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Where to get SFRowasa

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 12/6/2021 10:44 AM (GMT -8)
Hello all, newbee here. Was recently dx with UC and started on mesalamine enemas. They worked great for 8 weeks, FCP levels were back down to normal range when rechecked after 4 weeks on the enemas. Suddenly symptoms got worse so I stopped enemas for 5 days and things improved significantly. Hoping this is a sulfite allergy and spoke with the Dr. to get an RX for SFRowasa. Unfortunately, I have called all the pharmacies in my area and they cannot get it through their suppliers. My only option is to have it compounded at a very expensive price.
Does anyone know where to get SFRowasa? From there research i have done it looks like Meda is the manufacture but i am unable to find a working phone number for them, is there another manufacture that I am missing?
Any help is appreciated!
Posted 12/6/2021 11:44 AM (GMT -8)
Hello! I think that our member Momto2boys changed over to SFRowasa -- so she can likely advise you where to get it. If you have a health insurance Rx drug formulary, it's a good idea to check it to see if they cover SFRowasa. Otherwise you might need to have your MD apply on your behalf for prior authorization from the insurer to cover the cost, whether in part or completely. / Old Hat (40+ yrs with left-sided UC; in remission taking Colazal)
Posted 12/6/2021 11:55 AM (GMT -8)
Walgreens is the only big pharmacy that can get it in the US. I had to go with a smaller, independent pharmacy because Walgreens doesn’t take my insurance. It can be really hard to get because it isn’t made frequently and goes out of stock pretty often too. The NDC which is 0037-0022-07 for a box of 7, 0037-0022-14 for a box of 14 or 0037-0022-28 for a box of 28. They are sealed in packs of 7 and expire 14 days after opening the package because they have no preservatives (sulfites). I used a health advocate service provided by my health insurance to source a pharmacy that could get it for me. Good luck!
ETA- prepare for sticker shock, I have a high deductible plan and pay $1600 for a 28 day supply until I reach my out of pocket max!
Posted 12/6/2021 12:58 PM (GMT -8)
Hi momto2boys, thank you for the reply. I have tried two Walgreens in my area with the NDC ending In 07 and 28 and they both say they can see it in their system but there is none available. I am going to try the Walgreens speciality pharmacy here shortly and see. Is there anything specific I need to say to Walgreens to have it come up in their system?
I did see a goodRX coupon for a 28 supply for SFRowasa that would be about $200 if I could get it through Walgreens. I have been through the prior auth process through my insurance company for the regular mesalamine enema and it was a 2 month long nightmare! So I just want to make sure that I respond well to the SF version before trying to get insurance to cover it, and going through that lengthy process again.
Posted 12/7/2021 4:57 AM (GMT -8)
It could be that it is out of stock, this happens all the time and it is beyond frustrating. I would see if some of the smaller pharmacies maybe have access to it. I last filled a script for it over a year ago so we are about due for a lack of supply. You could try calling Meda ( (888) 455-8383) and see if they know the status of the drug, I have done that in the past as well and sometimes they can help you locate it but that only worked for me once. Try Canasa while you wait, the suppositories help some, but don't really get that far up but it is better than nothing. They are the only other mesalamine based rectal med that does not have sulfites.
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