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Uceris: Pill vs. Foam

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 3/28/2016 4:53 PM (GMT 0)
I just found this forum today and I am hoping to get some much needed advice and support from people that have the same things going on as me!

I've been diagnosed with ulcerative proctitis and have been in a full flare up (daily bleeding) since Nov. 2015. I am currently taking Lialda (4 pills at once, daily). I've been prescribed the Uceris foam but my ins. keeps denying it. Finally they approved the pill form of Uceris and I can pick it up from the pharmacy tomorrow to begin treatment. Has anyone had better experience with the foam vs the pills? Since my disease is just the lower portion of my colon (sigmoid area) I almost hate the thought of the pill form and wonder if I should hold out for the foam approval and try contacting my insurance company? The foam was just released on the market per my GI Dr. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thank you!!
Posted 3/28/2016 8:14 PM (GMT 0)
I've only taken the pills but I think it depends on where you're having the issue. The CCFA (Chrons & Colitis Foundation of America) seems to indicate that foam is best for mild to moderate in the lower parts of the colon. The pill is likely better for the end of the small intestine/start of the large intestine.

I take the Uceris pill and it does well for me. Even when I had more mild UC I was never given foam.

To find the page I'm referencing do a google search for "ulcerative colitis foam versus pill cffa" and the CFFA page come up in results.
Posted 3/29/2016 6:15 PM (GMT 0)
I can't speak to foam vs pill for Uceris but I think for Proctitis that foam or enema would be way more effective then an oral formulation. If insurance won't cover Uceris foam--what about Cortifoam or better yet...Mesalamine enemas? It puts the medicine directly on the effected part.

Let us know how it all works out!
B
Posted 3/1/2017 11:42 AM (GMT 0)
I know this might be late, but the pills did nothing for my flare, but the foam changed my life. It's $600 on my insurance, but I was able to get on a program through the manufacturer where I pay only $25 a month. I can't get off the foam or I flare, but my Dr said that it's OK. Good luck!

Post Edited (UGH-UC) : 3/1/2017 6:27:01 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 3/1/2017 12:26 PM (GMT 0)
I use both. I have been on the pill for 3 months now and the foam for about the same time. I like the foam better than the enemas since its easier to apply and hold, however, it only affects about a third of the lower (sigmoid) colon. I have pancolitis, so I am gradually moving to the 5-ASA enemas and suppositories.

The pill is somewhat effective, but short term use only. I will ask my GI to end it as soon as I am out of this flare.

I am not sure why your GI prescribed the pill for proctitis, since it probably dissolves completely before getting to that part of the colon. You may want to get a second opinion. Uceris is still a steroid and you should not take it unnecessarily

HTH

Post Edited (kzaveri19) : 3/1/2017 5:29:13 AM (GMT-7)

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