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What Causes Neuropathic Pain In The Feet While On Gabapentin?

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Posted on Wed, 15 Mar 2017
Question: I have been on Lyrica 150 (3) times a day for over 10 years. My insurance company forced me to switch to Gabapentin - 400 mg (3) times a day. The neuropathic pain in my feet has returned and I have terrible insomnia. The insurance company (united Healthcare)
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (22 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Information (and good luck to you!)

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

Oh, I am so sorry - this is very frustrating! In the past I've had problems getting certain insurance companies to pay for medications that work significantly better for a patient than what is on the insurance company's formulary.

Here are some suggestions:
1. Ask your doctor to document that you have had a trial of gabapentin, and it has not controlled your neuropathic pain as Lyrica has, and that you are suffering. Send this to your insurance company.
2. Contact the insurance company and be persistent. The squeaky wheel sometimes gets their non-formulary medication approved.
2. Contact the Pfizer Company, which makes Lyrica and ask them about prescription assistance. Some drug companies that sell extremely pricey medications will provide medication for free if you fill out information about financial hardship to access the medication.

Check this out:
http://www.YYYYYYY.org/YYYY_list.taf?_function=name&name=Y
YYYYYY
Also: http://www.pYYYYYYYY.com

(You will need to copy/paste the link into your address search bar to see it.)

I do hope this helps.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (13 hours later)
Thank you for your response. unfortunately I am needy for the drug - but not financially needy. I am going to try through my physician network to ask for help.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
Understood. Good luck going through your physician group.

Again - be persistent in saying that the gabapentin is not helping adequately. Sometimes persistence works.

Best regards.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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What Causes Neuropathic Pain In The Feet While On Gabapentin?

Brief Answer: Information (and good luck to you!) Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX Oh, I am so sorry - this is very frustrating! In the past I've had problems getting certain insurance companies to pay for medications that work significantly better for a patient than what is on the insurance company's formulary. Here are some suggestions: 1. Ask your doctor to document that you have had a trial of gabapentin, and it has not controlled your neuropathic pain as Lyrica has, and that you are suffering. Send this to your insurance company. 2. Contact the insurance company and be persistent. The squeaky wheel sometimes gets their non-formulary medication approved. 2. Contact the Pfizer Company, which makes Lyrica and ask them about prescription assistance. Some drug companies that sell extremely pricey medications will provide medication for free if you fill out information about financial hardship to access the medication. Check this out: http://www.YYYYYYY.org/YYYY_list.taf?_function=name&name=Y YYYYYY Also: http://www.pYYYYYYYY.com (You will need to copy/paste the link into your address search bar to see it.) I do hope this helps.