Patients with UC are struggling to pay for their prescription medications all over the country. Not being able to pay for medications means not being able to take medications. Those that are not able to take medications for their UC are at a great risk for becoming immune to UC treatments, coming out of remission from UC symptoms, and developing colon cancer. To help patients stay on their medications so that they receive the best patient care possible, The RX Helper provides medication assistance through prescription programs that discount or cover the costs of prescription medications for those in need.
What is UC?
UC, or Ulcerative Colitis, is a disease that causes inflammation in the lower abdominal tract, the large intestines. This lowest part of the large intestines is called the colon. Inflammation of the colon leads to multiple side effects including extreme abdominal pain, pus production, bloody stools, and diarrhea. Those that suffer from UC are likely to live with the condition for life since there is no known cure. However, there are treatments that put the symptoms of this aggravating disease into remission.
Patients with UC
There are over seven hundred thousand people in the United States that have been diagnosed with UC. Generally, the same amount of women is affected with this disease as men. Researchers still do not know the cause of UC, but monitoring the disease has led to the belief that it has something to do with genetic makeup, environmental factors, and the body’s immune system functionality. For these theories, treatment for UC has revolved around helping the immune system fight off components that can cause irritation in the bowels. For active flare ups that need immediate attention, prescription medication is available so that further destruction to the colon can be prevented.
What is Uceris?
Uceris is a medicine used in the treatment of an active flare-up of UC symptoms. It helps to reduce the inflammation, which is the cause of pain, in the colon. It also helps to repair the damage that has been done by inflammation to the colon. Uceris is an extended-release tablet that is taken once a day to help with symptoms of UC over the length of an entire day. It’s a steroid that is designed to specifically target the entire colon to rid it of inflammation that is the result of UC. The safety of using Uceris can be compared to utilizing a placebo, or a sugar pill because most of the medication does not absolve into the bloodstream. Unlike other steroids, Uceris is developed to only release when it gets to the area of the body that requires the medication, the colon. Once the medication reaches the colon, Uceris is released as a gel that is designed to disperse throughout the entire structure of the colon.
Common Side Effects of Uceris
The most important side effect of Uceris to pay attention to is a decrease in immune system functionality. Since Uceris can reduce the body’s response to bacteria that the immune system usually fights off, it is vital to stay away from individuals who are afflicted with virus or sickness while taking Uceris. Also, tell your doctor about other medications that you are taking before using Uceris, especially if that medication also affects the body’s immune system. Other common side effects of Uceris to look out for include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Stomach pains
- Acne
- Bladder infections
- Constipation
- Exhaustion
- Joint pain
- Gas
- Reduction of cortisol in the blood
- Bloating
Getting Medication Assistance for Uceris
If you have UC and wish to get treatment for the symptoms, talk to your doctor about Uceris. If you already have a prescription, medication assistance may be available to you through The RX Helper. We provide medication assistance through over 700 different prescription assistance programs. This medication assistance is available to those who are US citizens, have prescriptions for up to three months of medication, are over 18 years of age, have little or no medication assistance through insurance, and who live within the required income amount according to household members. To find out if you are eligible to apply free of charge, visit our website that lists all the details. If you find yourself having any other questions about our medication assistance, please feel free to call us at 877-767-3297 so that we may assist you.
