Nuelasta v Granix

Shirley · 01-30-2014, 11:05 AM

Anybody heard about changes related to Nuelasta in their clinics? There was evidently a bit of a shakeup in the Nuelasta/Nuepogen world last November, and now there is a drug called Granix that my clinic is replacing Nuelasta with (I think that was the name of it). It is much cheaper than Nuelasta, and has something to do with Nuepogen’s patent expiring and another company selling Granix to compete. I’m assuming the issue is that insurance companies may not approve Nuelasta if there is a cheaper alternative, plus I think doctor’s offices won’t risk not getting a reimbursement for it. Mine was $5000 per shot, so I can understand not wanting to take on that risk.
It sounds to me like the efficacy between the drugs might be similar, but Nuelasta is longer lasting. It therefore requires just one injection following each chemo treatment, while Nuepogen requires one injuection daily for 5-14 days, along with at least 2 blood draws to check WBC count. The Granix drug would be the same—multiple injections.
I bring it up because we often discuss this drug and I’m wondering if anyone receiving chemo lately has been told they have to have Nuepogen (generic Filgrastim) or Granix instead of Nuelasta.
Shirley

jaykay · 01-30-2014, 02:42 PM

I was told that my insurance company would NOT cover neupogen since it was primarily self-given at home. When I started chemo and found out I had to come back the day after I freaked out and asked about an alternative. That's when they told me that my insurance would not cover neupogen. My neulasta shots were about $3500 each.

Little did I realize back then that coming back the next day was one of the easier things about chemo!

Janis

Laurel · 01-30-2014, 04:34 PM

I have not heard of Granix and used Neulasta self administering at home the day following my chemo infusion. The cost was $3000/injection. It was mailed to me packed in ice and contained 2 syringes which covered a month's worth of chemo since it was infused every other week. I would not like to have to return daily for an injection. That really is not fun when you are not feeling well and seriously infringes upon your life. I am betting it is a $ issue.

Adriana Mangus · 02-01-2014, 01:33 PM

Hi Shirley,

Do you think this would help my situation. I just had my first Taxotere- - among manyy other treatments I have gone through in the past-- chemo on the 30th, the side effects are unbearable, body aches, dizziness, fatigue, etc.What's the criteria in order to get a shot of this injection. I have heard about it in the past, but have no idea in what circumstances is provided to cancer patients. It may help me since taxotere causes low red and blood count cells.

Thank you for your help.

Adriana

Shirley · 02-01-2014, 04:15 PM

Adriana,

Nuelasta and Nuepogen are both designed to build your white blood cell count after chemo, so they help prevent infections. I don't know why some of us receive these shots and others do not. Something tells me it is based on economics. I would ask your doctor about it if you still have more chemo treatments remaining.

Nuelasta shots are a little painful and they do have side effects like bone pain, especially in the legs and ankles.

I hope you feel improved soon.

Shirley
Go Seahawks!