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VSL 3

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 9/20/2010 4:27 PM (GMT 0)
If anyone is currently take vsl 3, can you let me know how it is and if it works?  I've been on Humira for about a half a year now.  But since I've started taking it, I've been on and off prednisone.  I swicthed to Humira after Remicade failed.  When I'm on prednisone, it doesn't even seem like I have UC.  I usually taper down from 40 mg.  I'm looking to try anything that will help with my flares and I've heard good things about vsl 3.

Also, how much does it cost and what amount should be ordered to produce the best results.

Thanks! 

Posted 9/20/2010 5:18 PM (GMT 0)
Here are some past posts on VSL:

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=38&m=1258864
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=38&m=1691046
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=38&m=1899998

There are a lot more discussions available through the "search" function.

VSL is a probiotic, (a mix of good bacteria) one that has been tested in clinical trials as being helpful to UC and pouchitis. It has 450 billion per powder-packet ("sachet.") The Double-Strength has 900 billion and is available by prescription only. If you have prescription insurance and it covers this, that is undoubtedly the cheapest way to get it.

I am taking two packets a day of the DS variety right now. It helps me a lot. I think it took a few weeks to show an effect, when I first started. When I recently doubled the dose I felt positive effects within a day or two. But as you know, nothing for sure helps everyone.....
My son does well with Align.
Posted 9/20/2010 7:09 PM (GMT 0)
Is vsl 3 considered a medicine or supplement? My coverage covers all medicines but doesn't cover supplements.
Posted 9/20/2010 9:54 PM (GMT 0)
VSL#3 has a prescription double strength version. Insurance companies treat it differently. Mine considers it a medical food and will not pay for it. The regular version will run you $90 month at one packet a day. I can't afford it so I make a weeks worth of yogurt with one packet. Some others do the same thing.
Posted 9/20/2010 9:54 PM (GMT 0)
it calls itself a medical food but the DS strength clearly says on the box "by prescription only" - so I don't know how your insurance would interpret that. Maybe ask them?
A GI I know tells about a young person whose flare wouldn't respond to anything until they tried VSL.... sounds like a medication to me, but... the insurance companies' ideas and mine aren't necessarily the same.
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