Q&A with Dr. Tom
Nutraceuticals to the Rescue? Yeah. Really.
Lyrica(™) was one of the most expensive medications prescribed under Medicare D in the most recently released report of drug costs. Any suggestions on how to moderate that expense?
Try something else first.
Lyrica(™) indeed figured prominently on the top ten list discussed above. Indicated for seizure prevention and treatment of post-herpetic neuropathy, the primary driver behind its expense is it’s use in diabetic and other neuropathies.
Unlike the other meds on the list, however, there are some steps you can use to limit its use and it's costs—without additional costly tests.
Consider using an over-the-counter preparation such as Metanx (™) for a three month trial in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. The preparation costs about $60 a month out of pocket—competitive with tier 2 and 3 drug copays and completely paid by the patient rather than your pool.
It also works--very well.
I first stumbled upon the preparation during routine CME to maintain my diabetic center of excellence designation through a nationally recognized medical center. When the chief of neurology from this high powered institution explicitly recommended a nutraceutical such as Metanx for treatment of a disease it was like one of those moments in a courtroom drama when the audience gasps in amazement at a dramatic reveal.
After acknowledging our response with a chuckle, he went on to show pathology slides of regenerating nerves and comparative conduction studies to give objective support to the subjective pain data. He was firm that you need at least a three month trial and that if there is any improvement in symptoms over that three months, it is then likely that the improvement will continue over time.
My NP and I immediately put Mentanx in our treatment plans and it flat out worked—to the point where I was targeted by the drug reps for my declining prescribing volume of other medications.
I have absolutely no financial connection to Mentanx. I don’t sell it, own stock in it outside of my index fund, or even go out to dinner on their dime.
It just works.
I suggest your investigate and consider using it as an alternative to more expensive treatments--and save your pool some money.
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