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VSL#3 question (or other probiotic solutions)

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 10/18/2017 7:46 PM (GMT 0)
It has taken me a long time to try VSL#3. I know many of you have recommended it but I was afraid. Irrationally concerned about increasing my daily discomfort.

I went to a 2nd opinion DR last week and she recommended I try it. The results after just 2 days were unbelievable good.

Then I went to buy some. I knew from reading here that it is $$$. The DR did not offer a prescription, said single strength is where she would like me to start and that was OTC.

My local Kroger pharmacy had a box of 30 unflavored powder packets for $95. Yikes.

The samples she gave me had a coupon attached but only to be used with a scrip.

Advice??
Posted 10/18/2017 8:06 PM (GMT 0)
I was taking VSL#3 DS. You need a prescription for that. That's what I started out with and had no issues.
Posted 10/18/2017 9:27 PM (GMT 0)
I buy the pills off of Amazon. Its @ $60 for 60 pills. I take one per day.
Posted 10/18/2017 10:20 PM (GMT 0)
If you can get a script, and if your insurance will cover it, I would suggest getting the sachets of VSL#3DS and then, if your doc still wants you to use the lesser dosage, you can get two doses out of each packet.

My insurance did not want to cover it, but my GI wrote a persuasive letter to them and they were convinced.

It is expensive... but per bacterium it is a deal. I think I once figured out that each dose of the DS was the same amount of probiotic as a box of Align...?

Good luck. Glad it works for you! It has helped me also.
Posted 10/19/2017 5:41 AM (GMT 0)
My GI wrote a prescription but Blue Shield of California does not cover it.
Posted 10/19/2017 11:33 AM (GMT 0)
I pay $59 for 60 pills at the pharmacy of my local grocery. It's expensive but worth it for me.
Posted 10/19/2017 12:22 PM (GMT 0)
VSL can charge a premium as they're the bmw/mercedes of the probiotic world, with these scientific studies backing up their IBD claims. Nobody else can make such claims. There's other alternatives if you cannot justify the price. I'd just look for something with a lot of strains of bacteria, and high counts for them. A number of posters have the brand they use within their signatures.

I think less and less can get the VSL DS#3 via prescription covered by insurance as policies are getting more picky on what is covered. It's considered a "medicinal food" by most, usually non-formulary/tier III pricing, and you'd expect to pay a large share of the cost when it is approved. The over the counter stuff is the same, but half the dose. You can just take two over the counter VSL doses and it could cost less.
Posted 10/20/2017 6:52 PM (GMT 0)

Kulinarykidz said...
I pay $59 for 60 pills at the pharmacy of my local grocery. It's expensive but worth it for me.

My local Costco pharmacy just quoted me $48 for 60 for the over-the-counter VSL.
Posted 10/23/2017 2:04 PM (GMT 0)
VSL#3 has coupons online for the packets (search for vsl3ds coupons). My insurance covers the DS and the coupons cover the rest of the cost for me so I get it for free.
Posted 10/23/2017 2:19 PM (GMT 0)
just curious there kaz - why do you feel the need to try vsl at this point - are you having unresolved issues ?

are you doing any other probiotic type things ?
Posted 10/23/2017 3:40 PM (GMT 0)
Yikes indeed. This is why I've never given VSL#3 a go.
Posted 10/23/2017 6:38 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the Costco tip and the coupon search recommendation. I will follow up!

TroubledTurds, my nice remission ended a couple of years ago. I've been taking Uceris now for 15 months to manage it and I want to get off the steroids.

My disease has never been terrible so no DR wants me to level up to stronger meds. They all want me to stay on the 5ASAs etc.

VSL#3 has seriously changed my life in the few days I've been taking it.
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