Briviact - Transition Pros and Cons

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BuckeyeFan

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At some point after the first of the year, I will be getting off Dilantin due to numerous long term side effects. As I wean off the Dilantin, I will start taking Briviact. My Epilologist from the Cleveland Clinic has scheduled my ramp down and ramp up. I also take Lamictal, which can be suppressed by Dilantin, so I will likely have a dosage reduction on that if my blood levels for that increase.

My main topic here is the transition and people's experience with that.

I also welcome any feedback on Briviact or Briviact combined with Lamictal.

Thanks
 
In my experience transitioning is unique to how well you respond to the newer medication. All the same rules apply. Get some sleep, reduce stress try and avoid triggers.
I’m currently on 5 medications. Lamictal and Briviact are two of them. Briviact is the only one I take 3 times a day. I’ve been able to tolerate any side effects from Briviact fairly well.
Hope it goes well 🍀
 
I hope your transition goes well. Changing meds/transitioning can be such a long process & a headache.
I recall taking Dilantin a long time ago. That was when I only had simple partial seizures--now I have complex partial seizures, too. Lamictil is one of the many AEDs I've tried since but couldn't use due to allergies.
 
My wife was put on Briviact after she had some issues with Lamictal. She tolerates the Briviact well enough though it makes her tired/sleepy. It has helped a lot with her seizure control.
 
I started to get concerned about the Briviact decision. Luckily, my health insurance came through after consulting with the doctor. It is going to cost me around $200 a month which is manageable. If my insurance had denied coverage, it was going to be $1400 per month.

I know many of you are dealing with even worse financial issues. I do thank God for still being blessed with a decent income. Hopefully, I can stay off disability and continue to afford this expense.

Prayers for others who can't.
 
I know what you mean about cost. That is why I started Zonisamide a few years ago. I was originally using Topamax & Vimpat--400mg/day of each (but still having occasional breakthroughs). Then my husband's insurance changed, and it would require us to pay $1600/month just for the Vimpat!
 
I started to get concerned about the Briviact decision. Luckily, my health insurance came through after consulting with the doctor. It is going to cost me around $200 a month which is manageable. If my insurance had denied coverage, it was going to be $1400 per month.

I know many of you are dealing with even worse financial issues. I do thank God for still being blessed with a decent income. Hopefully, I can stay off disability and continue to afford this expense.

Prayers for others who can't.
I've been taking Briviact for 4 years now. But when I told my epileptologist that I couldn't afford it, despite Medicare's help, I was directed to the pharmaceutical directly and applied for patient assistance. Now I pay $0.
 
I've been taking Briviact for 4 years now. But when I told my epileptologist that I couldn't afford it, despite Medicare's help, I was directed to the pharmaceutical directly and applied for patient assistance. Now I pay $0.
Good to hear from someone who has been on it for a while.
Medicare was also a consideration for me. I am 63 1/2, so wanted to make sure I wouldn't have to change in a few years or if I would ever have to go on disability. Glad to hear they were at least covering part of it.
 
I've been taking Briviact for 4 years now. But when I told my epileptologist that I couldn't afford it, despite Medicare's help, I was directed to the pharmaceutical directly and applied for patient assistance. Now I pay $0.

I have now found out that my first prescription will cost $3200 because of my deductible ($4500). I have more than enough in my HSA account, so I may go ahead with it. Between my wife and I, we exceed our $7000 Out of Pocket every year. Thus, in the end we will have something else covered completely later in the year.

Thanks for the advice on applying to the Pharmaceutical company. That would be so helpful!!!
 
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