COSTS FOR PRIMARY LYMPHOCYTIC COLITIS MEDICATIONS

[CarlO]

I was diagnosed toward the end of May with lymphocytic colitis. My GI MD promptly put me on two commonly used medicines:

Budenoside, aka Entocort - - As the primary “hammer” to get the WD under control, and ….

Lialda – {mesalamine} , aka Apriso, Asacol, Delzical or Pentasa - - this as a sort of baseline maintenance medication.

BUT … both of these qre quite expensive … even if you have Medicare Part-D. Following below I have shown my own local costs {Kroger supermarket pharmacy] for the initial purchases. Then my own local solution to the cost problem. Costs may, of course vary quite a bit, depending on your medical/prescription insurance and your local market.

BUDESONIDE, aka ENTOCORT {initial 37 day supply}
Out of pocket $317.94
Medicare Part-D $1,606.25

LIALDA {Initial 30 day supply}
Out of pocket $38.00
Medicare Part-D $827.09

These costs drove me over into the Medicare Part-D donot hole. BUT …. My physician then suggested I shift to a local COMPOUNDING PHARMACY, which I had never heard of before.

My most recent prices – all out of pocket, since I’m now in the donut hole - -

BUDESONIDE {30 day supply} $30.00
APRISO {30 day supply} $60.00

Prices may vary a lot around the country, but it might be helpful to check with your local COMPOUNDING PHARMACY if one is available to you.

Good Luck, Carl

[tex]

Hi Carl,

Another member mentioned a year or so ago that their doctor had suggested this method for budesonide because they didn't have insurance. Thank you for the reminder about this option, and the math. Someone will surely benefit from it.

It certainly proves how the pharmaceutical companies are ripping us off royally.

Thanks,
Tex