HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Need Help With Meds..(going down dead end roads)

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 9/21/2010 4:24 PM (GMT 0)
I was diagnosed around this time last year. I've been off my medication for about five months now. I was perscribed both asacol and lialdia. Without insurance they both are running at about 750 dollars for a months supply. I can't afford this. I went to a church help probram waited 6 hours in a line, for the results to come back "we're no longer accepting applicants at this time"

What can I do and where can I go? I tried searching online, sites leads to numbers, numbers lead to sites, then they lead to other numbers, that can't even find my medication in there database.

Post Edited (Dropkicksidekick) : 9/21/2010 10:28:42 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/21/2010 4:32 PM (GMT 0)
Hi - Wow, sorry about your situation!

Try this website:
http://www.needymeds.org/resourcepages/crohns_colitis.shtml

Have you tried this one? I opened it and clicked on Asacol and found the info of where to apply.....
The sticky thread at the top of the forum has this and perhaps some other web addresses that might be of help, though I think this is the place to start.

My other thought is that sulfasalazine, an older med with a sulfa component as well as the 5-ASA stuff like Asacol, is a good deal cheaper than either Asacol or Lialda. Some folks here take it not only for price but because it can help with the UC-related arthritis symptoms.

Good luck!
Posted 9/21/2010 4:43 PM (GMT 0)
You have to click on the application link, then the application comes up and asked for your particineers informaion. I don't have a doctor. And the application is the same one I filled out at a church and it came back down they aren't accepting applicants.
Posted 9/21/2010 4:54 PM (GMT 0)
Gosh, I'm sorry.
Seems as if there are two issues here

The first thing is, the only way to get prescription medicines is through a doctor. Is there a town or county clinic whose doctor you could use? No one is going to mail you medications without a doctor's prescription, so even if you get through to some program, you are going to need the doctor's name and signature.

Secondly - hmmm, I didn't realize they weren't accepting applicants. Let me see what else I can find........
Posted 9/21/2010 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hmmm, so far, I just have this discount site, not sure if that helps:

http://www.internetdrugcoupons.com/

Do check out the sulfasalazine - it is MUCH less expensive that the other, too.
Posted 9/21/2010 5:17 PM (GMT 0)
hi dropkick

I switched from Asacol to Balsalazide because Asacol gave me no improvement after years of taking it. I can't say Balsalazide is better (it is cheaper) but I continue taking it because of no side effects and not to jinx my remission due to SCDiet.

Best of luck. Just wanted to give you an alternative.
Plus have you contacted the drug manufacturer directly? They have some programs for underinsured people.
Posted 9/21/2010 5:55 PM (GMT 0)
A quick check of drugstore.com shows sulfasazine at around $100 for 600 tabs. Generic colazal (Balsalazide) would cost about $100 for a one month supply.

Even though I have good insurance I was thinking of trying both of these at various times because they can be very effective forms of mesalamine.

Weird how two nearly identical threads started at the same time. What I posted to the other poster was this question which also would help in your case:

It might help if you post some details about your U.C., like when you were diagnosed, the extent of if (how far up the colon it goes), and what you are currently taking (sounds like nothing in your case). The more detailed information you can post the better we can point you in the right direction for your situation.

Remember also that you can't be turned away from ER if you get into trouble with your flare and need help and a prescription.

Best of luck.
Posted 9/21/2010 6:09 PM (GMT 0)
You can order from Canada for much cheaper. I've done it when I was uninsured. I did have to pay $350 out of pocket to see a GI and get a prescription. I was also able to participate in P&G's patient assistance program for a while, it gave me a free supply of Asacol but I don't think they are accepting patients at this time - at least that's what I've seen mentioned here recently.

There are generics available for Asacol in Canada and they are even less expensive than purchasing name brand. I defintely recommend giving it a try or do as CGK said and request to try Sulfasalazine.
Posted 10/19/2010 6:47 PM (GMT 0)
I thought this in Canada where more expensive. I've heard from someone else about the Sulfasalazine. Is there anyway to find out how much, hands down, they would really cost? I'd really try anything. At the moment I lost my job, so everythings out of the question. I heard I could go to the defax office once I had my daughter and they might be able to help. Could they really do anything for me?

I'm not worried about the, bloating, gas, pain, flare ups... anything like that.
If I just don't take the pills would in increase my chance of getting cancer? That's what I'm mainly worried about. I don't want to have to carry a bag around the rest of my life.
Posted 10/19/2010 6:53 PM (GMT 0)
http://www.pharmacychecker.com/Pricing.asp?DrugName=Sulfasalazine&DrugId=19322&DrugStrengthId=31486

is this really a rough range of how much it would cost? If the quanity is 100 how long is the supply actually for?
Posted 10/19/2010 7:52 PM (GMT 0)
My sulfazalazine prescription costs me like $20 a month. I think there's a 120 pill count in the bottle. There was one month where I was between insurance so I paid out of pocket and was shocked to find out the regular price was...$26 a month.

Obviously the price may vary based on location, pharmacy, whatnot.
Posted 10/20/2010 5:18 PM (GMT 0)
are you serious? does it keep ur colitis under control? Like the other pills would? You have to take like 4 a day?
Posted 10/20/2010 5:35 PM (GMT 0)
If you get generic Sulfasalazine it should be under $30 a month, I don't have prescription coverage but I do have major medical insurance and get a discount. It cost me about $18 a month.
Whether is works better or worse, just depends on the person. Sulfa has been used for many years for treating UC before they came out with Asacol and such. Maintence doesage is 4 pills a day spaced out evenly, or some take 2 morning and 2 at night.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply