Xeloda and Humana

The liquid form of xeloda is 5-fu has humana reclassified this. Although I took xeloda I was told by my onc that the 5-fu was slightly more effective. I took Xeloda and the cost was very bad as was the side-effects. I kept checking the pills for gold filling I think it averaged $1600 to $2400 per month. On a happy note the news reported today they they may have found a genetic cure for colon cancer. Unfortunately I don't know much more yet. We all know how these promise cures are always down the road.

Hi. I'm sorry, it's a real problem on the insurance copay issue and I urge you to keep pursuing options. My husband was on clinical trial with xeloda, but he was also on avastin and oxal on the trial as part of it, so Roche footed the bill for the Xeloda. Not sure if you are having any other chemo regimen, but if so check into it.

ALso, everyone is different with side effects and results. He was blessed and extrememly fortunate to have great results. ( had liver mets and the regimen shrank them considerably to allow for resection - you can read previous posts) and also very few side effects. He did not get the hand foot syndrome that many do. He used cream nightly and I think they may have helped . Also he drank a LOT of fluid to flush his system . I can only tell you based on our experience, but he had no nausea, loss of hair, etc and completed 9 very aggressive cycles. Good luck and God Bless.
Diane

marzz26 said:

Thanks for your reply. I have been told that the side effects from 5-fu are more drastic than those from Xeloda (hair loss, nausea, etc). What is your experience?

5-fu may have more drastic side effects but I don't know how. I did not lose my hair with Xeloda but the hand and foot syndrome was severe. I took 5000mg each day and by cycle #4 I wanted to quit; die; or both. My feet were the worst. I lost some toe nails; my skin cracked open and did swell and bleed. There were times when for no apparent reason sudden pain felt like a knife was pushed through my foot for 2-3 minutes due to nerves in my feet. When this occurs at night sleeping to out of the question. Most of the time walking felt like there was broken glass everywhere I stepped. My hands did not lose any nails and the bleeding was mostly limited to a few of the fingers. The fingers became really sensitive to touching anything even with gloves on all the time. Buttoning a shirt or tying a shoe lace nearly impossible. Now 18 months after Xeloda I occasionally get the stabbing pain in one foot but it lasts only about 10-30 seconds and does get your attension. Three of my fingers are somewhat numb. Apparently these little bonus effects are permanent. The bowel problems and physical weakness I can't atach to Xeloda but I'm sure it did not help. Still it appears to be effective and perhaps that why the price is so high. Further there is no need for a port which can bring its own set of problems. You might try contacting the drug company directly maybe they could put you onto a program. I still have about 15 pills left but am prohibited by law to give them to someone else. So about $300 dollars worth of Xeloda is on the road to expiration....makes real sense.

marzz26 said:

Thanks for your reply. I am in contact with Humana, as is my onc's office. My onc is trying to get an override.

By the way, what does DH stand for?

Marc

I hope you are having success with your insurance company. Just keep trying. My DH(dear husband) had 5FU, avastin and several other drugs before trying the Xeloda. He has never losta ll his hair although it did thin with Avastin and/or other drugs but not Xeloda. The hand/foot problem and pain were the only side effects but that was enough.

He has just started taking Eritux last week. So far no major side effects.

hope you are doing well. Keep us posted.