Has your doctor ever prescribed you a medication, then when you go to the pharmacy to pick it up, you are given a different or generic version? Many women diagnosed with various conditions are experiencing just that.
Step therapy, also known as fail first is a cost-containment practice often implemented by insurers. With step therapy, patients are required to fail on one or more medications before they receive the medication originally prescribed by their own healthcare provider. In step therapy with forced off-label prescribing, the medications patients are required to try, and often fail on, are not approved by the FDA for the treatment of their medical condition.
Have you ever experienced step therapy and failed on medications before receiving the right one? Please share in the comments below, we’d love to hear your story.
Stay tuned for a blog series that will go more in depth on this topic within the next few weeks.
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Just wow!!! I never knew any of this and yes I have always been given a different medication other than what was prescribed. I haven't had any ill effects that I know of. Possibly thinking any side effects was normal? I am on a few meds and will now have to look more into what it is I am taking. Not FDA approved sounds scary to me. Thank you for this article and I too look forward to the blog.
October 27, 2014 - 1:39pmThis Comment
I have just finished a course of 2 different medications, so that I could finally get an extended release tablet for pain. I also, recently, had to go through a few medications to get to abilify for my Bipolar Disorder. The MA at the dr.'s office was able to get it approved without going through all the required meds and 3 month trials. Next we will see if she can perform the same miracle for my son!
October 27, 2014 - 7:47amThis Comment
I have not experienced this. I never even knew it existed! It's a pity that the drug companies have the power to do this, just over ride the physicians order!!!!!
October 27, 2014 - 7:46amThis Comment
I was prescribed Crestor 5 mg for slightly high cholesterol. I was required to try Lipitor generic for 3 months first. Lipitor only comes in 10 mg doses. I was nauseated all of the time for the 3 months---dry heaves, vomiting, muscle aches---felt like a 3 month flu. The co-pay for that was $10 for 90 days. When I switched to Crestor, my health returned and my co-pay jumped to $80.00 for 90 days.
October 27, 2014 - 7:32amThis Comment
Hi Erin -
Thanks for writing about this. Insurance companies are in the financial services business and sell financial products. They have absolutely no business making medical decisions, yet often find ways to do so. These actions can put both one's health and quality of life at risk. I look forward to the blog series.
Best regards,
Pat
October 22, 2014 - 5:53pmThis Comment