Hi, new to the site. So confused and trying to learn all I can. The first doctor (dermatologist) I went to told me what I had and wrote a prescription for protopic. I am willing to try, but I have waited to find some more info. I do have insurance, but I haven't met deducable and its going to cost 400.00 dollars. If it is worth it. I will purchase. Can I get any input on my decisions whether or not to buy.
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I have bought my protopic from Malta and it only costs 40 euro. Is have been using it for a week and already can see a slight improvement. I would suggest it but as already stated by others.. everyone is different
Wow, I did not know that Protopic is that expensive. Here in Germany I got it on prescription and only had to pay 5€ (~ 6,80$).
would love to get some for that price. I am having to scape to get the money. I haven't met my deductible for insurance.
The use of creams such as protopic is more of adjunct treatment. There are several other creams out there that you can use instead such as steroid creams and elidel. Elidel is similar to protopic but not as strong. I would advise you to ask for a steroid cream and either elidel or protopic depending on which one is cheaper. Use the steroid cream for a week and than use elidel or protopic for a week and continue this cycle of one week with one and one week with the other. Note again, the creams are an adjunct. Just using creams will most likely net you no results. I would advise you to find a doctor who has narrow uv B band lasers and lights. If you vitiligo is all over find some one with a uv B light box. If you only have it in a few locations, find someone with a uv B laser. Laser is more effective.
With everything make sure to consult with your dermatologist. I have been living with vitiligo for 18 years and I am a doctor as well, so I do have more experience than most, but still always go back to your specialist.
thank you!!
Hi Debra,
I agree with Glenn, $400 seems like an unrealistic amount to pay for Protopic. I paid $160 for a 60 gram tube.
I was super excited when the doc said it has worked for many people. Then, I was horrified when I got home and read the warnings and possible side effects associated with Protopic. But .. I tried it anyway. I had absolutely no change whatsoever with my white spots (around my lips, neck, hands, wrists, elbows, under arms, knees, feet, and one odd spot on my back). I was quite discouraged, but took a couple of months off, then tried it again. Still, no change.
Perhaps it does work for some people, just not me.
I have just started taking high potency vit B complex (over and above my regular vitamin regime), added Ginkgo Biloba, and upped my vit D supplement, and I'm exposing my skin to 15 minutes a day of sun, without sunscreen. Hopefully, I'll see some repigmentation.
Sharon
thank you for sharing this. I started as well with the vit b. also Ginkgo. I didn't think about vit d. I started getting a spray on tan last week, that helps alittle as far as hiding it. so self conscious about the way it looks.
Hi Debra!.
When I got my prescription, my doctor gave me a card for up to $40 off protopic. I gave the card to the pharmacy and saved an extra $40. You can find the program at this site: http://www.astellasaccess.com/home/hcp/protopic/savings_program.aspx . You can call the number and see if they will send you a discount card.
I know it is expensive, but $400 seems too high. Check this: http://www.goodrx.com/protopic . The prices seem more in the $200 range.
I used the protopic for months and didn't have any results. I know others have seen results using it. Like everything with Vitiligo, different people see different results.
-Glenn