Having a disease is one thing, but not being able to pay for medication for that disease is another. Patients with AIP symptoms are currently struggling to afford their prescription medications. In a country filled with corporate greed, big pharmaceuticals are continuing to take advantage of people that require their medications to live and function on a day-to-day basis by raising prices. For many, that means cutting doses or foregoing treatment for health ailments completely, which can result in even further damage to health and even death. To help, nonprofits and companies that are aware of the medication price gouge have put their hand by creating patient assistance programs. These programs provide discounts and coverage for certain medications according to the company that provides them. At Advocate My Meds, we aim to help those struggling to pay for the medication to treat AIP symptoms and various other health issues by sorting through over 700 patient assistance programs to come up with the best plan of action for our customer’s financial needs.

What is AIP?

AIP, or Acute Intermittent Porphyria, is a disease in women that causes severe stomach pain. These episodes of pain are referred to as an AIP attack and are the most common of AIP symptoms. AIP is caused when a person does not have the proper amount of a certain enzyme, porphobilinogen deaminase (PBGD). Enzymes are critical to the normal functioning of the body because they help cells of the body to demonstrate the chemical reactions needed to live. Those with AIP have AIP attacks when triggers of an AIP symptom compromise their enzyme level. AIP is a rare genetic disease that is inherited and there is no known cure. Fortunately, there is a medication that can help with AIP symptoms in those that need to manage them.

What do AIP Symptoms Look Like?

The most common symptom of AIP is stomach pain. Almost all women (85%) that suffer from AIP experience some kind of abdominal pain. There are other symptoms that if left untreated can damage the brain, nervous system, blood vessels, and may even result in death. It is important to know that not all women with the disease experience all AIP symptoms. Also, if you are experiencing a number of the AIP symptoms is does not necessarily mean that you will be diagnosed with AIP. Additional symptoms of AIP include:

• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Discolored or dark urine
• Pain in extremities, chest, neck, back, or head
• Breathing problems
• Muscle weakening
• Seizure
• Anxiety, depression, and other psychological symptoms
• Increased heart rhythms
• Increased blood pressure

What Cases AIP Symptoms?

For those with AIP, the amount of PBGD enzymes is about half the amount of the highly functioning body. This is usually enough of the enzymes to perform the chemical reactions needed, but there are certain things that can trigger AIP symptoms because they cause an imbalance of enzymes. The triggers of AIP symptoms include:

• Certain steroid hormones
• Smoking, using drugs and drinking alcohol
• Too much stress on the body
• Beginning a prescription regimen
• Dieting or skipping meals
• Mental exhaustion

Treating AIP Symptoms

Although there is no cure for AIP, the symptoms of this disease can be managed with treatment. The only FDA approved treatment for AIP symptoms is a prescription medication called Panhematin. This medication is given to patients through an IV that is hooked right to the bloodstream. It prevents the chemical imbalances that are the triggers of AIP symptoms in women. This treatment can last up to two weeks but can be administered earlier in patients experiencing symptoms before two weeks. If you are experiencing unexplained abdominal pain or other symptoms of AIP, talk to your doctor about Panhematin. Additionally, if you already have a prescription for Panhematin and you would like financial assistance in paying for it, Advocate My Meds may be able to help. We provide prescription discounts and coverage for US citizens that have little to no prescription coverage, are over the age of 18, and receive an annual income within the required bracket. To learn more about the guidelines, application process, and requirements to be eligible for our prescription discount services, please visit our website to learn more. You may just find out that we can help you pay for your AIP symptom medication!