Get in the habit of engaging in open communication with your doctor to understand your options. Don’t limit your conversations to just your health concerns. Be upfront about your financial matters as well.
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Start by asking your doctor for coupons or free samples. Drug reps provide doctors with these items to enable you to test out medicines before purchasing a full prescription.
Remember, you don’t have to sacrifice quality because of your financial situation. If there is a certain medicine you want, then ask your doctor for discounts. Medicines for sickle cell patients have improved significantly in the past few decades and you should be aware of them without worrying about the cost.
Adakveo, an infusion medicine that helps to manage sickle cell pain, was recently released and maybe less of a hassle than taking a daily pill.
The monthly infusion allows doctors to adjust doses as needed and it stays in the system without the drug diminishing completely by the end of the month.
Another smart move is asking your doctor to split your pills. Since some drugs cost the same no matter what the dosage is, you can ask your doctor to provide a prescription for a high-dose pill that you can split in half later.