[Bill Turnage]

Thank you Mark. I will try it and hope it works.

[Bill Turnage]

Mark, after reading about this topic, I was planning to ask my pulmonary doctor if I should try Gapapentin for my IPF-related cough. Instead he has recommended trying this drug: Hydrocodone/Chlorpheniramine Polistirex. I’d like to know if any of our forum participants with IPF have been prescribed this medication and if so, what were the results? Side effects? Would they recommend it? The dosage he’s recommending is 5ml every 12 hours as needed. Any information that can be provided would be much appreciated. Thank you very much.

Bill Turnage

[Bill Turnage]

Hi Charlene,

First of all, thank you so much for all of the valuable information and comments you and others make available for those of us dealing with IPF. Your Hawaii pictures are beautiful and I’m happy you’re able to visit.
Regarding Healthwell Foundation, I have found it to be a valuable resource for getting my OFEV prescription covered. Healthwell approved a grant (that needs to be renewed annually) that helps cover my co-payment on the monthly prescription, while my secondary insurance pays the remainder. Without the grant, there is no way I could afford the prescription.
I found their people to be very easy to work with in getting the grant application completed. I was able to do the whole process over the phone, just by answering a few questions.
I’m sure everyone’s situation is different, but I definitely would recommend giving them a try. Their website is http://www.HealthWellFoundation.org and their phone number is 1-800-675-8416. I hope this is helpful for anyone needing this kind of help.
One note about OFEV – my doctor started me with a 150mg dose, but I kept having recurring diarrhea. He changed the dosage to 100mg recently and the diarrhea has decreased significantly.
I was diagnosed with IPF in July 2018. In May of this year, my pulmonary doctor determined that I was, unfortunately, in the rapid decline stage. When I asked him how much time he thought I had, he said likely six months to a year, so I’m taking everything one day at a time. Each morning I wake up I give thanks to God and tell myself “I’m still here.” I think we all agree that IPF is one nasty disease. Keep up the good work you are doing. Thank you.

Bill Turnage
Warrensburg, Mo.