Hi all! Since I posted last (early Dec) I have been gluten free and it was making a huge difference in the churning and rumbling I had in my intestines. I still was having diarrhea but not as much and seemingly more controled so I could go to work. The with the New Year came a $1000.00 deductible on my meds and my Asacol went from costing me $40/month to $325. Well could not afford that so contacted my GI Dr. and he ordered Colazol. I had to stop it after 3-4 days as it gave me bad heartburn and indigestion and seemed to cause even more diarrhea. I then tried to get a savings card for the Asacol as it does not give me any side effects. Since I have been out of it I am having more symptoms so I am definitely much better with Asacol and Gluten Free. The savings card turned out to be $50. off instead of $50. for a month supply so that did not work. Now I am looking for a cheaper cost either in the states or with a Global Pharmacy. We already get Protonix from overseas and have no problems with it whatsoever. It works the same and is much cheaper.
Has anyone had any experience with one of the other gut anti-inflammatory meds, any natural anti inflammatory supplements or finding Asacol for less. I have to satisfiy the $10000.00 before I can get the $40 price again and that could take many months.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Karen
Experience with Colazol
Moderators: Rosie, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Hi Karen,
Sorry you're having this problem. Insurance companies are real jewels, aren't they.
This is the overseas pharmacy where most members order Entocort, (that is, this is where most members who order Encotort, order it). This is a reliable pharmacy.
https://www.alldaychemist.com/149-asacol-400-mg-.html
Does this look like the same product? Apparently, this is what they're selling.
http://www.tillotts.com/products/asacol
The bad news is that since it has to come through Customs, any order will almost surely take at least 2 weeks to arrive, and might take longer, if Customs inspectors fiddle around longer than usual. Please let us know how it works out.
Tex
Sorry you're having this problem. Insurance companies are real jewels, aren't they.
This is the overseas pharmacy where most members order Entocort, (that is, this is where most members who order Encotort, order it). This is a reliable pharmacy.
https://www.alldaychemist.com/149-asacol-400-mg-.html
Does this look like the same product? Apparently, this is what they're selling.
http://www.tillotts.com/products/asacol
The bad news is that since it has to come through Customs, any order will almost surely take at least 2 weeks to arrive, and might take longer, if Customs inspectors fiddle around longer than usual. Please let us know how it works out.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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KarenSmith
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Sun Dec 04, 2011 8:16 am
Hi Terri,
U. S. Customs currently allows citizens to order up to a 3 month supply of any drug from any country outside of the U. S. borders, and as I recall, alldaychemist even mentions that restriction somewhere on their website. In the case of Entocort/budesonide/Budez CR, that amounts to 270 capsules, which, as you pointed out, would be 27 packages, so I would assume that alldaychemist will allow you to order 27 packages per order, but probably not more, (since they don't want U. S. Customs to impose any sanctions on them).
I assume that you are aware that this product, (Budez CR), is a generic form of Entocort EC. Even so, everyone here who has used it, has found it to be just as effective as the branded product, (Entocort EC). U. S. domestic drug prices are a huge ripoff, (including the Entocort generics sold domestically), and they prevent many Americans from being able to afford the treatments that they need. Being aware of outside suppliers such as this, can virtually be a life saver for some people.
Tex
U. S. Customs currently allows citizens to order up to a 3 month supply of any drug from any country outside of the U. S. borders, and as I recall, alldaychemist even mentions that restriction somewhere on their website. In the case of Entocort/budesonide/Budez CR, that amounts to 270 capsules, which, as you pointed out, would be 27 packages, so I would assume that alldaychemist will allow you to order 27 packages per order, but probably not more, (since they don't want U. S. Customs to impose any sanctions on them).
I assume that you are aware that this product, (Budez CR), is a generic form of Entocort EC. Even so, everyone here who has used it, has found it to be just as effective as the branded product, (Entocort EC). U. S. domestic drug prices are a huge ripoff, (including the Entocort generics sold domestically), and they prevent many Americans from being able to afford the treatments that they need. Being aware of outside suppliers such as this, can virtually be a life saver for some people.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Thanks for the sanity check. 270 will be fine for me and will last longer than 3 months because I experimented and discovered a few years ago that all it takes when I flare is one per day and I do that for 3 months and then wean off and remission lasts way more than a year now. Probably never did need the full monty dosage of 3>2>1. That is the dosage for Crohns for which Entocort was originally intended and its given that way for MCC also.
Yep I know about the generic. Never had issues with them. The few meds I take are all generic and I had to drop the couple that are not due to cost. Getting old on fixed income is such fun. On Medicare since Sept 2011 and no Medicare supplemental RX plans cover Entocort AT ALL. The supplemental coverage from my former employer doesn't kick in until I spend the dreaded $1200 deductible just to get to a copay and until then Entocort is full price at $751 for just one month so obviously no can do! Talk about highway robbery. The only time I could afford it was when my hubby had open heart surgery and we satisfied the $8250 deductible for 100% coverage and boy did I stock up. I had 4 bottles of 270 at one time and was living large!
The generic form from my employer plan is more costly than the Entocort....go figure.
Terri[/b]
Yep I know about the generic. Never had issues with them. The few meds I take are all generic and I had to drop the couple that are not due to cost. Getting old on fixed income is such fun. On Medicare since Sept 2011 and no Medicare supplemental RX plans cover Entocort AT ALL. The supplemental coverage from my former employer doesn't kick in until I spend the dreaded $1200 deductible just to get to a copay and until then Entocort is full price at $751 for just one month so obviously no can do! Talk about highway robbery. The only time I could afford it was when my hubby had open heart surgery and we satisfied the $8250 deductible for 100% coverage and boy did I stock up. I had 4 bottles of 270 at one time and was living large!
The generic form from my employer plan is more costly than the Entocort....go figure.
Terri[/b]
At one time, I didn't have insurance, and needed an expensive drug for which no consumer aid plan was available, (similar to the situation with Entocort). I went to a local, independent pharmacy, and discussed the situation with the head pharmacist, pointing out that I could no longer afford the rate that I had been paying at another pharmacy, (Walmart), and I asked him if there was a way that they could supply it at a price that I could afford. He shot me a price that was a little more than half of what I had been paying previously, (presumably, in order to get my business). That worked for me, of course. As soon as I had insurance, the price jumped up higher than ever, of course, but my copay went down a little. Obviously, the markup is huge, on most pharmaceuticals. They have a lot of discretion, if they choose to use it.
Tex
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Good for you...that's wonderful that you found a pharmacist that would help you. I have never seen any independent pharmacies around here since the 1970s. If I could find one like you did I would 'play it up' real well to get some help.
I might as well not have supplemental insurance now that I am on Medicare. Only 20% goes to my deductible versus 100% before and even then it was hard to get to the $1200. My husband has his own insurance now and he has the kind I used to have until AT&T changed it 4 years ago. No deductibles...just copays for everything. He is diabetic so its a blessing for his needs. To think I used to complain when the copays went up...GIVE them back please.
Be well,
Terri
I might as well not have supplemental insurance now that I am on Medicare. Only 20% goes to my deductible versus 100% before and even then it was hard to get to the $1200. My husband has his own insurance now and he has the kind I used to have until AT&T changed it 4 years ago. No deductibles...just copays for everything. He is diabetic so its a blessing for his needs. To think I used to complain when the copays went up...GIVE them back please.
Be well,
Terri
This is an interesting discussion for me. DH will be retiring in a couple of months and we are investigating different prescription plans. I've got a year's worth of Entocort (I stocked up when I was off of it or on a low dose), but will probably need to take it the rest of my life. I wondered if Medicare covered it; thanks for the information.
Does anyone know if Medicare covers Gastrocrom? I know there is no generic and it can't be purchased through Alldaychemist.com. I'm considering using the nasal spray (Nasalcrom) like Arlene did as a trial to see if it helps or has side effects.
Gloria
Does anyone know if Medicare covers Gastrocrom? I know there is no generic and it can't be purchased through Alldaychemist.com. I'm considering using the nasal spray (Nasalcrom) like Arlene did as a trial to see if it helps or has side effects.
Gloria
You never know what you can do until you have to do it.
Hi Gloria,
Are you aware of this "Plan Finder" on the Medicare site? Rosie brought it to my attention a couple of years ago. It provides a relatively simple way to find the "best" Part D plan, based on your situation, and the particular drugs that you will need.
https://www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan/qu ... /home.aspx
Tex
Are you aware of this "Plan Finder" on the Medicare site? Rosie brought it to my attention a couple of years ago. It provides a relatively simple way to find the "best" Part D plan, based on your situation, and the particular drugs that you will need.
https://www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan/qu ... /home.aspx
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Tex,
Yes, I've been using the Plan-finder. The problem is that I don't know what medication I'll be needing. I thought I would have this all figured out by now. DH delayed his retirement by 1 1/2 years so that I would have more time to stabilize my MC and hopefully be off of Entocort, or at least at a reduced dosage. I've been dealing with it for five years now, 4 1/2 years using diet, and I'm still on 3 Entocort a day, having almost the same symptoms as five years ago. It's very frustrating.
I didn't report that my friend went to see an associate of the doctors at Rush University that wrote the paper on Mastocytic Enterocolitis. They did a colonoscopy (of course). I was sure he would be diagnosed with MC, but the GI told him his colonoscopy was normal and the biopsies didn't show any sign of MC or excess mast cells. They sent him on his way without any treatment suggestions or diagnosis. I've told my friend about this web site and that he should go GF. He's eliminated all kinds of foods, but is reluctant to give up gluten. He says he does better when on gluten. I'm certainly not the poster child for the postive results of being GF, so I don't push it.
After hearing about his experience with that GI practice, I'm reluctant to make an appointment as suggested by my PCP.
Gloria
Yes, I've been using the Plan-finder. The problem is that I don't know what medication I'll be needing. I thought I would have this all figured out by now. DH delayed his retirement by 1 1/2 years so that I would have more time to stabilize my MC and hopefully be off of Entocort, or at least at a reduced dosage. I've been dealing with it for five years now, 4 1/2 years using diet, and I'm still on 3 Entocort a day, having almost the same symptoms as five years ago. It's very frustrating.
I didn't report that my friend went to see an associate of the doctors at Rush University that wrote the paper on Mastocytic Enterocolitis. They did a colonoscopy (of course). I was sure he would be diagnosed with MC, but the GI told him his colonoscopy was normal and the biopsies didn't show any sign of MC or excess mast cells. They sent him on his way without any treatment suggestions or diagnosis. I've told my friend about this web site and that he should go GF. He's eliminated all kinds of foods, but is reluctant to give up gluten. He says he does better when on gluten. I'm certainly not the poster child for the postive results of being GF, so I don't push it.
After hearing about his experience with that GI practice, I'm reluctant to make an appointment as suggested by my PCP.
Gloria
You never know what you can do until you have to do it.
Well that's a heck of a note, because you know that they certainly missed something.Gloria wrote:After hearing about his experience with that GI practice, I'm reluctant to make an appointment as suggested by my PCP.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Gloria! 5 years, I am so sorry! I read through those articles you linked for me about the mastocytic enterocolitis. One reason I have wondered about it for me is that I have an odd subcutaneous rash on my arms after I get out of the shower that goes away once my body cools. Anyway, one of the treatments I read suggested using Benadryl or an Allegra or Claritin product. I was wondering if you had tried any of those. Susie
Hi Susie,
Hmm. Your rash does sound suspicious. I don't think it could hurt to try Benadryl, Claritin, or Allegra. I've tried Claritin, Zyrtec and Benadryl. Benadryl seemed to make a difference, but apparently it was short-lived. I may try Allegra or a generic substitute, if there is one without lactose.
My case is very unusual. In addition to MC, I have mast cell issues and am unable to tolerate any fruits or fruit juices and can eat just two vegetables: cauliflower and asparagus. There are two other board members that have had similar problems to mine; one is also intolerant to fruit. Most people on the board are successful when they follow dietary restrictions; I'm sure you will be also.
Gloria
Hmm. Your rash does sound suspicious. I don't think it could hurt to try Benadryl, Claritin, or Allegra. I've tried Claritin, Zyrtec and Benadryl. Benadryl seemed to make a difference, but apparently it was short-lived. I may try Allegra or a generic substitute, if there is one without lactose.
My case is very unusual. In addition to MC, I have mast cell issues and am unable to tolerate any fruits or fruit juices and can eat just two vegetables: cauliflower and asparagus. There are two other board members that have had similar problems to mine; one is also intolerant to fruit. Most people on the board are successful when they follow dietary restrictions; I'm sure you will be also.
Gloria
You never know what you can do until you have to do it.