Sudden Dextroamphetamine Price Quadruple???? (Page 2) (Top voted first)

What happened? Oh, no... I am f+#*ed. Went to Walgreens to fill dextroamph rx tonight. Instead of approx. $75 they said for me with self-pay it's $355+!!!! This is for ONE month. No way I can afford it! Suddenly? What the _ do I do? Taper down with the 2 more days of pills that I have? So, you just blow, they are saying to me. Just be sick, and here, we'll make it so you're much, much sicker!!!

Are all the pharmacies going to have the same astronomical price hike? Has anyone got information about about this?

REPLY

REPORT

I'm glad I'm not the only one that experienced this price increase! Glaxo Smith Kline had an assistance program for brand name Dexedrine Spansules, with a co-pay of $10.00 per month. They sold the drug to Core Pharma, who has Amedra Pharmaceuticals producing them.Amedra does not have an assistance program. So I had to switch to generic form, dextroamphetamine ER. 15mg, 60 capsules were $75, then $98, then $175, and now its $330! I will also have to switch - possibly Concerta, but the Dexedrine has always been fantastic - I even like the generic better than the brand. I called Amedra about pricing and was told "Amedra does not set the pricing you will pay at the pharmacy for our product. You will have to contact your pharmacy for the cost of this medication".The Walmart pharmacist told me that their corporate office sets the price. But all other pharmacies I've checked with had the same price increase. Very frustrating.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

I am in the same boat...Usually pay $20 with insurance for 150 10mg ir....when i got my script filled at walgreens it came to almost $100.

So after calling around and talking with my insurance they explained to me "that the contracted rate went up because walgreens wasn't making enough money on it"....

And i was like seriously WTF....they are not making enough money on my medication i need? what about when i don't make enough money to pay for the medication i need?

But honestly not sure what to believe here. Sucks

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

Thanks for the link to ftccomplaintassistant.gov/FTC_Wizard.aspx?Lang=en -- I filed my complaint.

Suggestion for anyone who are unable to pay the ridiculous price: Talk to your doctor about switching to Vyvanse. Shire offers a patient assistance program for it and if you qualify, you can get the medication for free.

http:/­/­www.shire.com/­shireplc/­dlibrary/­documents/­ShireCaresApplication_June2012.pdf

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

SAME THING JUST HAPPENED TO ME!!! Usually pay $68-$70 for 120. Walgreens on Thurs. 12/13 $249!!! I was so angry and didnt know what to do - it's crazy!! Try GoodRx. They had coupons & MUCH lower prices. You may have to plan ahead-either order it before you run out, (which us ADD folks never seem to do), or call around, but it's worth it!! I was dumb enough to pay the $ before researching. But I had none left. BOO WALGREENS!!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

Same story here and with a new twist, my Medicare plan D supplier, Humana, has required a prior-auth. for more than #60 p/m. All this out of the blue. I asked my friendly pharmacist whether this was connected to REMS (Risk Evaluation Management Strategy) and she told me that if it wasn't that they would have come up with something else. They are really tightening the screws on Class IIs. Best of luck . . . Q

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

may i ask for those taking this and these pharma prices, are u using any type of insurance, medicare, medicaid, or a pharmacy discount program? i just can't imagine these pills could be that expensive!! dextroamphetamine are no longer available in anything other than generic and there is nothing that special about them as far as anything that might make them a more costly med. I am dumb founded to hear this. i got these a month or 2 last year when my normal Rx was not to be found, and i paid $5 for a 30 day supply. it is not fair or right for anyone to have to pay what i see some of you were asked to pay. TEVA MAKES ENOUGH MONEY, THIS IS A DISGRACE!!! I work for a small pharma company so i truly have an interest here, and it's very disheartening to hear this deplorable news. i'm getting to the bottom of this....

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

We have been left to die.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

Same thing happened here. Prices through the roof everywhere. I'm not the suspicious type, but from what I've read this has resulted from DEA involvement to limit/drive up prices of precursor chemicals, which was what caused the shortage for a year or two. Now, Wilshire has started to manufacture/distribute as well as Barr - so there is competition and prices should go back down. But they likely won't I'd wager. Some sharp journalist is going to get a hold of this and in a year or two we'll see a story in the news about Gov't/manufacturer collusion to intentionally drive up prices.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

I was paying $40-$60/month #180 10mg IR tabs. Last October (via GoodRx) $31 for #360 5mg IR tabs. Then it shot above $300, a week later to over $900. Now with GoodRx its $271+ #180 10mg IR tabs, and more for the 5mgs. Now getting Adderall ~$71/month #60 30mg IR tabs.

Besides Wilshire, about a year ago Mallinckrodt began producing immediate release tablets again. (They stopped several years ago.) However when I checked the price for the Mallinckrodt 9 months ago, it was much more then the Barr (Teva) was at the time. I sort of wonder if that gave Teva reason to increase their price? As a footnote, Mallinckrodt is also a producer of the bulk dextroamphetamine, which is purchased by others such as Teva to make dose units. (Those who make the pills and those who make the active pharmaceutical ingredient are not necessarily the same).

I don't buy the precursor and bulk price theory. If that's the case why didn't generic Adderall prices also go crazy. Why didn't Vyvanse prices also go up (proportional to the amount dextroamphetamine)? Further the precursor chemicals are inexpensive and used for other drugs and other industrial and technical uses. If the DEA or other policy makers are involved, I suspect there are concerns about dextroamphetamine being the cheapest and most "likable" as in abusable of the common stimulants. It is being increasingly prescribed as more adults are treated for ADHD and more of us don't have insurance. Solution: Raise the price and see Dexedrine go the way of Desoxyn.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

I never knew that the Mallinckrodt made the dexedrine tablets again until yesterday. I take 60 mg per day and 180 of them cost approx. $189 for me at my mom and pop pharmacy. I took these back when the green RP ones and Yellow Shield ones were being approved via insurance. It took almost a year but I have had psychotic reactions to everything that company makes except for the 10 mg tablets. I got Barr last month because they took the Ritalin patch off of my formulary and I had to take 40 mg of Ritalin in the AM too and they had a fit. I am hyperactive as hell and have been since age 5. In my opinion, if they are going to play games with these poorer versions then put the Dexedrine and Dextrostat tabs on the market. I miss those Dexedrine 5 mg tabs, they made me go from obnoxious, hyper and loud to Stepford citizen in 20 minutes. The other brand was better at bedtime. Spansules make me a zombie, like one of those kids on too much ADHD medicine. I guess I can be grateful that they are actually available again. I hope I get the Mikart brand at some point.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

I am still hanging in there... barely. I was getting the Barr generic dextroamphetamine tabs at Walmart for $110/mo (60 x 10mg). Then I found a secret little pharmacy that was getting me a different brand (not sure - white diamonds) for $94/mo.
Now, Walmart is out of stock!!! That can't be good at all... So I am left getting them from the little secret pharmacy, but their price has gone up to $126/mo.
On the bright side: I am now getting yet another brand (WILSH?) and they are cool-looking, *small*, dark-peach, round tabs that are double-scored on one side (a cross/+) and they read 10/MIA on the other. They seem to have more of a 'kick' than some brands I've tried previously.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

I just had same problem, price went from 87.00 to 242.00.... So not fair. the other company who made it sold out to another company and apparently they trying to eradicate it in favor of more profitable products like Adderall. Guess they don't care about all the people this product helped. Its just not fair. it's the only thing that worked for me. But I can't afford it.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

Come to aus if u cant be bothered working u will get a special card and pay $5.60 per script(up to 200 5mg) same price rgardlessnof amount. If u work and have a legitimate medically diagnosed reason (not a psych opinion) one actually testable then u can expect to endure all sorts of s*** even get charged if u r robbed and its stollen. Come to aus for cheap drugs. I pay $28 for two hundred no gov discount or rebate, it is all how script written. For years doctors have save me $ by writting scripts for 200 tabs as here they charge perscript and according to condition

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

You are so wrong. Arte you on Medicare? I am and have to ell you that Medicare automatically puts you on Medicare when you reach the age to go on it. Depending on one's b-day year, some people went on upon reaching age 64, some age 65, and so on. If you are around 30 yrs old or so now, you may have to wait until age 67 or 68 before they put you on. When I reached 65, they automatically started taking $120/mo out of my social security payments for part A and B, which only cover 80% of doctor visits, hospitalization, surgeries, etc. You do not receive ANY prescription coverage at all. You have to obtain your own Medicare part D which is prescription insurance only from a private insurance company that deals with Medicare part D. I was directed to a S.H.I.P. counselor by my mental health clinic who helped me find one, which is Cigna insurance co. I have to pay them $127.00 /mo for prescription insurance. Now my co pay for Dextroamphetamine is $4.00 for 180 - 10 mg spanules . Actually, all and any other prescriptions may have is also $4.00/a script regardless of how many pills the prescription calls for. A lot of people, myself included, ha always thought Medicare is insurance and once on it, you are home free and covered. Not true!!! Nothing is given to us free by our government these days. We pay taxes all our lives, then when we retire, we get a meager income that we can hardly live on then they start taking money out of it for our health care, in which we have no choice about and even have to get our own insurance to cover the meds we might need. At least when I was on SSI, I got MEDICAID and that particular program is indeed Insurance where one does not have to pay a thing, except maybe $1.00 for co pay on meds. But once you turn retirement age, you're kicked off SSI and Medicaid automatically and put on Medicare and then you start paying up the butt. So there you have it. Shocking, in't it? I know I was in shock when I found out how it all worked.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

Actually, you know who has control over the price of drugs...? The government! Yup! Believe it or not..but it's true. Our government and our pharmaceutical companies here in the U.S. are very well connected. You can research this if you don't believe me. How is it that Obama can hand out free birth control, which can cost $1,500+ (IUD) With private insurance, but if you get Obama care it's free...? Actually it seems since Obama's administration the price of Dexamethasone have skyrocketed!! Interesting...
I went to get my Dex today(rightaid, Seattle area)...$480 for 60caps of 15mg spantuals. Pretty high!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

I've been taking amphetamines for 40 years for my Narcolepsy. I took Desoxyn for the Majority of that time and pricing was not an issue of me as insurance recognized it as a maintenance medication. My wife changed jobs and we moved to Seattle. The new insurance would not touch Desoxyn. I'd been taking 15mg daily for at least 35 years. My Doctor put me on Adderal (Salts Generic)and while it was covered, it was awful in it's effects. Finally after increasing the dosage for several months I just flat out asked for dexedrine. The ER 15mg worked much better for me, however it took another dosage experiment to find what I needed to function as I did while on Desoxyn.

Finally arrived at 60mg daily (2 15mg Caps Twice Daily) and that worked. Cost was not an issue as it was below $30 for a 3 months supply. Job / insurance change again....and this insurance will have nothing to do with covering the med...until the $4000 deductible is met. I knew it would be very expensive but my health would be at risk without it. I took in my 3 months supply RX (270 caps 15mg) pharmacy called me and told me the generic would be $1800! After the pharmacist did some checking he found TEVA would be $464 for the same quantity (no small expense to say the least). How can one generic be 4X more than another?

My wife appealed the insurance companies decision to no avail. My prior 90 day supply is almost up and in looking for a cheaper price I checked with Walmart. $1500 for the same RX. Am I supposed to pay the mortgage or buy medicine? My condition is organic / nothing I can do about it. The entire health care industry is a disaster. Insurance companies have huge deductibles and they just don't care any longer.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

In NJ the price for 120 tablets (10 mg) went from about $70 to $250 a month ago. I could not afford to fill the prescription and have been looking for alternatives. According to the Teva Pharm site (the only manufacturer leff) Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Tabs are not eligible for patience finanical assistance (tevagenerics.com/default.aspx?pageid=3420) . I plan to talk to my doctor about chaning to vyvanse by Shire.... Vyvanse is covered by Shire's patient assistance program. I know I qualify, so hopefully I will be able to get it for free, or nearly free. (I've already qualified to get Humira and Lamictal for free from the respective manufacturers. Just thought I'd mention it as an alternative for anyone on limited income who doesn't have insurance

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Teva, the only manufacturer still making Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Tabs appears to be price gouging. Unfortunately, they do not include Dextroamphetamine in their patient financial assistance program (perhaps if enough people call and complain they will....). If you don't have insurance and have limited income you may be able to get an alternative medication for free though another pharmaceutical company's program. For example, my doc is helping me apply to Shire for free Vyvanse (Visit rxhope.com/PAP/info/PAPList.aspx?drugid=5195&fieldType=drugid for info on Shire's program)

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

My daughter has been on this med for years. we paid about $35 a month (cash price) for years. in Sept went up to $80 and this month $285! I left the pills @ Walgreens! If you ever wondered who is really running this country we have our answer- insurance companies & drug manufactures! They are pissed off that Obama was reelected. Desperate to get their $ before Obama care cuts them off! Shame shame!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 4

My doctor told me manufactures found away to limit generic manufacturing quantities so it drove prices up to be the same as name brand

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Ive taken Dexadrine tabs for a couple years. The price is now too much for me too afford. No inssurance. My Dr. gave me ...

7 REPLIES

My mother was told that her doctor could no longer prescribe the dextroamphetamine that she has been taking, at minimum ...

37 REPLIES

I am trying to find a pharmacy in my area that can fill my prescription for Dextroamphetamine 10 mg tabs. All the pharma...

23 REPLIES

used for 10 years for narcolepsy ## I have been useing dextroamphetamine 5mg tablets for 4 years for narcolepsy. I also ...

10 REPLIES

Has Core Pharmaceuticals improved their product since the year 2009? When I last tried the Core 10mg generic version of ...

6 REPLIES

Hey all, I take Dex IR for ADHD-C in the afternoons and it works great. I need to find an XR medication to take in the A...

5 REPLIES

ROUND PINK 953/10 B ## picturea ## I cannot post a picture, due to copyright reasons, however, I can tell you from the i...

4 REPLIES

MY DOCTOR SUDDENLY PASSED AWAY DUE TO HEART ATTACK IM TRYING TO FIND A DOCTOR WHO WILL PRESCIBE THIS FOR ME.I LIVE IN MU...

3 REPLIES

What is dextroamphetamine/amphetamine er? I've just started this med. Does it take time for it to build up in your s...

2 REPLIES

dextroamphetamine sulfate ## i found a capsule that is tan and white and has ku 113 do you know what it is?? ## i found ...

2 REPLIES