burning eyes

[rootofnewt]

I need to call my doctor tomorrow morning and request a refill for antihistamine eye drops. I normally use Patanol. It's expensive--third level for my prescription co-pay, which means I pay 35 bucks for a tiny bottle.

US folk, what other *prescription* antihistamine eye drops are there? If I can find something which might be a lower copay, I'd like to try it. With luck, my GP might have samples, so I don't have to spend a fortune trying out other eyedrops. Patanol works for me, it's just painful for the bank account.

Prescription drug formularies are really annoying. Patanol, of course, isn't on the formulary. the recommended alternatives are Alomide and Livostin. They both contain an "inert" ingredient which happens to cause me some intense allergic reactions. Personally, I think insurance companies should be willing to knock a drug down a notch on the payment scales if one cannot take the cheaper alternatives.

I've had my contacts in for a few minutes, but I think they're going to have to come right back out. *sigh*

Comments

[dahliablue.livejournal.com]

Yep, my Mom had to quit Patanol because of the ridiculous cost, even with insurance. The doc didn't have a suggestion for an alternative. :(

[jkatj.livejournal.com]

I think once upon a time, insurances (at least some) would give you the "name brand" version for the "generic" price if your doctor wrote them and explained why you definately needed the real stuff.

But I don't think that's the case anymore. Least, not with any insurances I know about. Damn this fecked up medical system.