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Anyone taking Sulfasalazine?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 12/2/2009 12:24 AM (GMT 0)
I just found out today that my insurance is moving Asacol to "Tier 3" of their drug list.  This is the most expensive tier.  The alternatives are Sulfasalazine (least expensive) or Lialda or Apriso (slightly more $).  I have a call in to my GE but was wondering if anyone is taking this med and if they have had any problems.  I have been on Asacol since DX and am a little afraid of switching but, unfortunately, cost is a consideration. Is anyone taking sulfasalazine or successfully switched from Asacol to it?  Thanks!
Posted 12/2/2009 12:32 AM (GMT 0)
Both Lialda and Apriso have programs where you can be reimbursed for part of your copay. I use the Apriso one (Salix is the drug manufacturer) and you can get up to $50/refill back. It's great, because my copay is only $35 for it, so I pay nothing!
Here's the link for the Apriso program:
http://www.apriso-uc.com/savings/Index.aspx
I know Lialda has a program too, and it seems there's some info on it on this page:
http://www.lialda.com/lialda-patient-assistance-program.aspx

I'd also hesitate to switch to sulfasalazine because I know that it can have icky side effects for a pretty high percentage of people. However, I know that princesa uses sulfalazine and does fine with it.
Posted 12/2/2009 12:38 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the links!!! Want to have as much info when I talk to dr. Am pretty worried about side effects as Asacol has been good to me that way :)
Posted 12/2/2009 12:42 AM (GMT 0)
Sometimes I find that ordering generic drugs from Canada is actually cheaper than paying here if you have bad insurance. I think I pay 180 for 3 months supply of Asacol generic from Canada
Posted 12/2/2009 11:43 AM (GMT 0)

I take sulfasalazine, as do a number of people here.  I found it far more effective than Asacol for intestinal symptoms, and it has the added benefit of working on joint pain, too.  First time in at least fifteen years I haven't had joint pain.

I had a mild headache for the first two weeks when I started but, other than that, haven't had any other side effects.  I understand you can start at a low dose and work up, which will help with any side effecs.

And you can't beat the price.

Posted 12/2/2009 1:56 PM (GMT 0)
I took it for years and had no problems with it. I know the sulfa component can b an issue for some people, though it wasn't for me.
My doc switched me to Asacol because it was marvelous brand-new medication, I was young enough to think that was a good idea, and..... here I am. But I'll switch back in a blink if my insurance takes the same turn yours does. Right now my copay is $150 for 3 months....
Posted 12/2/2009 2:22 PM (GMT 0)
I used to take Asacol and also tried Colazal, they both end up causing me to get worse. I switched to Sulfasalzine and watched my diet as well and natural things like probiotics. I immediately improved when switching from Colazal to Sulfasalazine.

At Walmart I get it generic for like $10, I think with an Insurance discount, I don't have prescription coverage. At $10 a month it is worth a shot I would say for you to at least try it.
Posted 12/2/2009 6:10 PM (GMT 0)
When I was diagnosed with UC in 1980, sulfasalazine was the only oral 5-ASA available-- so I had a go with it. My doctor prescribed the enteric-coated tabs, which at least prevent stomach upset. I didn't like staying on it because it gave me a headachy feeling + photosensitivity that bothered my eyes, especially. I can understand your dilemma with Rx insurance-- can you switch companies or is yours job-related? I've been looking into Rx insurance available in my area & found a company that has Asacol & brandname Colazal in Tier 2, with Apriso & Lialda in Tier 3. (The Tier 1 meds are sulfasalazine & generic Colazal.) It's unsettling to see what these insurance companies decide, though. / Old Hat (30 yrs with left-sided UC ... [etc.])
Posted 12/3/2009 1:07 AM (GMT 0)
I feel better seeing the success stories! I read so many of the posts but it seems most are on Asacol, Lialda or other meds...Thisy is my husband's insurance which is really pretty good but I'm sure like others, they keep upping costs. I am fortunate to have coverage so really shouldn't gripe! I just don't understand if they have a generic Asacol in Canada, why not the US?
And I did contact my Dr and expect a call tomorrow. Good timing too since I think I'm starting to flare. Hitting the bathroom, both ends, migraine and my period. Not the best of days :(
Posted 12/3/2009 1:12 AM (GMT 0)
How much Asacol are you on? If you're flaring on it, who knows, sulfasalazine might be worth a shot anyways, so now you just have two reasons lol
Posted 12/3/2009 1:19 AM (GMT 0)
I'm on 2 3x day. Never been increased but we had talked about decreasing. Never happens cuz I seem prone to flair "that time of the month" which, with my system can be every 10-18 days since I stopped BC. The only good thing I could say about the evil prednisone was that it was the longest I had ever gone without period w/o being on BC!
Posted 12/3/2009 3:01 AM (GMT 0)
BC made things worse for me >.<
Posted 12/3/2009 12:21 PM (GMT 0)
I have been taking sulfasalizine for a number of years. Initially it caused me to feel naseous, but once I switched to the enteric form I have had few problems. The only time I recall having an issue was when I upped my dose to 3 or 4 grams/day - then I would feel a little wobbly. I don't take anywhere near that amount now, so no problems.
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