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Insurance not covering VSL#3DS in January...what probiotic to use

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted Today 1:50 PM (GMT 0)
So I got a letter from my insurance company stating that VSL#3DS is not an FDA approved medication and therefore starting in January they will no longer cover it. I obviously can't afford a probiotic that costs over $1000 a month.

I am stocking up now. My doctor prescribed 4 packets a day when I only take 2 so I should have enough to get me thru from now until the first few months of 2016 but then I will need to switch.

I'm a little nervous. I have been on 2 packets a day for over 3 years now.

Before my UC diagnosis I did take other probiotics but nothing with as much potency as the DS. Do you guys have any suggestions on a good strong probiotic? Also should I wean off DS...drop to one packet a day before introducing a new one. I really hope the new probiotic doesn't upset things.
Posted Today 3:13 PM (GMT 0)
I have seen people mention making yogurt with VSL#3. That might help to stretch out what you've got for a long time. I don't really have suggestions for other probiotics. I am going to make yogurt later today, not with VSL though, I don't want to get involved in product that is so expensive. I don't want to be broke from taking probiotics, haha.

You should call them. I thought i remembered them offering some kind of assistance at some point.
Posted Today 3:23 PM (GMT 0)
4 packets a day? I didn't know it was safe to take that much? I take 1 packet of VSL DS a day and can barely handle that. Could you try cutting down the dosage to 1 packet?

I bought a yogurt maker a month ago intending to make yogurt out of the VSL. Have yet to open it. Going to get around to that this week. I too can't afford VSL either (my insurance never covered it.) I will let you know how it goes....
Posted Today 3:36 PM (GMT 0)
Google "SCD yogurt." It blows any commercial probiotic out of the water. Its lactose free and you can make versions using no dairy at all if you happen to have problems with milk casein. I make it in my oven using a sealed container and the heat from the oven light. No need for a yogurt maker. Cheap and delicious. Happy to share more info if you have any interest.
Posted Today 3:36 PM (GMT 0)
You can appeal it, you might even win since they previously covered it. You can get your state's insurance regulator involved. It's an uphill battle but you might win the appeal.

Florastor works the best for me, I paid out of pocket for VSL3-DS and I didn't notice an improvement.
Posted Today 3:44 PM (GMT 0)
It's not $1000 a month is it? Thought it was more like $100 or is this the higher dose?
Posted Today 3:47 PM (GMT 0)
I just buy the capsules, but I can't tolerate more than two of them a day!
Posted Today 11:17 PM (GMT 0)
@Elpis - yes the recommendation from the manufacturer is 1-4 packets per day. I have never done more than 3. I took 3 while I was on an antibiotic. 2 has been my norm since I started it. Not sure if I just grew tolerance to it because my first flare was so bad and had c-diff at the time.

@ks - I don't think its worth the the time or effort to appeal. I have always wondered if it helps or not. I guess I will find out now.

@London - yes its crazy expensive if you come out of pocket for the DS...its the prescription one.

@mom - how do you get your regular VSL? How are you feeling these days?
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