My name is Nilton Leon, and I am a hardworking father from Santa Ana, California. I also have type 2 diabetes, an illness I was diagnosed with in 2010. It has caused me great hardship in my life and has greatly affected my finances as well.
My doctor and I tried out various insulins and treatments, and we ended up landing on a routine that worked for me. I was prescribed Lantus, Lisinopril, Atorvastatin, Victoza, and Metformin for my diabetes and high blood pressure. I found that this regimen really transformed my health.
Everything was going well until I suddenly become unemployed. I lost my health insurance at that point, along with my prescription coverage. When I went to fill my medication at my pharmacy, I was shocked to find that the cost had become outrageously high. Suddenly, my Victoza and Metformin were $100 each. There is no way I can afford that.
Because of the high cost, I was forced to stop taking my medicine. I was living off of unemployment, and that barely covered my rent. I just couldn’t pay for my Victoza and Metformin anymore.
My health deteriorated. I got sick. My kidneys started going bad because of my high sugar levels. I lost a ton of weight and began to lose my hair. My energy was so low that I could no longer keep up with my loved ones.
I recently was able to get back on health insurance. I am now paying only $15 per medicine, but the costs still add up and it still takes a good chunk of my budget.
I am glad I no longer have to skip my medications, but I fear for the day that I am unable to pay for them once again. I know I am not the only one who faces these high drug prices. Patients like me shouldn’t have to fear for their health just because they can’t afford their medications. These medications are simply too expensive.