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Aussie Barb
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Posted: Mon Nov 15th, 2004 02:10 |
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see HERE Benicar for Aussies has the recent Rx Information
see HERE for Votum Germany:
July 06: see HERE RE LOCAL AUSTRALIAN SOURCE FOR OLMESARTAN : EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST REQUESTED
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grace wrote:
I spoke with a fellow from pfizer ph 1800 675 229 about olmetec (Benicar). He said it could be 12mths before it's on the market here in Australia. Although they are still considering if it would be commercially viable. He did say that he has had a few inquiries about it.
I intend to phone Pfizer to ask as well. Hopefully they will have enough enquiry from us to consider.
thanks Grace & fellow Aussies for the support we can give each other, Barb ....
see Bringing Benicar (& Mino) back to Australia...
BENICAR: Where to purchase Benicar for self-pay members Last edited on Mon Jan 14th, 2008 23:37 by Aussie Barb
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Barb: Dx Inflammatory Disease Endocrine Imbalance 2003| Depression| 24+ years not Dx| MP Aug04| ABC of MP| MP Search|
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Aussie Barb
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Posted: Mon Nov 15th, 2004 02:26 |
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Before making the Call to Pfizer, I am thinking that it will be important to know how much Benicar (Olmesartan) we require.
ie minimum 4 tablets per day for a month is 120 tablets per month with extras for sun exposure or herxing = maybe 140 tablets per month
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Barb: Dx Inflammatory Disease Endocrine Imbalance 2003| Depression| 24+ years not Dx| MP Aug04| ABC of MP| MP Search|
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Jono_aus
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Posted: Mon Nov 15th, 2004 03:50 |
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My Doctor has beeen in contact with Pfizer about it, and unfortunately they cant supply any to Australians, because it has not been TGA approved for local sale, and as such, even if they gave it to patients, they would breach various legislations.
Unfortunately until it is approved in Australia, we wont be seeing it coming from Pfizer to us, and even more unfortunately it will be longer than 12 months before it becomes available. It has not even been submitted for approval with the TGA, and they doubt that they will submit it, because for it to be commerically available it would also need to be granted PBS status. Diovan (Valsartan) was not granted PBS status back in 1998 when it was approved, because the government felt that there was already sufficient ARB's on the PBS.
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MP since July 2004: Phase II,
Prior to M.P 70% recovered with multiple antibiotics over 2 years.
Intial Diagnosis CFS : with mycoplasma fermentans infection
1,25D 11/11 : 34 25D : 21
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Aussie Barb
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Posted: Mon Nov 15th, 2004 04:04 |
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Thank you Jono,
I thought that more enquiries to all sources is one way of being heard. (squeaky door etc)
Do you also have a particular Government contact? that in numbers we may be more persuasive?
Thanks, Barb ...
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Barb: Dx Inflammatory Disease Endocrine Imbalance 2003| Depression| 24+ years not Dx| MP Aug04| ABC of MP| MP Search|
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Aussie Barb
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Posted: Fri Nov 26th, 2004 09:15 |
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Result of my call to Pfizer:
There is a Special Access Scheme available from Pfizer in Australia:
Patients may apply for assistance from Pfizer by stating their own case in writing..
address Letter to:
The Medical Director,
Pfizer Australia,
38 - 42 Wharf Street,
West Ryde.
NSW 2114
asking Pfizer re SAS regarding Category B for Olmesartan..
Making your own case stronger by stating eg. the condition you have, and how it affects you.. what treatments are available to you. I would mention The Marshall Protocol, and give the URL and details of use of Benicar. How much Olmesarten you are needing per Month etcc. your Physicians details.
How you are presently accessing the Olmesartan (Benicar) or not, and your financial difficulties in doing so.
assistance will be considered, not guaranteed.
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Re: >Making your own case stronger by stating eg. what condition you have, and how it affects you.. what treatments are available to you. your Physicians details.
if anyone can assist with any details of how this may best be achieved.. any tips? etcc.. can you please help us all to help each other..
see > MEDICATIONS: Letters of Medical Necessity may be a helpful guideline..
Thank You, Barb ...
Last edited on Thu Dec 2nd, 2004 00:47 by Aussie Barb
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Barb: Dx Inflammatory Disease Endocrine Imbalance 2003| Depression| 24+ years not Dx| MP Aug04| ABC of MP| MP Search|
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Aussie Barb
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Posted: Mon Nov 29th, 2004 00:57 |
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Here is a list of what else has been done in the past and is being done in Australia by Sarcies :
The following is an attempt to list the process/progress Don and Betty made in their attempts to get Olmesartan Medoxomil to be made available to Aussies.:--
1) 2 separate emails to U.S. Sankyo Pharma did not receive a reply
2) Email to tga-information-officer@health.gov.au was forwarded to tga-recalls@health.gov.au
Subject was BENICAR and telling them of the hundreds of sufferers of Sarcoidosis in Australia needing Benicar, and why. Ending with "Can you help us?)--dated April 2004. Answering mail from one Rob Crowdy, TGA. Communications Section, suggesting we contact the manufacturers, and also telling us that Searle Australia appeared to be in contact for Sankyo Pharma in Australia.
3) Rang Searle Australia in Victoria who suggested Pfizer . from memory I think they said they were amalgamated with Pfizer, but am not sure of this fact). Carla from Pfizer gave me advice on trying PFIZER--said to write to them and get other Aussie Sarcs to do likewise. (see address below)
4) On 29th April, 2004, Don wrote to pfizer, Australia, with ATTENTION--C.V MARKETING MANAGER.
Carla had advised that the C.V stood for CARDIO VASCULAR.! Our letter was
RE Registration of German product BENICAR (Olmesartan Medoxomil), Sankyo Pharmaceuticals
-Munich, Germany.
With this letter we enclosed Trevor's "Antibacterial Mechanics for Angiotensin11 Receptor Blockers" and also copy of his paper, "Antibiotics in Sarcoidosis--Reflections of the First Year" Gave them a resume re Trevor and that he was open to calls from Pfizer at any time.
(Trevor's papers:
Sarcoidosis Succumbs To Antibiotics-Implications for Autoimmune Disease
http://yarcrip.com/sarcoidosissuccumbs-preprint.htm
and
Putative Antibacterial Mechanisms for Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
http://www.joimr.org/phorum/read.php?f=2&i=53&t=53
should help your doctor argue your case. )
No reply received from Pfizer.....(and ours was a fairly instructive letter)
5) See sarcinfo.com thread, "Please ask Gen. Q here" dated 05-20-04 @ 19:17 and Betty's suggestion TO ALL AUSSIE MPerS to contact
C.V. Marketing Director
Pfizer Australia
38-42 Wharf Road
WEST RYDE
NSW 2114
and also see my input in same thread dated 05-10-04 @ 03:31, reporting message and advice to contact Pfizer.
6) Our next move was to send letter to our Federal Member of Parliament, for him to forward same to our Australian Minister for Health (Tony Abbott) We received a reply from our member to say our letter had been forwarded etc etc and altho I cannot trace a copy of reply, I feel it may have enclosed the copy I have beside me, of an Aus. Govt. Dept of Health and Ageing therapeutic Goods Administartion Logo with
Heading --"ACCESS TO UNAPPROVED DRUGS UNDER THE SPECIAL ACCESS SCHEME (SAS)" ETC etc. (the form mentioned below)
Our own G.P was not interested in filling in these pages or doing anything about it, and there the matter stands.
7) Today, 26/11/04, I am going to type another letter very much like the last one to our Mem. Parl to forward to Tony Abbott, but this one will be direct to Tony Abbott, and will include an additional paragraph re how, with our Aus. Doctor's prescription which we fax to a Munich Pharmacist in Germany, we now import Benicar/Votum (Olmesartan Medoxomil) which is beneficial as an Angiotensin Receptor Blocker for Sarcoidosis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and other TH1 diseases, here in Australia. This time I will include
Chronic Fatigue and other TH1 diseases to the original "Sarcoidosis".
Barb, the above is definitely E & O. E. (errors and omissions excepted). as ever, Betty
Hi Barb,
Noted your having found that Pfizer in Aus have a Special Access Scheme available to those needing financial assistance. We are trying to get the Olmesartan Medoxomil freely available here in Australia, for the use of all those needing this as an ARB.etc That is why we think our Aus. Govt is the best mode of attack.
However, if Pfizer get lots of requests from those needing the assistance for Benicar, it will certainly bring home the point to them that maybe it is a good idea to do something about getting it into Australia.
Re your last sentence i.e. "if anyone can assist with any details of how etc etc..."
Well, all we know is that there is a form available, as mentioned in my last email. See No.6 item on this email (above) of 26/11/04. To me, it looks as though this is what Pfizer is talking about, as the forms contain oodles of places for answers to questions. I have not read them, but they are here on file. So far we ,ourselves, are o.k with buying it from Munich, and I don't know any other particulars to help you with the Pfizer thing. We are concentrating on the Govt Health, to try to ram it home to them.
Barb, I guess there is a lot more known about CFS, than Sarc, to the med. profession in Aus...Do lots of the CFS folk ring or email Pfizer or anyone else?
............. Betty
Thanks Betty & Don.....
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Is good to let Pfizer and the Government know we are here and what we want so if you can make a phonecall or send an email or Fax....
to Pfizer & / or your local Member or to Minister for Health it will help.. thank you all.. Barb
Minister for Health contact >
Phone: 02 9977 6411
Facsimile: 02 9977 8715
E-mail: Tony.Abbott.MP@aph.gov.au
Canberra:
Phone: 02 6277 7220
Facsimile: 02 6273 4146
Politician's email addresses >> http://www.snakeshow.net/addresses_for_politicians.html
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Barb: Dx Inflammatory Disease Endocrine Imbalance 2003| Depression| 24+ years not Dx| MP Aug04| ABC of MP| MP Search|
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Aussie Barb
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Posted: Thu Dec 2nd, 2004 00:48 |
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| edit above: MEDICATIONS: Letters of Medical Necessity may be a helpful guideline.
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Barb: Dx Inflammatory Disease Endocrine Imbalance 2003| Depression| 24+ years not Dx| MP Aug04| ABC of MP| MP Search|
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Grace
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Posted: Thu Dec 2nd, 2004 07:29 |
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the special access scheme is through the tga.Its so your dr can write you a scripe for a drug that the tga has not approve,
I think australia pfizer can't supple here because of the tga.I will contact pfizer to see if they are talking about their own SAS ,but i think they a talking about the TGA's SAS
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CFS, oct04 Ds=26/48, 4/07=7/24 MP PHI 2/05, PhII 6/05, PhIII 6/06, beni Q6H, Noirs rarely inside no nature light low watt, outside 40%10%, Hat, all covered, no gloves, paracetamol
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Grace
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Posted: Thu Dec 2nd, 2004 22:12 |
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I have spoken with pfizer and their special access scheme is NOT the tga's sas, although it may be linked.
Olmesartan medoxil is not yet on pfizer sas list, but one is encouraged to put their case to Pfizer.
as Barb wrote
There is a Special Access Scheme available from Pfizer in Australia:
Patients may apply for assistance from Pfizer by stating their own case in writing..
address Letter to:
The Medical Director,
Pfizer Australia,
38 - 42 Wharf Street,
West Ryde.
NSW 2114
asking Pfizer re SAS regarding Category B for Olmesartan..
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CFS, oct04 Ds=26/48, 4/07=7/24 MP PHI 2/05, PhII 6/05, PhIII 6/06, beni Q6H, Noirs rarely inside no nature light low watt, outside 40%10%, Hat, all covered, no gloves, paracetamol
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rose63
Member
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Posted: Fri Mar 25th, 2005 12:25 |
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| I am just embarking on what looks to be a long journey in getting help with my Sarcoidosis (that doesnt involve Prednisone) I would be interested to know if you have any further updated information on the availability of Benicar in Australia. I have written to my local MP and Tony Abbott in Canberra requesting urgent help in making Benicar freely available here. I would appreciate any advise and information you have on sympathetic medical professionals who you know of in Australia who could assist me to start the Marshall Protocol. None of the ones I have approached will touch it naturally. Hope all is well enough with you, Regards, Rose63
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Aussie Barb
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Posted: Fri Mar 25th, 2005 19:29 |
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Rose
so far Aussies are still accessing Benicar from overseas.
see BENICAR SAFETY STUDIES Helpful for reassuring your doctor
Contact E-mail Address re Benicar from Germany..
info@inter-apotheke.de and arrange for airmail priority paid.
I faxed my script to Germany. 0011 49 89 55 01 71 3
3 boxes of 98 tablets x 40 mg votum (Benicar) = cost varies according to the exchange rate approx $A 540 - $A 620. (ie priority airmailed)
dosage is 1 tablet at a time, for 8 hourly or 6 hourly or 4 hourly intervals depending on personal circumstances.
The Universal Currency Converter ® >> http://www.xe.com/ucc/
contact details: Inter Apotheke München
E-mail Address:
info@inter-apotheke.de
Phone: 089 59 54 44
Fax: 089 55 01 71 3
Web Page: http://www.inter-apotheke.de/index1.htm
All best, Barb ...
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Barb: Dx Inflammatory Disease Endocrine Imbalance 2003| Depression| 24+ years not Dx| MP Aug04| ABC of MP| MP Search|
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Grace
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Posted: Fri Mar 25th, 2005 22:33 |
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Pfizer, through their special access scheme does not deal with patiences directly but with their treating doc.That is where my application for SAS is .I think it may be very detailed and etc,and my doc hasn't had the time to do it.I don't know if anyone else has been successful.
I have just written to sigma also,and haven't heard back yet.
I have also been thinking to write to, retired Mr Mark Latham.He of all people at the moment understands the effect of how one's poor health can effect one.
A bit off topic but still aussie info,the more we can educate cfs and other groups about mp the greater the demand for benicer.
Barb i also been thinking that someone suitable could contact Catalyst on the ABC about the exciting break through of MP.
Grace
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CFS, oct04 Ds=26/48, 4/07=7/24 MP PHI 2/05, PhII 6/05, PhIII 6/06, beni Q6H, Noirs rarely inside no nature light low watt, outside 40%10%, Hat, all covered, no gloves, paracetamol
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Aussie Barb
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Posted: Fri Mar 25th, 2005 22:49 |
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Grace,
re: "Barb i also been thinking that someone suitable could contact Catalyst on the ABC about the exciting break through of MP."
Society and the Media generally are looking for a "quick fix with no hassles" treatment..
Anyone who has the energy and inclination may be able to bring the MP *into the light* ...
and... Each of us are doing our bit as we do MP and educate those around us..
see FAQ Why is the Marshall Protocol not being discussed & used by doctors around the world?
all best, Barb ..
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Barb: Dx Inflammatory Disease Endocrine Imbalance 2003| Depression| 24+ years not Dx| MP Aug04| ABC of MP| MP Search|
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rose63
Member
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Posted: Sat Mar 26th, 2005 00:07 |
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Thank you Barb,
The demoralising aspect is that it appears that it costs up to approx $A620.00 for approx 30-50 days supply. That is at the 1 dose every 8 hours. How on earth does everyone afford this? The MP suggests staying on the drug for a year is that correct? What has been your experience on the MP. Thank you for taking the time to answer me, i know you must get a lot of similar enquiry, but I am just new to the site and have little time on the computer. Thanks again, you have been most informative. Cheers for now, Rose
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rose63
Member
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Posted: Sat Mar 26th, 2005 00:19 |
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Hi Grace
I have also written to my local state Health Minister in Victoria and Tony Abbott in Canberra. I also thought of approaching A Current Affair or Today Tonight, or as you suggested very appropriately, Catalyst. I am going to investigate these options. Cheers for now, and I look forward to your reply. Rose
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Tobi
Member
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Posted: Sat Mar 26th, 2005 01:41 |
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Hi Rose,
The $620 is for THREE boxes of 98 tablets - thus three months supply. Still very expensive but not impossible. My understanding is the Benicar continues well beyond one year.
Hi from Melbourne
Tobi
Last edited on Sat Mar 26th, 2005 04:25 by Tobi
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CFS,Rickettsia Conoori-,HHV6,Ureaplasma(all 3 culture,PCR) 25D 16.4ng/ml,1.25D 26pg/ml.Ratio 1,3 Blood probably NOT frozen Benicar 9/18/04 Mino 100mg 10/18/04 Phase 2 01/26/05
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Jono_aus
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Posted: Sat Mar 26th, 2005 02:42 |
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I purchase 6 boxes at a time, costs me a total (including postage) of $1065, depending on the exchange rate at the time. This reduces the price to $177.5 a box.
I also ask Inter-apotheke to post an invoice in a separate envelope to the main order. That invoice, combined with a letter from my doctor stating that I require this medication and it is not available in Australia, allows me to claim it on my health insurance. The health insurance company repays a further $70 a box.
This reduces the cost considerably.
Sincerely,
Jonathan.
____________________
MP since July 2004: Phase II,
Prior to M.P 70% recovered with multiple antibiotics over 2 years.
Intial Diagnosis CFS : with mycoplasma fermentans infection
1,25D 11/11 : 34 25D : 21
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Tobi
Member
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Posted: Sat Mar 26th, 2005 03:02 |
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Thanks Jonathan,
I had no idea one could claim from health insurance.
That has been most helpful.
Tobi
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CFS,Rickettsia Conoori-,HHV6,Ureaplasma(all 3 culture,PCR) 25D 16.4ng/ml,1.25D 26pg/ml.Ratio 1,3 Blood probably NOT frozen Benicar 9/18/04 Mino 100mg 10/18/04 Phase 2 01/26/05
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Ralph
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Posted: Sat Mar 26th, 2005 07:07 |
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Hi Rose,
You can count me in on any attempt to bring the MP to the attention of the Public even if it means Today Tonight,A Current Affair, Alan Jones or John Laws.
Keep me informed.Thanks.
Ralph
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Lungsarc1/3/05fatigue,bod/ache,irr/heartbt/ no meds|getting/sun,Bolle's only, BeniCom 2/4/06 q6h Start Ph 3 12-2-07. Jan 07 25D 10.8,Oct-25D 8 1,25-23Dec07 25D-16.8 1,25-81 22 Jan 09 25D-24 1,25-45,Jan10 25D-17 1,25-25 No Antibiotics from 3-2-10
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Jono_aus
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Posted: Sat Mar 26th, 2005 12:32 |
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Tobi wrote:
Thanks Jonathan,
I had no idea one could claim from health insurance.
That has been most helpful.
Tobi
It may depend on your insurance company. I am still covered under my mums health insurance agency, which is teachers health.
Also if you ask Inter-apotheke to send an invoice, make sure they post it in an envelope separate to the main order. If it is posted with the order (as happened the first time for me), you risk being levied with customs duty when the package arrives in Australia. This is because when customs opens and inspects the package, they become aware of the medications cost, and because it exceeds the import threshold for customs duty, it becomes levied with a customs duty and GST. The Benicar is expensive enough already, that you really want to avoid this happening!
Sincerely,
Jonathan.
____________________
MP since July 2004: Phase II,
Prior to M.P 70% recovered with multiple antibiotics over 2 years.
Intial Diagnosis CFS : with mycoplasma fermentans infection
1,25D 11/11 : 34 25D : 21
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