk someone heading back to dialysis which would cost them even more. Plus of course supporting someone having had a transplant means that, in theory, they can get back into the workplace and pay some tax as well as lead a more productive life.

Fingers crossed for you draven!

[okarol]

I am surprised that the transplant team did not thoroughly discuss a plan for your prescription needs after transplant so you would be prepared.
Is there no medication assistance program? No health insurance? Or is this amount after insurance?
Here's a related thread, I know this is primarily info for US patients, but it may help you to research some resources to get you some help. http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=2522.0
I don't understand how anyone could afford to get a transplant under those conditions. Good luck to you!

[circleNthedrain]

Sorry to hear this draven.  I would have been happy to send you my leftover cyclosporine after my transplant failed.  That was 2 years ago and it is now long gone.  Perhaps there are others in a similar situation that might be able to help.  Hope you find a solution.

[pelagia]

that's crazy.   

Can you find out the contact information for the drug companies in your country?  We can all send them letters telling them they need to have a patient assistance program   

Is there a news organization that you can contact?  or a local government representative you can write too?  This is one way to get attention brought to an issue.

[draven]

the good news is my parents medical aid (health insurance) has authorized my meds. they will pay most of it. so i will manage for now, but i definitely need to make a plan for the future.

As far as any government/medical assistance our government hospitals are very strict about having transplants and screen patients before being approved. if u fail the screening its dialysis (if u can afford it and there is space. or go home and die.

[charee]

Wow thats expensive , my first month of meds cost me $ 335 for a month supply and i thought that was steep !