Gammunex or Gammaguard

[melanie]

Optigam is recalled Dr J wants to go to gammunex 10% My insurance company only will pay for gammuguard It never ends

 

What does dr K and B use anyone know?

 

Melanie

[norcalmom]

Dr K uses gammunex.

[melanie]

thanks uggggghhhhhhh!!!!!!

 

whats the big deal for gods sake !!I have to wait until tomorrow to talk to anyone

 

Melanie

[melanie]

wait how about Dr B

 

If he uses gaamunex and I was approved through him why would it be any different for Dr J/

 

 

 

melanie

[nevergiveup]

We have uhc and it covers gammunex, but we use gammagard cuz our doc likes it better. But it may be the contract they have with the blood supplier. If you change pharmacy, you may be able to get gammunex.

Just a thought, we used caremark a division of cvs, we also can use walgreen home care.

[melanie]

we use walgreens I think thats who Dr J likes..Why does one Dr like gammaguard and one like gammunex??

 

Melanie

[nevergiveup]

Let's see. Maybe its becuz my doc runs a lot of studies for gammagard, Soooo can't say its becuz of anything other than experience. I do know that gammagard tries to make donor pools exteremely large therby eliminating differences in lots ensuring type of antibodies are truly very diverse. I believe they pool over 10000 donors in each pool. Also I think docs look at recalls to deterimine safety record. I have been told that pretty much they are all good. I know switching products can be risky, can have anaphylactic reaction with new product. I know our homecare will not do first product infusions at home. Plus if Danny is sensitized by switching products, he may acquire an allergic reaction to all ivig products, so switch carefully, and if he has experience with any other product I would stick with that. Some say Gammunez having no sugar is best for kidneys, mostly a concern for adults and especially seniors.

[tpotter]

I've heard that Dr. B. uses gammaguard.

[Healingthedude]

Yes, Dr K uses Gammunex, Dr B Gammagard.

 

We use Gamunex and it is covered by UHC.

 

I think they are both good. I would be careful when you switch.

[melanie]

how come Dr J didnt say anything about the switching issues?

 

melanie

[nevergiveup]

You'll have to ask Dr J that question. But it looks like you don't have a choice really, becuz of the recall and insurance.

[melanie]

No One thinks its a problem to switch brands ..The nurse said its ok and Ill speak to wallgreens today This is crap ,,CRAP I say!!! As long as he gets what he needs Im fine

 

 

melanie

[Healingthedude]

I have heard several parents say that when brand was not specified on orders, and the hospital switched to Privigen

their kids had reactions or it did not work as well as Gamunex/Gammagard. Didn't mean to alarm you,

Just a consideration.

[nevergiveup]

Melanie, You do not really have an option. Most docs try not to switch if they don't have to just becuz there is always Some risk, I think danny has had gammagard before at the hospital right, so what is the concern? However it is not crap, it is unfortunately a reality of ivig, some people whom have switched brands have had allergic reactions, but most don't. I was just telling you this becuz my homecare and doc requires this done in the hospital just in case you needed to make plans with insurance. I have been down this road, we tried to switch to gamunex and it never happened due to the homecare and insurance requirements.

[melanie]

wE HAVE SWITCHED BEFORE..First we did Gammaugard in the hospital Then when we started at home we didPrivigin We didnt like that at all..Now back to Gammaguard.I waiting for Wallgreens to call back still

 

 

Melanie