I am a lupus patient. I am on a number of expensive medications that vary depending on what my doctor feels is the best to use at any given time. Some of the more expensive ones I’ve taken include Xeljanz, Rituxan, and an extended release version of prednisone called Rayos. High drug prices have made it so my doctors have to completely change the plan of action, more often than not. When I was on my commercial insurance plan through work, the copays were so high I had to choose which medications were most important to take. Going without medications or substituting a different one has negatively affected my whole life. I’m sicker and far less functional than I would be if I had affordable access to the proper medications.