|
|
 Pfizer Bridge Program for Genotropin
Posted Tue October 10, 2006 8:28 pm, by Linda A. written to Pfizer, Inc.
Write a Letter to this Company
My son has been receiving Genotropin for the treatment of Adult Hormone Deficiency Syndrome through the Pfizer Bridge Program.
He has been on it for over a year and his progress has been amazing. For the first time in his life, he was feeling normal and looking for a job. He is 30 years old.
Two months ago, his medicine stopped coming. He tried to call Pfizer to see what was going on but they wouldn't return his calls. He kept trying and finally got ahold of someone. She was very curt and told him to call his doctor. She would give him no further information.
He called the doctor only to find out that Pfizer Bridge had changed the rules for receiving the drug on this program and were requiring another kind of blood test.
This was a major burden for us. But, we did as requested. We live in a small town in the mountains and it required us to drive 3 1/2 hours to the doctor and lab.
The cost was around $700 for us. A burden for us but we wanted him to have his medicine.
The test itself is very hard on him. They draw blood 7 times over several hours. My son's veins are very, very difficult to find and he really suffers when they do this.
The test came back low but close to normal. This is what the doctor expected since my son had been on the medicine for over a year. This showed he was improving and the medication was working.
Pfizer Bridge refused to give him back his medicine. They said he didn't need it since his test was normal. They insisted he go off his medicine and then take the test again.
I couldn't believe it. Go off his medicine to prove he needs it? Do diabetics have to go off of insulin to prove they need it? This was outrageous!
He desperately needs his medication so we did as asked. He was off of it for about three weeks and we made the 3 1/2 hour drive again. He was put through those horrible blood draws again at another $700 cost to us.
It was lower yet but they still refused to give him his medication. He was too close to normal.
Any sensible person would realize that you want the tests to be normal after a year of being medicated. His still were low but much, much better than a year before.
This is just outrageous. We are now out $1400 and he still does not have his medicine.
If we were wealthy and could afford this medication, all we would need is a doctor's prescription. Why is it a different set of rules for someone who can't afford their medicine?
On top of this, Pfizer Bridge would not even talk to my son. They ignored his calls and when he finally got ahold of someone, she was very, very rude and told him in no uncertain terms not to call again.
My son is declining every single day. Why does he have to crash before he can get the medication he needs? Then, if he gets it back, he has to go through this all over again next year.
It is not reasonable or healthy to give someone what they need to be healthy and then take it away once a year, let them crash, take tests and then give their medication back. It is just cruel and inhumane.
My son was just getting well for the first time in his life. He was looking for work and felt good. You have taken all of that away from him.
My husband and I are supporting him and my elderly parents. This is a very difficult on us. We were seeing a light at the end of the tunnel with our son but you have ripped that away.
Can you imagine how he feels? Getting worse every single day when he knows there is something that can make him well?
One of the symptoms of this disease is weight gain. He had lost so much weight and now he is gaining. Can you imagine how that feels?
His friends are all married, have jobs, families, can hike, camp, ride bikes, etc. He can do none of that. He was just starting to do some of those things when you took his medication away.
Pfizer Bridge told our doctor that the reason they did this was because the FDA was requiring it.
I contacted two different departments of the FDA. They assured me, in writing, that they have done no such thing. This is strictly Pfizer Bridge doing this.
Why did they have to lie to us? Why are they discriminating against people that can't afford their medication and not the wealthy that can?
The requirements for my son to receive this medication from Pfizer Bridge should be a doctor's prescription and income requirements. That's all. Why should they require anything else when wealthy people don't have to? Our doctor monitors our son's medication and progress very closely. That should be good enough. The progress our son made in the last year speaks for itself. The fact that his blood tests were still low and not through the roof after being on the drug for over a year should prove that he needs it.
This is just an outrage.
I want my son restored to the Pfizer Bridge Program so that he can get the medication he needs.
I want him restored based on the doctor's prescription and the blood tests they have received.
I don't want him to have to go through this again next year.
I would really like a reimbursement for the unnecessary blood tests that you required. At least for the second one. This was a huge burden on us.
 Reply
| Log In/Create an account | 5 comments |
|
|
| PlanetFeedback Comments are subject to strict terms and conditions. We reserve the right to deny site membership privileges to any individuals acting inappropriately. |
 |
 |
 |
|
by S. Brown Posted Mon October 16, 2006 @ 6:46 PM
|
|
|
I looked on the website for the Pfizer Bridge Program and it states
that it's purpose, among other things, are the following:
1.) Assist with filling out insurance forms.
2.) Help the patient file a case with the insurance company in the
event coverage is denied.
3.) Try to find ways to get the cost of therapy covered, if needed.
It also appears that the program is designed for children and you stat
that your son is 30, so an exception of some sort must have been made
for him in the past.
So it sounds to me that while Pfizer may have revised the terms and
conditions of this program, they may not be the one's that have been
covering the cost of his medications; therefore, you may want to find
out the exact name of the organization or company that has been
footing the bill and direct your issues with them. You should also
get a copy of the terms and conditions of the Pfizer Bridge Program so
that you will have a better understanding of the requirements for
participation.
That being said, I do understand your frustration - - that you are
trying to help your sone the best you can and within the financial
resources you have available.
Please take a few moments and let us know if you hear from Pfizer
about this issue and any resolution they may have to offer you.
Reply
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
by Gino Version 1.2 Posted Thu October 12, 2006 @ 11:26 PM
|
|
|
Having Been through a similar thing with a loved one (different
medicine and situation) I know how it feels to be treated like this.
In our case my mom is an end stage renal patient... needs a binder for
Phosphates that used to be supplied by the Kidney Foundation. It's 370
bucks a months supply WITH insurance. So, to proove "medical
necessity" they had to take her off of it, her phosphate levels
skyrocketed, causing her heart beat to slow down...this binder lets
the dialysis get a good amount out of her system..without it it's a
lot of stress to watch someone flatline and be bought back.
So I know from experience this DOES go on. I think it stinks to put
people who have the right to privacy, dignity, pride, and just plain
respect to have to divulge their situation to get the help they need-
then have it denied.
Your Son was responding well BECAUSE of the medicine and to put him
and you though the expense, stress, suffering and pain and STILL be
denied something you are entitled to is unforgivable.
I hope your doctor can intervene somehow to not make this happen
again. I know the helpless feeling you have watching one you love
suffer for no good reason.
Keep Fighting and I wish you all the best!!!
Reply
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
by Venice-PFB Site Moderator Posted Wed October 11, 2006 @ 4:04 AM
|
|
|
Linda, I really feel for you on this. It must be very hard to see
your son's health decline unnecessarily. I think you have been
treated poorly and unprofessionally by Pfizer.
Does your son qualify for Social Security disability? I'm not sure,
but maybe he could get the drug that way. Does your state offer any
type of low cost or free health/prescription insurance? Maybe your
son's doctor can help you find a way to get the drug.
I don't understand what's so great about all the drug research and
development is if people can't afford to buy them. Even with
insurance, sometimes the copayment is too high to be affordable.
I hope you find a solution soon so your son can lead a healthy life.
Reply
|
|
|
|
|
|
SHARED LETTERS 
del.icio.us
Digg this
