Budesonide financial assistance

[Sharib]

Hi,

I am trying to find assistance with the cost of the drug Budesonide 3mg capsules taken orally 3 times a day.

It is used for RCD, refractory  celiac disease type 1 & slow healing celiac.  RCD is diagnosed based on biopsies of the small intestine and non responsive to a strict gluten-free diet for 6-12 months.  It’s a diagnosis of exclusion.  Meaning that many other diagnosis’s are ruled out.

 I have severe villous atrophy compared to an EGD (upper endoscopy) done a year ago.  I have been gluten-free, but think I was glutened Thanksgiving and a few other times.  The question of cross contamination in my kitchen has come up.  So, I am so careful and just want to heal.

If anyone knows resources to call or look up for assistance with the cost of Budesonide, I would greatly appreciate it!!

Thanks!!

Shari

[Wheatwacked]

Budesonide is a potent corticosteroid with low systemic bioavailability due to an extensive first pass liver metabolism.

Why not consider Prednisolone. Better bioavailability and much cheaper. I paid $75 for 360 5 mg tablets last December. Often prescribed for refractory celiac disease, but not as profitable to pharmacy. For some medical insurance there is no charge.

I've been on it since 2012. Would not have needed it I had not been misdiagnosed and had known about my numerous vitamin and mineral deficiencies. 

Are you taking any vitamins? Since celiac disease is a disease of malabsorption it is vital you increase intake to replenish long term low levels. Common deficiencies in celiac disease plus western diet are vitamin D, Thiamine, choline, potassium and more. D moderates the immune response at blood plasma levels above 70 ng/ml. Doctors consider anything above 30 sufficient.

  Mayo Clinic Perspectives Vitamin D Is Not as Toxic as Was Once Thought: A Historical and an Up to Date Perspective

Vitamin D and the Immune System

 

[Wheatwacked]

It is important to evaluate for diet for deficiencies. Have you seen a nutritionist familiar with Celiac?

 

 

Edited March 24, 2022 by Wheatwacked

[RMJ]

Budesonide has generics available, so probably no help from the manufacturers.

I was able to find some coupons.  I’ll put links to several.  You’ll need to make sure it is the form you need (3mg capsules, NOT an inhaler or rectal foam!), since there are multiple budesonide formulations, set the amount you need, and  set your location to find the prices near you.

Unfortunately, these coupons don’t always work.  I went to use one for an expensive drug and the pharmacy said it didn’t work.  I called the coupon company and they were no help.  So I found three other coupons and went back to the pharmacy.  One of them finally worked.  

https://www.goodrx.com/entocort

https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/budesonide/coupons

https://www.wellrx.com/prescriptions/BUDESONIDE EC/92121/?freshSearch=true

[Sharib]

On 3/24/2022 at 1:25 PM, Wheatwacked said:

Budesonide is a potent corticosteroid with low systemic bioavailability due to an extensive first pass liver metabolism.

Why not consider Prednisolone. Better bioavailability and much cheaper. I paid $75 for 360 5 mg tablets last December. Often prescribed for refractory celiac disease, but not as profitable to pharmacy. For some medical insurance there is no charge.

I've been on it since 2012. Would not have needed it I had not been misdiagnosed and had known about my numerous vitamin and mineral deficiencies. 

Are you taking any vitamins? Since celiac disease is a disease of malabsorption it is vital you increase intake to replenish long term low levels. Common deficiencies in celiac disease plus western diet are vitamin D, Thiamine, choline, potassium and more. D moderates the immune response at blood plasma levels above 70 ng/ml. Doctors consider anything above 30 sufficient.

  Mayo Clinic Perspectives Vitamin D Is Not as Toxic as Was Once Thought: A Historical and an Up to Date Perspective

Vitamin D and the Immune System

 

Hi,

I have 2 GI docs.  One referred me to a Celiac/Refractory Celiac specialist.  Dr. Rubio-Tapia feels I possibly have a slow healing celiac or maybe RCD Type 1.  He has my complete history including labs with deficiencies.  Yes, I supplement.  My Vit D level is at 60 & 70 would be optimal.  
 

Budesonide is 95% targeted to the intestine.  Open capsule is targeted to the small intestine.  Prednisone is systemic.  I only need Budesonide right now.  I’m actually presenting with no symptoms currently, but on endoscopy there is so much inflammation and damage.  It’s time to finally reduce the inflammation.  It’s been almost 3 yrs of GI issues.

Thanks for your input,

Shari

[Sharib]

On 3/24/2022 at 1:31 PM, Wheatwacked said:

It is important to evaluate for diet for deficiencies. Have you seen a nutritionist familiar with Celiac?

 

 

Yes, I have a Celiac dietician.  I have deficiencies that have been addressed and are continually monitored.

Thanks!

Shari

On 3/24/2022 at 9:04 PM, RMJ said:

Budesonide has generics available, so probably no help from the manufacturers.

I was able to find some coupons.  I’ll put links to several.  You’ll need to make sure it is the form you need (3mg capsules, NOT an inhaler or rectal foam!), since there are multiple budesonide formulations, set the amount you need, and  set your location to find the prices near you.

Unfortunately, these coupons don’t always work.  I went to use one for an expensive drug and the pharmacy said it didn’t work.  I called the coupon company and they were no help.  So I found three other coupons and went back to the pharmacy.  One of them finally worked.  

https://www.goodrx.com/entocort

https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/budesonide/coupons

https://www.wellrx.com/prescriptions/BUDESONIDE EC/92121/?freshSearch=true

Hi,

I really appreciate you posting these coupon codes.  I will call and inquire.

Thanks,

Shari