I have crohn's disease (a chronic IBD) There's no cure. I need PENTASA made by Shire.?

Question

I believe the company is Shire. My meds are PENTASA and Entecort. They run about $800/month with no insurance. I need a nother way to get these meds. How do you reply to questions here other than typing out another question?? LOL

Answer 1

Are you eligible for any insurance programs? (i.e., are Medicare eligible? Medicaid? Other?)

If not, some drug companies do offer some drugs on a compassionate basis. Typically, you apply to the manufacturer. The only other thing I can think of is samples from your doctors.

Answer 2

Drug Monograph


Drug/Drug Class:Pentasa (Mesalamine) CR Capsule / GI Anti-inflammatory Agent NEW STRENGTH

Prepared for:Missouri Medicaid
Prepared by:ACS - Heritage Information Systems, Inc.

New Criteria Revision of Existing Criteria

Executive Summary


Purpose:The purpose of this monograph is to provide a review of new therapy to determine whether the reviewed drug should be made available on an open access basis to prescribers, require a clinical edit or require prior authorization for use.

Dosage Forms:Each controlled release capsule of Pentasa contains 500 mg of Mesalamine.

Manufacturer:Shire Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Wayne, PA 19087

Indications:Pentasa controlled release capsules are indicated for the induction of remission and for the treatment of patients with mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis.

Costs:$1.47983 per capsule of Pentasa 500 mg. (AWP according to First Data Bank)

Summary of Findings:The Division proposes open access of this medication.

Status Recommendation: Prior Authorization (PA) Required Open Access
Clinical Edit

Type of PA Criteria: Increased Risk of ADE Non-Preferred Agent
Appropriate Indications
PA Not Required


Prepared By: Mark M. Roaseau, BS Pharmacy, MD
Date: January 28, 2005

Answer 3

if you contact the company directly, you may be allowed a discount, or your doctor could contact the company and see if you can get on a study, then your meds are provided free .I have a friend who is on a chrone's study. I don't know what drugs she is on, but she only has to pay for her steroid drug.