[Mrs. Don-o]

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and now have no insurance. The drug prices have soared unbelievably. Can't even remotely "dream" of being able to afford the "biologics" (like Humira) and can hardly pay out of pocket for the old standards like azulfidine, plaquenil, methotrexate and (for rescue purposes) the occasional prednisone.

This is just a shout-out to anybody who has any good ideas. What the heck can I do?

[morphing libertarian]

Are there any trial research projects you can sign up for

[Jeff Chandler]

The pharmaceutical companies often have discount programs for hardship cases. Also, companies such as Walgreens, Kroger, Walmart, etc. have programs which allow you to buy generics at reduced prices, sometimes as low as $4. There are also Mexican and Canadian companies which sell online.

Good luck.

[NittanyLion]

Contact the companies that market the molecule(s) you need and explain your situation. They may provide the item at a discount or no cost.

[griswold3]

Try contacting the manufacturers directly and explain your situation. Many have programs for uninsured folk.

[Random Access]

I found Meloxicam to be better than Celebrex and a hell of a lot less expensive.

[TurkeyLurkey]

My general physician had some drug discount cards in his office that were free to his patients. I took one and started using it several years ago. I too have rheumatoid arthritis and take methotrexate. The discount card knocks about $12-15 off the regular cost. I’ve seen other cards, some of them have been received in the mail; they’re from different phara companies.

You might ask your doctor or ask someone down at your local health clinic if they know of any drug discount cards available to people w/o insurance or those, like me, who are not on a lot of medication and do not subscribe to any drug plan.

[rawcatslyentist]

Genesis 1:29

The First Gift!

[bamahead]

You could try a patient assistance program to help you get the medication @ little to no cost. AbbVie does offer one for Humira (I take it for Psoriasis)

http://www.needymeds.org/papforms/abbpae0323.pdf

There’s a form you can print & fill out and also an 800 number to call. Best of luck...

[Lowell1775]

https://www.cheapodrugs.com/

Been using these guys for years. Tried others, but always came back for price and customer service.

They sell Canadian and Brit drugs generic and name brand. Savings range from 20 to 90% over what you pay US.

Legal and fast. Don’t know if they have your needs, but worth a check. Obviously they will not do pain killers, but anti-inflammatory arthritis should pass muster.

Good luck.

[Mom MD]

A lot of the pharmacy companies have patient assistance programs for those like you who cannot afford their medications. Ask your doctor to help or find out if there is a medical social worker or RN case manager available to help you find the programs/file for them.

[WVKayaker]

If you can make do with generics, I buy lots of things from ALLDAYCHEMIST.com. They ship from India, but many of the drugs are manufactured in the UK or other European countries. I get lots of things shipped to me here in the Philippines, and have found them to be trustworthy and effective. I got the referral from a friend. Many others that I know have used them to provide inexpensive alternatives.

They have an 800 number and offices in California.