Help!! I just got my 5 month supply of Larium from the Rx
( I live in the US) and the total cost was $189.00!! My
Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance said they wont cover it!!
Are there any other options?? What do other folks here in
the US do?? I cant afford to do this but I can't afford
not to.
Any clues??
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Liz,
Malaria in the US? Not a problem! I assume you're going on an extended stay somewhere. You don't say where you are going but often you can get pharmaceuticals over the counter much cheaper at your destination. I would get enough to get started and get more there. Though for long term use you may want to research a little more. I believe Lariam is best taken for short periods only.
Also - hopefully you've taken it before and know that it won't affect you. A few people don't tolerate it and it would be a shame to have bought a lot of it only to have to discontinue it and go on something else.
when i went abroad, i had bc/bs too, and they told me it
wouldn't cover larium either. but it does. there's
something about getting smaller prescriptions, or with a
different company. I forget exactly what I did (I'm sorry)
but try calling a travel clinic near you - I'm sure they'll
know what to do.
good luck,
You might want to try doxycycline, an antibiotic which is
effective on malaria. The main side affect is sensitivity
to sunlight, so you have to carry LOTS of sunscreen, but
it's much cheaper than larium, might be covered by your
policy, and doesn't have the same trippy side affects of
more traditional anti-malarials.
Going to equitorial Africa? Don't forget the sunscreen. I
forgot mine. Finally found some, -- at $20 a tube, happily
paid $10. ;{
~
~
I wouldn't use Doxycyclene - it may be cheaper but you have
to take it every day ... can make you feel sick. Larium is
the way to go.
On the cost side - move to Australia ... it is covered over
here
Hey there-
Thanks. Think I will look into smaller amounts and see if
they will cover. Victoria- You had good advice. Thanks.
I will call the clinic and see what they say. I would love
to have BC/BS cover a smaller amount but then, I would be
up against trying to buy it in Kenya or Tanzania. I will
be in Nairobi for a while, guess I could do it there??
Thanks to all!!
Liz
Do not take these drugs for longer than 3 months at a time.
Consult your doctor about the effects of long term usage.
hi liz,
aren't you the girl thats gonna tackle Kili??? we've spoken
ages ago right? i hate to tell you this but you could have
got any of the anti malaria drugs in africa for about 1/4 of
what you paid there. can you take them back??
one more thing ....sean is right. be catfoot concerning
larium...it has the most side effects of any AM drug. i
personally will never take it as i have seen its side
effects. i wouldnt take any AM for longer than 4 months.
if you have side effects change immediately to another no
matter what you are taking..they all have different effects
on different people. enjoy your trip.
Hey Liz,
My wife and I were on Larium for 9 months in SE
Asia. No side effects, no problems. It really depends on
the person. Consult with a knowledgeable travel clinic.
As to BC/BS, don't give up so easily. Explain to them that
this is a preventative medication, like many others,
designed to keep you well and save them the expenses
associated with treating malaria. Ask them to tell you
exactly what about your policy excludes coverage for the
prescription down to the page, paragraph and line. We were
able to make our insurer pay every penny. Best of luck and
happy travels
If you do use this BE SURE and take with food! I'm not
kidding about this....
a friend of mine took larium last year for only 8 weeks. He
now suffers from depression, anxiety and a total lack of
confidence.....you should seriously consider alternatives.