I’m recovering from spinal fusion surgery faster than I expected. Initially, I was prescribed hydrocodone, a narcotic. It reduced my pain, but I was still very sore. Plus, I was drowsy constipated and it conflicted with other drugs I was taking. I tried switching to Tylenol alone, but Tylenol wasn’t strong enough.
So, I remembered an article I read in the Wall Street Journal about a non narcotic drug, that is not addictive, does not make you drowsy and is not in conflict with other drugs I’m taking, Journavx. It’s made by Vertex. I may buy a few shares of the stock.
I asked my Doctor to prescribe Journavx. He was willing to provide the prescription but he warned me that is was not covered by my insurance. I’d have to pay out of pocket. He estimated that it would cost about $500 for a month’s supply. I haven’t played golf in 6 months, so with the money I saved I thought I’d splurge on Journavx.
I purchased Journavx at the Vons grocery store pharmacy for $98. Money well spent. I am on it now several days and I am 90% pain free. I take one every 12 hours. For me, it was more effective than the hydrocodone plus no noticeable side effects. And certainly more effective than Tylenol.
Journavx was not offered to me. I had to request it. It’s only because I happen to read an article about Vertex and their new holy grail medication that I obtained it. If you are ever going into surgery ask your doctor about it. Remember, I got it for $98.
Paul Coyne PhD
UPDATES
I want to amend my pain free percentage. I said 98%. Probably 85-90% is more accurate once I started to get out of bed and walk around. At times it is not strong enough.
May 29th. I made an error on the cost of the medication. I was told that my insurance would not pay for Journavx. So when I was charged the $98 I thought that was the cost. I was wrong. I have since found out that my insurance paid for about $300 of the $400 cost of the medication, so my co-pay was $98. Now I’m up for a refill and my insurance will no longer pay anything, I will pay the $400 myself for a 2 week supply. For me, the cost is worth it. Your miles may vary.
I went on the Journavx website and there is a coupon you can use to obtain a two week supply for $30. I’ve used that twice.
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