30-day free trial voucher for Lialda
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Wayne,
I'm sure the offers are legitimate. The problem is that the clinical trials with Lialda were only for UC. Any other use is off-label, (even though that practice is quite legal, it's done strictly at the discretion of the prescribing doctor). MC is also an off-label use for Asacol, (in fact, I'm not aware that there are any medications specifically labeled to treat MC - the corticosteroids are labeled for treatment of Crohn's).
The biggest obstacle, though, is the fact that the questionnaires qualifying one for free samples are specificially directed at UC, for both Lialda and Asacol.
Tex
I'm sure the offers are legitimate. The problem is that the clinical trials with Lialda were only for UC. Any other use is off-label, (even though that practice is quite legal, it's done strictly at the discretion of the prescribing doctor). MC is also an off-label use for Asacol, (in fact, I'm not aware that there are any medications specifically labeled to treat MC - the corticosteroids are labeled for treatment of Crohn's).
The biggest obstacle, though, is the fact that the questionnaires qualifying one for free samples are specificially directed at UC, for both Lialda and Asacol.
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.
Okay, that makes sense. I wasn't sure if the forms were set up to handle that situation or not - obviously they are. I'll bet it will work.
Good luck.
Tex
Good luck.
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.
You're right, of course. The pharmaceutical companies have a lot of offers such as that, to promote their products, but we rarely think about them, in the excitement of starting a new prescription.
They also have a lot of PAPs, (Patient Assistance Programs), for patients who can't afford certain medications. Doctors should be aware of these programs, but most of them seem to try to keep them a secret, because, of course, they would have to fill out additional forms, on behalf of the patient, in order for a patient to apply for such assistance, and most doctors frown on spending time filling out forms, especially when they are not being paid for the time that they spend doing it.
I suppose we really shouldn't blame them for that, since they are in no way obligated to help anyone without compensation. Still, IMO, if the drug companies are willing to provide the products free of charge, it certainly wouldn't hurt the average doctor to do their part, and contribute a little of their time, to make the programs work the way they are intended.
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.