VSL #3 Double Strength

I have heard of it. I've seen some posts about it here, usually people call it VSL #3 DS. I have heard of people getting it covered by insurance in the US, not sure about Canada.

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Co-moderator: Ulcerative Colitis
03/07: Diagnosis: Mild Proctitis | 08/08: Diagnosis: Pancolitis - FLARE & Anemic! Asacol (3600mg) + Canasa (1000mg morning/night) | 01/10: FLARE! Prednisone + Cortifoam + Asacol + Canasa + Rowasa | Currently: stable - Asacol (3200mg) + Canasa (nightly) + 6mp + Allopurinol + Prednisone + Ponstel + Klonopin + Ambien

Hi, that's what I take! It's 900 billion per packet instead of the 450 billion.
My insurance covers it - I do pay a steep co-pay, but it's sure cheaper than buying the stuff directly.

Have you tried VSL? I know we're all different and it doesn't work for everyone, but it sure helps me a lot.

The VSL DS box says on it "by prescription only."

I hope someone from Canada can chime in about the coverage!

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Co-Moderator, UC Forum
Age 54. Diagnosed UP 1983, UC 1986
Asacol - 16 pills/day,
tapering steroid enemas, Canasa occasionally
Metamucil - 2 doses/day
VSL#3DS 2 x daily, Multivitamin, Calcium and D
homemade yogurt each day
doing well!
Son, 17, dx pancolitis 2007, in remission

Hi! ya i have tried vsl 3 and it works great, however I am a student and paying 100$ per box is tough, thats why i was wondering about the coverage in canada, going to see my GP tommorrow, will ask him, I will update if it is a yes

I just ordered 2 boxes of 30 packets for 210.00 cad....too expensive.....anyway I have called my insurance

I know that in the US some insurances won't cover it.... but when I finally got mine to be covered, it was really important that my doctor order boxes of 20 (the Double Strength comes in boxes of 20) - prior to that, the pharmacy had kept getting me the regular strength, not the DS strength.

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Co-Moderator, UC Forum
Age 54. Diagnosed UP 1983, UC 1986
Asacol - 16 pills/day,
tapering steroid enemas, Canasa occasionally
Metamucil - 2 doses/day
VSL#3DS 2 x daily, Multivitamin, Calcium and D
homemade yogurt each day
doing well!
Son, 17, dx pancolitis 2007, in remission

I had to stop using VSL #3 because it contains gluten. The only variety my pharmacy could order was the lemon one for some reason =( so I had to switch probiotics. My insurance didn't cover any pharmaceutical foods, but I'm in the US

best of luck to you,
Cindy

Post Edited (Sunup Shutterbug) : 2/15/2011 7:02:54 AM (GMT-7)

I am the same as SongLady-in fact it was because of her info that I made sure to ask for the prescription to be written a certain way!!!

My insurance does cover it. $90 for 6 boxes, I believe. But I am in the US.

I hope it is covered for you as well!!

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Laura
Remission!
35 years old, stay at home mom of 2 girls, ages 5 and 4
Diagnosed in March 2007, symptoms started Dec. 2006
Currently on:
REMICADE (started 2/26/10), otherwise taking Asacol (6/day), slow-fe iron, milk thistle, multivitamin, calcium, Ultimate Flora Critical Care, DHEA, GI Revive, Glucosamine, Vit. C, Vit. D3, Kavinace (for mood), Omega 3 & Canasa every other night