Iron - ThinnerTimes

coptergirl · 09-27-2006, 10:33 AM

Hi guys -

I have an iron issue I hope you can help me iron out (sorry - couldn't help myself). I was prescribed Niferex for my iron when I was fresh out of surgery in March. It is cut with vitamins C and B to help with the absorption, ciz thats what us special folks need. I was covered no problem by Blue Cross at the time, and then my company have OE in May and we switched over to Health Net who now does not cover Niferex and claims it is a multivitamin. I have had my surgeon and my PCP call in prior authorizations for coverage and they were also denied. I am having my surgeon write a letter explaining why I need this, and I will have my PCP and myself do the same. I have been paying $150.00 per month out of pocket for the last 3 months because I would much rather take 2 iron pills a day to equal 300mg's rather than 11-12 pills a day of the OTC kind to equal the same amount.

So my question is this: if the insurance continues to deny my appeals is my only option to pay the $150.00 per month for the Niferex, or has anyone out there found a reasonably priced non-rx iron that has super high dosages (I need at least 300mgs per day and would rather not take a gazillion pills a day for one thing...sheesh I take so many others I would never get food in!) of iron in it?!

Thanks for your help, and sorry this post is so darned long!

Zenomia · 09-27-2006, 10:45 AM

Whit, I have BC/BS too and they won't cover the Iron either. There is an alternative...though still perscription it's generic Niferex. Walgreens is where I got mine 100ct. for around $40. It's iFerex 150mg capsules..though it doesn't contain the C and B, I take B12 and C is in my Flinstones...(Yes I still chomp those things), so I figure for the savings in $$ it's worth it. I also take two a day, same with the Calcium Chews..Which by the way are sooo damn yummy!! Best of Luck!!
L

NelleBelle50 · 09-27-2006, 12:31 PM

My Dr. perscribed me Ferrous Sulfate 300+ mg per pill. It's easier on my stomach, and seems to help me get my iron up. I get it at Wal-Mart Pharmacy (non perscription) for about $12.00 for a big box that lasts me longer than a month taking 2 a day.

I've been meaning to get Vitamin C to take at the same time as my Ferrous Sulfate for better absorption, but I'm skatter-brained and keep forgetting!

Duckie · 09-27-2006, 03:04 PM

YOu can also try Vitron C. It is iron with vit. C. It's sold at pharmacies. Over the counter that is.

Dee22 · 09-27-2006, 03:27 PM

I'll tell you what I take. High Potency Womens MultiVitamins from Trader Joes 9.99 plus 2 a day of the Trader Joes Iron Pills (ferrous sulfate) 100 ct for 1.99 (323% total iron a day)...I don't need the "special ones" as I get the other vitamins in the multivitamins I already take. I also take 2 shots of b12 twice a month and Calcium with Vit D.

My Levels are absoutely perfect.

rainrain · 09-27-2006, 07:06 PM

How low is your iron thast you need prescription?

Mine was pretty low, 5.6 and they gave me iron infusioin and blood transfusion, but remain on Gentle Iron, from Wallmart.