Husband just diagnosed with ulcerative colitis.

Hi Sand&Sparrow,

What medication can't you afford? All of the companies that provide medicine for Ulcerative Colitis / Crohns, have financial assistance departments. They should be able to help you for sure. The quickest way to kill inflammation and get back to semi-normal is the horrible steroid drug known as "Prednisone." Unfortunately, there is no timeline on finding the right med to get things under control, everyone is different. What medications is your husband on at the moment? Anyway welcome to the forum! Hope he gets relief soon.

I understand your frustration! I was in the same boat to an extent thanks to insurance.

Most pharmaceutical manufacturers have two programs. One is a copay coupon program where you pay a portion of the cost. Then there’s another for those who aren’t covered by the coupon program or can’t afford their copays. I used to get my Apriso (mesalamine) for free, shipped directly to my house by the manufacturer through a specialty pharmacy. It does take awhile because there is an application process so it takes about a month to get approved and set up. I’m no longer on Apriso so I don’t know if this is still their number but the last one I had was 833-862-8727. You want to call the manufacturer (look them up online for whatever drug you decide to go with) and ask if they have a Patient Assistance Program for those who can’t afford their copays. I’ve also been hearing ads that mention COVID relief so if your husband had COVID that might also be applicable.

Be proactive! Uceris foam (a rectal med which is very calming and helps with symptoms) also has the “free” option. I think they used to be manufactured by the same company as Apriso.

In the meantime if he’s not already on prednisone it does provide great symptom relief in the short time. It’s not a cure tho or to be used long term.

Keep us posted on your progress!

I would really avoid prednisone if you can. Yes it's cheap and it works quickly but 1. There is a risk of being stuck on it long term which is associated with irreversible side effects and 2. It will mask whether any other medication you try is effective. Prednisone should not be a first line therapy for new patients with (relatively) mild disease.
I feel more strongly about this than most because I was taking low doses of prednisone for 2 years and ended up with severe osteoporosis.

My husband gotted started on sulfasalizine yesterday. 2 pills 4 times a day. Hopefully it will help him get started on calming the inflammation and other symptoms soon. I don't know how feasible it will be in the long run as he will have a hard time sticking to taking them 4 times a day and that with food.

Thanks all, for your replies and encouragement. We are so happy to have found such an informative, supportive group. Both my husband and I are feeling a little more confident that he will be feeling better soon and that with time, he will be able to manage the flares. It's apparent that unless you have UC, or are close to someone who has it, you don't know how much it can affect quality of living. My utter respect for all those who have UC.