Budesonide and Insurance Coverage

[Billk78]

Hi everyone,

I was just diagnosed with Crohn's and my doctor has prescribed me Budesonide and Pentasa. The problem is my insurance refuses to cover the Budesonide and the pharmacy says it will cost me $1400 a month. I can't afford it. Does anyone know of any options for me? Do these meds even help?

Thanks!

 

[gvnrlh]

I have had Chron's since I was 10 years old and am now currently 23 years old. I have been on Asacol and Entocort( just recently switched to generic called Budesonide) for 13 years. I have Finally decided after doctor after doctor after doctor had no help for me unless I stepped up to Remicade or Humira. They constantly had no answers besides trying several different prescriptions. I have been in terrible diarrhea, cramps, constipation, fistulas, hemroids, blood, etc. for 13 years... Not until recently when I found The Specific Carbohydrate Diet in a book written by Elaine Gottschall did I start to see some positive results and REAL RESULTS. DIET IS THE KEY TO REMISSION AND FIXING YOUR CHRONS, colitis, diarrhea, etc. Along with making sure your at the proper B12, Folate, B6, D3, and omega 3,6,9 fatty acids are at the appropriate level. Look more into Broccoli specifically and EGGS!! I promise some good results if not possible remission or you don't have intestinal problems.

In fact I have found that Asacol (specifically Asacol HD) and Budesonide can cause indigestion and stomach problems. DO YOUR RESEARCH ON WHAT YOUR DOCTOR GIVES YOU... THEY DONT HAVE THE ANSWERS!! DIET IS THE KEY!!! i only want you and all stomach patients to know what has taken me 13 years to figure out! Good luck !

GAvin

 

[tots]

I was diagnosed 20 years ago. I believe diet will help you stay in remission. I also believe that medication and the help from my Dr is key to remission. Its much nmore complex than a diet issue. You can stay in remission and off meds for a long time. I did. That dosent mean I was cured or I did something wrong to get so darn sick again.

If you dont have faith in your Dr. find a new one. Ask questions until you get the answers you need.

 

[sawdust]

Hi Bill. Sorry you're going through this. I would call your GI and let him know that Entocort (budesonide) isn't covered by your insurance. He may be able to write a letter of appeal to your insurance and get it approved for you. :tank:

And, regarding its effectiveness, the Entocort works well for me. As an alternative to prednisone, all I can say for me is it works about as well, but on a lower, targeted dose, and has so many less side effects, both in number and veracity.

 

[Billk78]

Thank you all for your replies. I will try having my doctor write a letter of appeal to the insurance. I would like to get started on some sort of medication first, as I have tried several different diets and nothing has worked. But once I am on the medication I will try to stick to a diet that might help keep my symptoms in check.

Bill

 

[Miss Underestimated]

I lived for 25 years with a little bit of a problem, watching what I ate. I thought I was doing fine. Then one day my stomach started hurting so bad I had to call for an ambulance - in the middle of the night on the 4th of july 2008. My colon, which hadn't really bothered me much at all, had perforated. I had to have emergency surgery and almost died.

Be careful with this disease. You may not feel anything at all, but the disease is progressing silently.

 

[Billk78]

Miss Underestimated,
Thank you. I also got you private message and appreciate everything. The funny thing is, I went to the pharmacy and they put 85 pills into the computer instead of the 90 my doctor prescribed, and it went through! Unbelievable. So instead of paying $1600 for 90 pills I only had to pay $5 (my copay) for 85.

 

[Miss Underestimated]

That's great news!! You'll feel better soon. It works fast.

 

[Billk78]

I am already noticing a slight difference. It feels like an attack is coming on (maybe its still in my head), but then calms down. Today has been the first day in about 3 weeks that I had no episodes. It feels great! I hope its the medication and not just a lucky day.