Hi Guys,
Just thought I'd mention The nasal sprays are for a box of 2 at $24.50 or if on medicare $5.40 a box of 2, you are allowed 6 boxes every three months on the medicare PBS, The imigran injections are not Covered on the PBS / medicare at all, even after you pass your safety net which is about $1000 so the cost of these is around $140 a box of 2 regardless.
The oral imigran is not a recommended medication for cluster headaches as it takes to long for the body to absorb, Imigran should be used as an abortive only. There are many other medications such as Verapamil, Prednisolone, and Lithium which are much more effective as preventatives.
The Imigran 6mg injections can be split into 2 or 3 for both migraine and cluster headache aborts, the only reason that they come in 6 mg ampules is because the drug companies determine the dosages, in some other countries they can be purchased in 4mg doses as well. I'm working on a petition to get Imigran Injections scheduled onto the PBS so the cost would only be $5.40 per box of 2, if on medicare. I will keep you all updated on my progress.
To add to the original post to get a script in Australia you must see a Dr, the cost of these appointments vary from $45 to $65 , if you then claim the medicare rebate you get about $35 dollars back until you reach your safety net ( about $1000 out of pocket on Drs appointments/ tests), then you receive the whole amount back. Or alternatively some medical practices Bulk Bill medicare and the appointments are at no charge, but not all area's have bulk billing medical clinics.
There is also a safety net on Prescription medications this is 52 Scripts per year at $5.40 each, every repeat is also charged at $5.40 until you reach the 52 then if the medication is a scheduled medication on the PBS you receive it for free, this goes by the calendar year. For all out of pocket medical costs/medications after the first $2000 you can claim 20% back on your tax Eg. If your medication costs you $5000 a year, you can only claim 20% of the remaining $3000. You also must have received income and paid tax to lodge a tax return to be eligible to claim this back.
Hope this has been helpful.
Regards Shell
