Neulasta and/or Neupogen are the brand names for a product made by Amgen that was administered to Nick to stimulate his production of white blood cells following chemotherapy. It is also known as G-CSF (Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor) and by assisting in the production of white blood cells, can reduce the chances of infection and allows for a more aggressive chemotherapy protocol. This product is extremely helpful in the overall course of treatment. When Nick was on his second cancer we used Neupogen and had to pay almost $2,000 out of pocket per dose because it was not covered by insurance.
Amgen offers a “First Step Program” that helps some patients meet their deductible, co-insurance, and/or co-payment (out of pocket) requirements for their prescription. There are certain criteria for qualification but with the program you reduce your out of pocket to “zero” on the first dose and $25.00 per dose thereafter.
I stumbled across the program myself and found myself telling providers about it. Lesson to be learned here is that whatever medication you are prescribed, it can’t hurt to do some research and see if there is a way to get it paid for.