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Cost of Glivec

I have read several references in the Forum to the high cost of Glivec: just as a matter of interest, can anyone tell me what that cost is? And how does it compare with the cost of treatment for similar conditions?

Thanks.

Diana G

Hi Diana,

400mg /day used to be about £19000 a year, but I'm not up to date with the current cost. The drug seems to be cheapest when its dispensed by a local pharmacy rather than a Hospital - perhaps it's the VAT or something? I just know it's a very expensive drug. I can't imagine that the newer drugs coming through are going to be much less expensive, but I don't know.
So sorry you developed CML, but it's now usually well controlled by Glivec. Let us know how you get on.
My husband Ted has been on Glivec for nearly five years. He's had just about every side effect - and then some! Most come and go, and it's best to laugh them off if you can. A flippant remark, I know, but honestly Glivec has been such a major turning point in the treatment of CML and is so preferable to the previous outcome of even a few years ago. Ted finds that his body itself dictates what foods and drinks are best for him and these also change over time. People on this site will offer remedies for most side effects - some may work for you, some not, but the main thing is - try not to let CML dictate your life too much nowadays - get on with it and enjoy!
Have fun
Bee

Hi Diana,

The cost of Glivec to the NHS in the UK depends upon whether it is supplied through a hospital pharmacy or through a local community pharmacy (chemist).
The reason being, there are very strange regulations about vat on drugs, which mean that hospitals pay vat, and medication supplied through community pharmacy is vat exempt.
The basic cost of Glivec is about £53 for a 400mg tablet, and about £13 for a 100mg tablet.
This does not include vat, so you can calculate the daily cost of the dose you are on, and add vat if appropriate (at 17.5%)

As far as other drugs for similar conditions - I assume you may be thinking of some of the new drugs for treatment of various cancers - these are similar high cost, but what has to be considered as well is that they may only be used for short periods, whereas of course Glivec is long term.

Hope this information helps
Paul

Diana G

Hello, Bee - Thank you for taking the trouble to respond to my question about the cost of Glivec: Wow! Pricey stuff! Thanks also for your bracing words of comfort and encouragement!

I was diagnosed in October and it's taken me three months to dust myself down after the feeling of having been kicked off an extremely high building.

Still, no point in whingeing, is there? I've discovered that I only think about my mortality once every half hour or so rather than once every five minutes at the start. Good going, eh?!

There are some things about CML that I want to know and quite a lot I DON'T want to know. So I tend to keep out of the medical books and concentrate on the pleasures of the moment. Right now, there's a glass of Merlot to be enjoyed, so I'm off. Thanks again, and my warmest regards to Ted. As for flippancy - bring it on!!!

Best wishes and thanks,

Diana G

Diana G

Hi,Paul - Thank you very much for your very informative reply to my query: I knew Glivec was big bucks, but had no idea quite HOW big.

In future, I shall treat those little ochre-coloured pills with even more respect.

Regards,

Diana

Atta Girl !
Don't try to overload yourself with knowledge just yet. Learn what you need to know at the moment, but don't worry too much about all the ins and outs, and don't get too hooked up on figures. This site is a great place to ask questions of others when you need to, but meanwhile - hang on to the pleasures in life and enjoy them! Many folks enjoy a glass or two...
Have Fun
Bee