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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 2/4/2013 4:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone, I was diagnosed about two weeks ago with ulcerative proctitis. I've been having symptoms on and off for years, they've just never been bad enough to go to the doctor before now. Anyways, I just have a few questions. The doctor prescribed Asacol Hd and Canasa suppositories for me. Combined they cost me 950 dollars! Once I meet my insurance deductible (1150) they will be covered at 70 percent. That's still going to cost me over 200 dollars per month, which I can't afford. Does anyone know of any cheaper medications? I don't feel like my doctor is very good at listening to my concerns. In fact, after my colonoscopy, he didn't even talk to me. His nurse handed me a packet about ulcerative colitis and that was it. Also, when my body does go in remission, what is a typical maintenance dose of medication? I feel like I'm going to be poor the rest of my life paying for meds. I called the companies to see if I could get some sort of a discount but because I have insurance there's not much help out there. Thanks for your responses.

-Rachel
Posted 2/4/2013 5:11 PM (GMT 0)
I think it's typical for doctors to not speak with the patient after a colonoscopy. It's usually a time for you to pass gas and have a meal after. Both of the drugs combined cost $950, but what are they each?
Posted 2/4/2013 5:13 PM (GMT 0)
The Canasa was 600 and the Asacol HD was 350
Posted 2/4/2013 5:20 PM (GMT 0)
It can be quite a shock to learn that not only do you have a chronic illness but that it's going to cost you as much as a car payment to stay healthy. BTDT! Unfortunately, I am not aware of any generics for the suppositories. The oral meds have some generics, though, and there are generic mesalamine enemas that you might consider as alternates to the Canasa.

Here are some thoughts and strategies.

1) bite the bullet on this first month of meds and get yourself into a good remission.
2) set up a follow-up appt with your GI to talk about the scope findings and your response to the meds.
3) ask about generics for orals, and about mesalamine enemas.
4) learn about dietary mods that might help your condition, including using probiotics and supplemental fiber.
5) ask your HR dept about flexible spending accounts so you can save some money on your out-of-pocket expenses in 2014. In other words, plan ahead now that you know what you're dealing with.
Posted 2/4/2013 5:30 PM (GMT 0)
Most of the delayed-release oral ASA5 medications for uc (Asacol HD, Lialda, and so forth) are ridiculously expensive. Colazal (balsalazide disodium) is an ASA5 that doesn't have the expensive delayed-release coating so I think it is cheaper than Asacol HD but still pretty expensive. Some of the drug manufacturers do have assistance programs if you cannot afford the medications and meet certain financial requirements (e.g., Patient Assistance for Lialda).

Sulfazine is a much older drug used to treat uc and it is much cheaper than the aforementioned ASA5 meds. It does have more side effects than the ASA5's which is something you should research. There are a number of people here on HW who use Sulfazine and have no issues with it. I think it costs less than $100 a month.
Posted 2/4/2013 5:45 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, my total pharmacy bill in a typical month is now about $30. It used to be $400. That was when I was using 4g/day of Pentasa. All of the meds on my list (see sig) are generics now. The most expensive thing I buy is the flax seed oil. My insurance coverage (which is pretty great) has me at a $5 copay for generics.
Posted 2/4/2013 7:08 PM (GMT 0)
Canasa has a prescription assistance card. I'm not quite sure how it works yet. The explanation of it is confusing to me but I will be using it when I refill my Canasa which for me is $45 a month. Wish there was a generic.
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