Rituxan Question

[misskay]

Due to complications of the bladder after 5 months of Cytoxan, my doc had me discontinue using it 2 weeks ago. He is currently trying to get me approved for Rituxan infusuins. Apparently insurance companies don't like to pay for it for some reason. We've upped my Pred to 15 mg daily in the meantime to try and protect me...
My question is this? Has anyone here had the IV Rituxan? Was it used alone or in combination with another drug? I've read that it is usually used in combination with Methotrexate... altho my doc hasn't mentioned this yet. Possibly he is just waiting until he gets the Rituxan approval before we discuss it in depth. So far all of this has been done over the phone since my last appointment when he had me rushed to Urulogy due to the bladder bleeding.
Getting nervous due to stopping chemo before remission, learning and starting a new med, having to up the pred after finally getting it down to 7.5, and just generally not feeling well. I have an appointment with my PCP on Monday at the Rhumy suggestion because I may be developing a respiratory infection, and also to recheck the urine for blood and run a CBC (Rhumy office is closed starting tomorrow, and will not reopen until January 10. (it's much cheaper co-pay wise for me to do all this at PCP rather than go to Pulmy for parts, and Labs for the rest, and my Rhumy *Bless him* is trying to 1)save me 2 different higher co-pays and 2)save me several trips to different places in differrnt cities.
Thanks in advance for any thoughts or suggestions.
~Stacey~

[Brooke]

I had the Rituxan Infusions in May of this year. It took a lot of calls back and forth with the ins. company to finally get it approved, they finally did. The methotrexate was not working for me, hence having to do Rituxan, I can't remember how long I was off of the methotrexate before the infusions. I was on 20 mg of prednisone and also on bactrim while receiving the Rituxan. The infusions went just fine for me.
Good luck to you!

[misskay]

well, just got a call from the Rhumy office... the insurance company (Cigna) has denied me the Rituxan. Dr office is going to send me paperwork to sign that they will then send to the makers of the drug to try and get them to supply it for free. This could take several months... about to have a major come-apart here...

[Brooke]

Don't fall apart!! Keep fighting!! Thats what I had to do! I also wrote a letter to the insurance company explaining that I am in my child bearing years and would like to have children in the future. Also noted the side effects of Cytoxin. I am surprised they would deny this since you are having problems with the Cytoxin.
Stay strong!!

[me2]

Don't give up on your insurance company too quick. Fight the battle on all fronts. Try and get the company to provide the drug for free but also pursue appeals with your insurance company. I highly recommend you check out this web site by Laurie Todd- The Insurance Warrior About Laurie the I.W.

She is an expert on the insurance appeals process. She has a great book on the subject. If you look around there are also radio interviews with her. She sends the book out pronto if you order it or maybe your local library has it.

There is a large body of evidence to support an appeal for Rituxan. Work on all of your possiblities at once until one of them comes through.

[Sangye]

Misskay, it's not necessarily over with Cigna. Your doc shouldn't be throwing in the towel like that. First, find out on what basis they denied it and let us know. It's usually just a matter of appealing and the doc providing proper documentation. Given your problems with ctx they'll approve it.