Getting Zofran at a cheaper price....help !

[sweetsugardumplin']

I am into my tenth week of hyperemesis and after being admitted to hosptial and getting to know the relief of Zofran, I have been on 4 mg twice a day for the past five weeks. This is working out to be very expensive. I have heard that there is a particular Government Department in Canberra than can authorise the cheaper purchase of medication that is not on the PBS, with a letter form one's GP. I have spoken with my GP and she is happy to write a letter for me but is unsure of who to write to. So we have both gone off to do our individual research. Does anyone know who and where to write to ? I do remember other bubhub members going through this procedure and having succees but I can't find the threads !

[Rell]

:hugs: to you hyperemesis is no fun at all.
When I had it and after being hospitalised several times, the OB in the hospital got permision for me to get Zofren through the hospital pharmacy so I would only have to pay the normal price of a perscription. Hope this info helps and you can find a way to get it cheaper

[CharlisMummy]

I also got mine from the hospital pharmacy after weeks of paying a horrifying amount for it from the chemist. It was only when I booked in at the hospital that the midwives told me I could get it from their pharmacy. I was not happy jan about all that wasted money!

[Aquamarine]

Can I ask how well it worked for you all?

Thanks

[CharlisMummy]

It worked fairly well for me. i was on 4mg a day from 9 weeks til delivery which stopped the vomiting most days. I would take another 4mg at night if I started vomitting again. I still wished I was dead tho:crying: I was so miserable! :) :)

[Sheer Bliss]

Are you having the 4mg wafers or half of an 8mg tablet?
My dr prescribed the 8mg tablets and i cut them in half, having half in morning, half at night (although at one point i was having 8mg morning & night). It was $90 for 8 tablets (so 8 days worth) and then i could claim $45 back from private health. It still was expensive, but I think it worked out cheaper than the wafers.

I endeed up taking them for the whole pregnancy - spent I don't know how much on them:eek: But ut was better than living in hospital on a drip for the duration.

[doubleeangels]

I was on the 8mg wafer the whole pregnancy. Once you reach $1000 you do get it at the subsidised price. Again, if you get it through the hospital pharmacy you get it cheaper. Not all midwives know that but make sure you ask and get what you need. I also found taking Betamin tablets (100mg) 3 times a day was good. (Available over the counter). I have had HG with both my pregnancies and gave birth to 2 beautiful and healthy girls (8 pd 12 and 8 pd 14) and have had no troubles breastfeeding so no side affects with me on the Zofran. Best of luck to you.:hugs:

[miksandjacksmum]

hi mumma2370,
I have been on Zofran for the past 5 weeks and have done everything to try and get an exemption. I did get a phone number from a chemist which is the authorities hotline in Canberra that is supposed to be able to issue the exemptions but only your Obstertican can call. Ph: 1800 888 333. I tried to get my doctor to call but he said the exemption only applies to chemotheraphy paitents (I'm not sure if he called or not). I told him I too had read of my bub hubbers that have been given exemptions but he believes the only way they could it is if the doctor lied and said they needed it for chemo. Therefore, I'm paying $40 for 4 tablets, and am on 2 4mg a day ($20 a day). If you have any luck with this number please let me know, as my doctor too wants to help me out but doesn't know of a legal way to do so.

[miksandjacksmum]

Are you having the 4mg wafers or half of an 8mg tablet?
My dr prescribed the 8mg tablets and i cut them in half, having half in morning, half at night (although at one point i was having 8mg morning & night). It was $90 for 8 tablets (so 8 days worth) and then i could claim $45 back from private health. It still was expensive, but I think it worked out cheaper than the wafers.

I endeed up taking them for the whole pregnancy - spent I don't know how much on them:eek: But ut was better than living in hospital on a drip for the duration.

Just wondering what private health cover you have. I am with Medibank Private and am on the 4mg wafers and couldn't get anything back. The 8mg tablets definatley sound like a cheaper option especialy if you get something back.

[jaasssy82]

Hey there i am on zofran at the moment

if u have a healthcare card.. u can get them in lots of 4 x tablets 4mg for $5.60 the only catch is your gp cant give u repeats i got back to my gp every 3 days for another "seperate" script( its the authorisation from the place in canberra that allow them to give u repeats).. it can be a pain... but its much cheaper.. the wafers arent available on pbs which is a bugger.. but the tablets are better then nothing

i know how ur feeling:yes: