HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

VSL???

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 1/14/2013 6:49 PM (GMT 0)
I have been recommended to try the VSL probiotic but its soooo expensive...almost 80 bucks at Costco for 30 pills! Is it worth it? Anyone know where to get it cheaper???
Posted 1/14/2013 6:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hmmm ... I get mine at Costco and it's only $48 for 60 capsules. The powder sachets are definitely more expensive, around $80. Perhaps that's what they were referring to?
Posted 1/14/2013 7:07 PM (GMT 0)
different stores, different sizes, you can move the $$/billion around some - but not much.

if your insurance will cover, it may be cheaper to get the DS prescription strength.

the advantage of VSL is that is has some clinical support, including a significant boost in the number of folks getting remission (compared to control) - but it did not help everyone. it comes refrigerated, and thus is supposed to have many more live bugs. The OTC products not refrigerated may have a very large proportion dead.

But, it is only a few strains, and any particular individual might benefit a lot more form a different strain, in which case another brand could be better for you.

one question is do probiotics in general seem to help you? You could budget for a month of VSL (I suggest a fairly high dost, but work up over a few days). IF it seems to help, taper down as low as you can w/o losing benefit, or try some other brands.

if VSL does not seem to help, you might still try other brands that have different strains.
Posted 1/14/2013 7:28 PM (GMT 0)
I have never tried any probiotics so its all new to me. I always have more of a proctitis and very minimal left side disease until I was hospitalized in December for a severe pancolitis flare which is still not under control. I am just wanting to try everything possible to help.

My dr gave me some samples of the capsules and told me to only take 1 a day. I haven't tried it yet because I have been concerned with the bloating and gas since I already have a lot of pain from gas right now. I will search around for the prices and give it a try for a month. I also drink Kefir which I do think helps some.
Posted 1/14/2013 7:56 PM (GMT 0)
I take the VSL#3 DS; 1/2 packet a day. My insurance covers this one. I pay $30 for a 3 month supply.

My insurance does not cover VSL#3.
Posted 1/14/2013 8:31 PM (GMT 0)
If insurance won't cover the DS you can buy regular strength capsules directly from VSL for about $50 plus shipping. Shipping is more expensive than normal because they mail it refrigerated. Even though the total cost is fairly high it is actually cheaper when you measure up the CFU's versus most any brand.
Posted 1/14/2013 11:25 PM (GMT 0)
Consider yourself lucky....

I pay $115/month for it taking once daily and have recently up'd my dosage to two a day since it has been helping a bit.


Does anyone know if the DS will be coming to Canada anytime soon?

Posted 1/17/2013 11:38 AM (GMT 0)
Rite Aid, Walmart $49 for 60 capsules
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply