Maybe I'm the exception but is anyone else having problems with Novartis and Gilenya Support? The form was faxed to them weeks ago when I picked up the starter pack from doctor. Never received a call and I gave them extra time due to Thanksgiving. I finally gave up and called them. They said there was a problem with the form and it needed my signature. They were going to fedex the form to me.
Two days later - no form. Went ahead and started Gilenya as scheduled. I had a 14 day supply so I thought surely we could get things straightened out in a two week period. Never received the fedex so I called them again. They then claimed there was a problem with the form that the doctor needed to check a certain box. OK, no problem I, fortunately, live close to doctor's office so I offered to go there and sign the form, the doctor would check the box, and refax it. Did that yesterday. Called Gilenya support this afternoon (never did receive a call from them!). NOW they are claiming the form is not dated. Are you kidding me!
No date on the form means they won't talk to me and they won't initiate anything with my insurance company. I'm not stupid so I have already verified with my insurance company that they will cover Gilenya. The ironic thing is I have GREAT insurance. Novartis will not have to put very much money out on copays for my medication. Pure profit for them, you think they would go out of their way to make sure things go quickly with no problems.
I certainly did not have this problem with Rebif and MS Lifelines. They were very supportive and made sure things went smoothly. I started Rebif just two weeks after being diagnosed. That included getting a nurse out to my home and everything. I guess I expected the same, or better, from Novartis.
After talking to Novartis this afternoon it was late but I called my doctor's office and asked them to date the stupid (OK, I used a word other than stupid but I'm being nice here) form and refax it to Novartis. I was so frustrated when I got off the phone that I was ready to stop all meds! I've got one more week's supply of Gilenya.
Just frustrated and maybe will feel better now that I've vented. Taking a deep breath and remembering tomorrow is another day. Will be on the phone with Novartis' Gilenya Support system first thing!
On a brighter note I seem to be doing very well on Gilenya. Feel much better than I did on Rebif. But I'll feel even better when I get this straightened out with Novartis and a regular supply of Gilenya is on its way to me.
Two days later - no form. Went ahead and started Gilenya as scheduled. I had a 14 day supply so I thought surely we could get things straightened out in a two week period. Never received the fedex so I called them again. They then claimed there was a problem with the form that the doctor needed to check a certain box. OK, no problem I, fortunately, live close to doctor's office so I offered to go there and sign the form, the doctor would check the box, and refax it. Did that yesterday. Called Gilenya support this afternoon (never did receive a call from them!). NOW they are claiming the form is not dated. Are you kidding me!
No date on the form means they won't talk to me and they won't initiate anything with my insurance company. I'm not stupid so I have already verified with my insurance company that they will cover Gilenya. The ironic thing is I have GREAT insurance. Novartis will not have to put very much money out on copays for my medication. Pure profit for them, you think they would go out of their way to make sure things go quickly with no problems.
I certainly did not have this problem with Rebif and MS Lifelines. They were very supportive and made sure things went smoothly. I started Rebif just two weeks after being diagnosed. That included getting a nurse out to my home and everything. I guess I expected the same, or better, from Novartis.
After talking to Novartis this afternoon it was late but I called my doctor's office and asked them to date the stupid (OK, I used a word other than stupid but I'm being nice here) form and refax it to Novartis. I was so frustrated when I got off the phone that I was ready to stop all meds! I've got one more week's supply of Gilenya.
Just frustrated and maybe will feel better now that I've vented. Taking a deep breath and remembering tomorrow is another day. Will be on the phone with Novartis' Gilenya Support system first thing!
On a brighter note I seem to be doing very well on Gilenya. Feel much better than I did on Rebif. But I'll feel even better when I get this straightened out with Novartis and a regular supply of Gilenya is on its way to me.
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