Introduction:
I am a 47 years old woman, and I was diagnosed with UC in March 2013. I’m still learning about this disease. I also have lupus, and I guess it’s not uncommon for people with lupus to also have UC.
Some more about me:
I work in the medical field as a Respiratory Therapist. I love to read and play music (guitar and piano). I’m engaged to a wonderful guy, and have three awesome children. I live in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina.
Symptoms:
cramping, mucus, bleeding, diarrhea, bloating, lack of appetite, weight loss
The Price of Lialda
I was diagnosed with UC in March 2013. I was immediately prescribed Lialda (and graciously given a month’s worth of medication samples from my GI docs office) and Canasa. Symptoms improved slightly, but I was still in bad shape. So a course of Prednisone was added. I also take Immodium frequently, although I’m not sure if it helps or not. The GI doc wanted to add the Rowasa enema to the mix, but I couldn’t handle nightly enemas. I’m now off the Prednisone and doing ok most days, with some bad days mixed in. I had been taking my medication as prescribed. With my insurance and a Lialda discount card, I had been able to fill my monthly Lialda prescription for $10. Then I changed jobs and my insurance changed. So I had to go off the Lialda for a few months until the insurance from my new job started. My symptoms did it worse, but I limped along just waiting for my new insurance. So I was finally able to get a refill on Friday a nd went to pick it up. I gave the pharmacy my new insurance info, and my discount card. The price without insurance would have ben $949.00!!!! But I was still thinking it would be the same as with my previous insurance. Silly me! After they figured it all out, with my insurance and the Lialda discount card, the price dropped to $775.00!! That is almost as much as my house payment!! So obviously, I couldn’t get the medication, and I won’t be able to get it unless I win the lottery.
Soooo…. my question for fellow UC’ers is this:
Are there other medications that treat UC that are not so ridiculously expensive?? With insurance, my Canasa suppositories are $50 per month, but I don’t feel like JUST the Canasa is enough. Does anyone have any suggestions of medications that have been effective for them that don’t require me to get a second mortgage? Thanks!
Medications:
Currently using Canasa suppositories. I’m supposed to be taking Lialda, but I can’t afford it.
written by Jodi M
submitted in the colitis venting area
I am a 47 years old woman, and I was diagnosed March 2013. I’m still learning about this disease. I also have lupus, and I guess it’s not uncommon for people with lupus to also have UC.
