If anyone has interest in reading another book on the list that we have been given I would highly recommend What Looks Like Crazy on an ordinary day.
The book hits you in the face from the get go, and I will not go into the plot as such but it is well worth a look and quite a fast read. Even the fact that it was on Oprah's book club couldn't keep me away..... As the weeks go by here in this class, I grow more and more anxious about my HIV test. I have been tested as recently as early this year, but I think the study of the disease has almost brought upon an almost hypochondriac perspective upon my day to day life.....I think I need to relax though.
I was also absolutely fascinated with last weeks module...which I have said before, but I had to say it again. The photographs were stunning and to learn about the true nature of this disease and how it infiltrates your body just makes my distaste for the virus to grow even more. One thing that did shock me the most was the size of the virus itself....the Grand Canyon is quite a large place.
DID YOU KNOW?
Upon researching costs for HIV medication, it seems that a person can be expected to spend anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 each month to pay for their treatment. This chart, which was taken from about.com's HIV/AIDS pages give a rough estimate on the monthly costs that each of these medications can cost, and there are combinations of these drugs that are used...so keep in mind it is not just one.
| COST PER MONTH (estimates) - Medication Fact Sheets | |
| Agenerase | $772 |
| Aptivus | $1117.50 |
| Combivir - Buy Here For Less | $752.64 |
| Crixivan | $570.96 |
| Emtriva | $347.11 |
| Epivir 300mg | $347.11 |
| Epzicom | $813.55 |
| Fortovase | $263.35 |
| Fuzeon | $2315.40 |
| Hivid | $273.00 |
| Invirase | $748.50 |
| Kaletra | $796.26 |
| Lexiva | $658.99 |
| Norvir | $321.46 |
| Rescriptor | $316.35 |
| Retrovir | $405.59 |
| Reyataz | $892.91 |
| Sustiva 600mg | $499.43 |
| Trizivir | $1164.35 |
| Truvada | $867.99 |
| Videx EC 400mg | $346.04 |
| Viramune | $442.45 |
| Zerit | $385.88 |
| Ziagen | $466.44 |
Another website that has a pretty interesting article on how one can begin to pay for the high costs associated with the virus can be found here: http://www.everydayhealth.com/hiv-aids/can-you-afford-hiv-treatment.aspx.
I read What Looks Like Crazy for Assignment and you're right it is a great book! The bluntness is well needed these days. I was also fascinated with the fact that the virus cannot be seen by the human eye, but it is the size of the Grand Canyon. It puts everything into perspective and makes me want to learn even more! The medication costs that you provided are alot more than I would have imagined. It is just one more thing for a HIV positive person to worry about. What if they don't have health insurance and cannot afford their medication? It is scary that this is one more aspect of the virus that they would have to stress about. On the discussion boards we make it seem so easy. Oh just take your meds and you will be fine! Some people may not be able to purchase their medication though.
ReplyDeleteYour thought that some answer seemed to be a little short and not informative being because they are uncomfortable with the topic is something I also thought about when I was interviewing my Mom, Boyfriend, and best friend. It was interesting to see how as soon as an uncomfortable question came up, especially that one when I asked what they would do if I had HIV, how they began to squirm. I saw humor used a defense mechanism. It comes down to people not really knowing exactly what HIV entails, so they feel uncomfortable talking about it.
ReplyDeleteI think a lot of people are not educated on how someone can be infected with HIV. I have to admit that this HIV testing made me a bit of a hypochondriac as well. I'm not proud of it. I have had three HIV tests this year. The recent one was for this class. I have to admitt that the questions asked are shocking.
ReplyDeleteThe chart you posted is very shocking. I had no idea what the medical bills would cost if you had HIV/AIDS. The prices for some of those medications are crazy, and they probably only treat symptoms, as there is no cure yet. This just puts these people at another obstacle, poverty. The QOTW this week was also very interesting. I feel some people really aren't comfortable with HIV/AIDS yet, as it is a very scary subject. Maybe one day...
ReplyDeleteThere has to be some way to make these drugs cheaper. That is an insane amount of money for drugs. I feel sorry for the ones that don't have health insurance. No wonder so many people are unable to fight this disease because they can't afford the medicine.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter's med would cost me $1,664.25 per month and those are just for her HIV meds. Thank goodness she came with Medicaid. Add to those the drugs that keep the side effects at bay and her monthly bill is over $2,500.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog this week, Brett. I love seeing the chart and the pictures.