Medication Questions

I guess I am still new to UC, diagnosed in February 2012 at age 31, probably triggered by Gallbladder surgery. My doctor said I was a 2+ on a scale of 1-3. No remission as of yet.

I started off on Asacol and Prednisone (from Feb - May). Although it was "helping" it wasn't anywhere near remission. My doctor gave me a month's sample of Lialda to try, without great expectation. He said if it didn't work, we would try the next step, which (forgive me bc I don't remember any of the actual medical terms) would mean a drug that would somewhat lower my immune system. This concerns me (and really concerns my health nut husband).

After 3 1/2 weeks I have noticed a significant improvement on the Lialda, and needed to get an extra prescription to hold me over until my next appt. (6/19) I do not have RX insurance, just health insurance. A 30 day supply was over $700! Obviously, I did not refill it. I read about a card, but it seems that since I don't have RX insurance that it will only reduce it up to $125/mo, which is still not reasonable. Since it seems to be working I would like to stay on it, but cannot afford to. However, I don't really want to take the next step either.

Asacol & Lialda are supposed to be the same class of drug, but Asacol didn't work. I'm afraid by trying another drug in that class that I'll be taking a step backwards. Any suggestions? Is anyone on the "immune reducing drugs"? (What are they called?)

You can get a generic version of Rowasa, and I agree, rectal meds are a big help.

I'm taking a generic version of Colazal, another UC med, and it seems to be doing the right things. The generic version is called balsalazide.

UC meds are very expensive. There aren't too many ways around it. You can try a Canadian Pharmacy but then you would be getting generic which may not be as effective (since you do so well on specifically Lialda). Apriso has a PAP program, as does AsacolHD. If you can't afford Lialda, you will have to try one of the other options. If you need medication to hold you over, I recommend you call your GI and ask for more samples. Maybe you can try Apriso or AsacolHD. If you have luck with one of those, there is a chance you can get them for cheaper (not 100% sure). I have the same problem. I need to order medication from the pharmacy and I keep putting it off because my copay is $75. I have way too many financial obligations, I can't afford to be sick.