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VSL #3 DS Prescription?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 1/25/2013 4:40 PM (GMT 0)
My Pharmacist at Rite Aid said this was an OTC product and sold it to me without a prescription.  This is contrary to what I've read on this Board.  Did I misunderstand?  I've also read here that my insurance may cover it.  Can anyone give me the skinny?
Posted 1/25/2013 5:00 PM (GMT 0)
VSL #3 you can get OTC and is usually not covered by insurance.

VSL #3 DS you cannot get OTC and is usually covered by insurance.
Posted 1/25/2013 7:39 PM (GMT 0)
i used to get VSL DS at Target without a prescription. under my insurance, it was $186, but they sold it to me for $94 for a 20 day supply OTC.

technically, you aren't supposed to get it OTC, but a lot of pharmacies aren't familiar with this.
Posted 1/26/2013 1:53 AM (GMT 0)
Make very sure that whoever you buy VSL#3 DS from has kept it refrigerated! I found both my local Target and Walgreens did not know that DS is required to be stored and shipped refrigerated. They were selling products that contained mainly dead bacteria. The regular VSL #3 can have a non-refrigerated shelf life of 2 weeks.

Call around and ask about refrigeration before submitting a prescription. Otherwise you are wasting your money.

When I switched from VSL #3 to VSL#3 DS, my pain levels decreased so much that I could not believe it. It took three weeks for my pain levels to go down to almost nothing. My colorectal surgeon warned me it takes at least three weeks for the probiotic to balance out the intestinal bacteria.

I take one packet twice a day. I wish I had done this decades ago.
Posted 1/26/2013 2:40 AM (GMT 0)
I take VSL#3 (DS VERSION ONLY) via Kroger Pharmacy. I got about 6 boxes (120 pks) for around $50 or so by doing the following.

I had my dr (general or gastro) write me a prescription for 4 packets of VSL#3 DS/day indefinitely (I think it was like 10 refills or something that I'll renew once they run out).

Insurance for VSL#3 DS only covers 30days at a time so by ensuring your Dr. writes 4 pks/day, you end up with about 6 boxes (120pks). I started out at 4 pks a day (for 20 days as suggested in clinical research) and then have since reduced to 2 pks/day. It definitely helps but doesnt put me in full remission (still needing pred to keep me calm(er)).

*note, this doesnt work for standard VSL#3 and it doesnt work unless you tell your dr to specifically write on the prescription 4pks/day. If you only want 1 pk/day, still request the prescription for 4pk/day since I think the net monthly cost is a lot less when you maximize the monthly prescription.

Good luck!
Posted 1/26/2013 3:20 AM (GMT 0)
Elso,

When I spoke with the supplier I buy VSL#3 from (I can't get DS), they told me the 4 pkgs per day was just regular strength, and they also said the time period was 4 months, not 20 days.

Do you have a link to that info? I'd like to know because if I'm not taking enough, I'll increase it.

As far as refrigeration is concerned, my shipment came with some kind of electronic temperature sensor that registers if the product was exposed to certain temperatures. The supplier ships it overnight and suggests there is someone there to receive the package.
Posted 1/26/2013 3:33 AM (GMT 0)
Elso,
I am very sorry you are not in full remission. Thank you for the good Rx idea.
Szm
Posted 10/24/2013 4:26 PM (GMT 0)
Elso,

Tried calling Walmart Pharm with your idea. 6 boxes of VSL#3 DS with a prescription 4 packs per day no where near $50.00. Was that with Insurance? If so what Insurance? Thank you.
Posted 10/24/2013 6:26 PM (GMT 0)
Just be careful before you pick your prescription up of VSL DS#3 as some of the new health insurance policies starting October 1st now have VSL DS #3 as a Tier III drug, and my new policy says I gotta pay 30% of the total cost of Tier III medication's out of pocket (I have an Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield policy). Comes out to over $100 a refill. Needless to say, I am not filling my prescription anymore. I tried VSL since August and have had no noticeable difference in my uc symptoms anyways.
Posted 10/25/2013 2:49 AM (GMT 0)
I get 4 boxes of 20 each for $50.00. I only use half pack daily so it lasts a while. I have united health part of empire
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