Aranesp

[jambo101]

Nephrologist prescribed weekly injections of a drug called Aranesp,i was a little taken back by the price =$500 per 4 injections,even with insurance covering 80% of the cost this is some pricy stuff. Any one know how necessary this drug is?

[kickingandscreaming]

If you're anemic it is absolutely essential.  Unless you'd rather have regular blood transfusions which will harm your chances of transplant, if you want one.

[PrimeTimer]

If you want to remain upright and breathing then it's a necessity. Ask your neph or nurse if you qualify for their specialty pharmacy or drug program. Don't be shy about asking.

[Simon Dog]

Ask your MD how often you would have to take Micera if you switched to that.   You would likely go to every other week or monthly.

Mircera if pegylated EPO.  Basically, they bind the drug to a polyethylene glycol which provides for an extended time release of the drug.

When I was on D, they switched me from EPO to Micera since it was cheaper for the clinic.  I checked with a hematologist not involved with my treatment at the time who had no co$t axe to grind and he told me Micera was a fine substitute for EPO.

You may find that such a switch could save you money.   The "catch" is it comes in prefilled syringes of various doses, and you may need an inventory of a couple different doses.

$500 per 4 doses barely scratches the surface of cost.   Injections to boost platelets or white blood cells are each several times that amount.

[Darthvadar]

Thankfully, in this part of the world, such medications are free to people on D....

My late mum was on it, and while it didn't have her racing around the place, she certainly was more 'jaded' without it!...

Darth....

[Riki]

Arenesp lasts longer than regular EPO.  Right now, you are getting it weekly, but that might just be until your hemoglobin is back where it should be.  After that, you may go to once every 2 weeks, or if you are lucky like me, not need it at all

[Paul]

As far as I can tell (check this before making a decision) Aranesp is just a long life version of EPO, so if EPO is cheaper ask your neph if you can take that instead. I take EPO three times a week, and it is a life changer. Seriously, whichever your neph tells you is a must, go for it if you can afford it, they seriously improve the "value of your life".

[sahern]

Who knows you might get lucky like me.  After taking Aranesp monthly for about a year my numbers have stayed up and have not needed it for over two years.