Particularily for those in Canada

[Anonymous]

My son is going back to the Dr’s tomorrow morning as the meds don’t appear to be making his reflux better. At our initial appt, he mentioned a hypoallergenic formula, I think it was Neocate. I have called both Pharmacare and our Public Health office to see if there was any sort of program to help cover the cost, as I ubderstand it is extremely pricey. Both places were not aware of any.

Does anyone know if something does in fact exist? If Neocate costs what the Dr told me, it will be very difficult for us to afford.

Please let me know, Thanks

[Anonymous]

I am not from Canada, so I am of no help in knowing of assistance programs. But, I would ask the doc. He/she should be aware of the assistance programs in your area. Also, ask for LOTS of samples (they get them for free from the reps). The doc shouldn’t mind.

[Anonymous]

Oh you can bet I will be asking for samples, but I am not sure why he wants to start with a formula that you cannot simply just go buy here, such as alimentum or nutramigen.
Perhaps this particular brand is the one that his office “promotes”. As much as people don’t like to admit, most hospitals/Dr’s offices are encouraged to promote whichever company they are told to……………….

Great for the company, sucks for us!

[Anonymous]

I think for me, I didn’t want to bother with the nutramigen/alimentum with Carter because I went through that trial and error for too long with Dylan, that I wanted to go straight to Neocate to get the help he needed. Now I can understand your cost concern as it is very expensive. Dylan’s was covered by ins. but Carter’s was not, so I just purchased through ebay without issues and basically paid as much as if he was on a nutramigen or alimentum… but… In addition to Neocate, I did have both boys on PPI’s as well, as the zantac was just not enough for either of them.

I hope you get good answers tomorrow!!!

[Anonymous]

E-bay is a good thought! I have a friend who has triplets and they were all on Enfacare (about $17 for small can). She bought her formula off of e-bay and saved a TON of money. Just make sure the cans are sealed, that there is a listed expiration date, and that the cans come from a smoke-free home. Also, check the sellers feedback and make sure it is good (at or close to 100%).

Also, check with the peds departments of local hospitals. My sister is an RN. The reps also bring formula samples to the hospitals, but it’s rarely used (at least at our hospital). My sister said that the cans usually got thrown away b/c they were dated. The nurses were more than happy to give them away when asked, in fact that is where I got ALMOST ALL of my sons formula before he went on Elecare (insurance pays for that).

Here is a link for a free can of Neocate. They will only send YOU one, but maybe ALL of your friends and family also have infants that want to try it, if you know what I mean. There is a short survey involved.

http://www.testforallergy.com/treat.asp

[Anonymous]

Did the survey but unfortunatly, yhe won’t send a can to Canada

Oh well. We will see what the ped sais tomorrow…………

[Anonymous]

One more suggestion. My ds is on Elecare, which is the same type of formula as Neocate, just made by another company (Ross). I’m not a MD, but here is my opinion:

One of the differences between the Neocate and Elecare is the mixing instructions. I have a can of Neocate here and the mixing ratio is 1 scoop powder to 1 ounce water. I have heard Neocate is pretty watery too.

Elecare has the same ratio of powder to water as regular grocery store formula. 1 scoop powder to 2 ounces water. It is pretty much the same consistency as regular formula, too. It seems to me like you’d end up using MORE Neocate than Elecare to end up with the same amount of formula. Someone correct me if I’m wrong.

Neocate off their website is $139.00 case (4-14 oz cans) $34.75 per can

Elecare off their website, is $189.00 case (6-14oz cans) $31.50 per can

Defintitely ask the MD about the Elecare. By all means go with what he/she suggests, but if you have to pay for formula the Elecare would be a cheaper option. Mead Johnson (Enfamil) also has a new formula that is similar to the Neocate and Elecare. In the US it’s called Nutramigen AA. Not sure what it’s called in Canada. I am not sure about the price, but maybe look into it.

[Anonymous]

Thanks so much for that info. I looked on the enfamil canada website, and the only one that I can see it being is the Pregistimil http://www.enfamil.ca/en/products/formulas_7.html

Of course, I am assuming that this one is similar to the two you mentioned. We also have Nutramgin, but we will see what he suggests tomorrow. Kaden is definatly one miserable little guy. I just keep telling him and myself that it will all get sorted out…………

I will write down the name elecare, and ask about that if hypoallergenic is the route we choose!

Thanks for your help

[Anonymous]

Check with your or dh’s insurance (i.e. private, or through work). Sometimes they will pay for the formula with a scipt if medically necessary.

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