New Diabetes Medication

The endocrinologist I saw on Thursday didn’t like the fact that I’m not on any diabetes medications. She said that due to some of the drugs administered during dialysis, my glucose meter and A1C readings will be lower than actual. She ended up prescribing a newish drug called Tradjenta. We placed the order with my online pharmacy so I can get a 90 day refill. I just saw the invoice online. Since I’m over my out-of-pocket maximum for the year, I don’t have to pay anything. However, my work insurance plan paid $1,256.72 for the 90 pills. That’s $14 dollar for one pill.

I’m beginning to think the medical system in the United States is seriously broken. Why can the rest of the world pay nothing for drugs while we (Americans) pay ridiculous amounts for the same pills? Trump wants to pass a MFN (most favored nation) clause for prescription drugs. I think that means Medicare automatically gets the lowest price negotiated for the specific drug worldwide. That would likely shift the cost burden immediately overseas if drug companies have to charge the same price everywhere. I’m all for it since we (Americans) have been subsidizing the world’s medication costs.

Meanwhile, I’m not sure why I’m taking this expensive pill. Even if the glucose meter is low, I’m getting reading in the 80’s already. If I take the medication and I get readings in the 60’s and 70’s, I would be freaking out about hypoglycemia. If there is no difference in blood sugar readings, then how do I know the drug is doing anything? I can buy an awesome lunch or dinner for $14.

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The doctor’s office gave me a 7-pill sample pack of Tradjenta since the online prescription order takes a few days to get here. That’s like getting $100 for free! The drug companies must be making huge profits if they’re just handing out “$100” everywhere.