Weird info about VSL#3 and VSL#3DS

Subzeromambo

Veteran Member

Joined : Sep 2009

Posts : 1155

Posted 12/28/2012 4:22 AM (GMT 0)

Just a btw on VSL#3 DS. This is the only probiotic prescription most insurance companies will cover. It is also the clinical version used in the effective trials--one sachet twice a day.
It took my doctor 6 times of submitting the prescription before it was filled properly. It kept being filled with VSL#3 that had been kept on a shelf for weeks and probably no longer had live cultures. When I called around town I discovered only one of 6 pharmacies refrigerated VSL#3 and VSL#3 DS.
I wonder if that is why there is such a difference between the effectiveness of the clinical trials and the variety of reactions reported by the general public.

B'Dereh

Veteran Member

Joined : Jun 2011

Posts : 1912

Posted 12/28/2012 8:54 AM (GMT 0)

It is very lucky that American health insurance will cover probiotics at all. In Germany, it is classified as a nutritional supplement, rather than essential medicine. Not even in the case of UC or Jpouch.
When I spoke with pharmacists here about it, it was never something they kept in stock, rather, they order it per prescription customer, so I'd be surprised if anyone was keeping it on the shelf when it needs to be refrigerated.

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