Acthar

I had to look up ACTHAR because I had never heard of it. My doctor usually prescribes prednisone for me as a short-term relief of a UC flare. Based on a quick research, I see that it's not necessarily the best choice for Crohn's or colitis. I'm assuming that must be due to pricing. In one article I read, ACTHAR is one of the 20 most expensive medications in the U.S. Wow! Yeah...I ask my GI to steer clear of expensive treatments when possible. Plus, it also doesn't have a generic version available. Also, I read that it's used to treat arthritis, MS, infantile spasms, and inflammatory diseases. But I wonder if the pricing causes doctors to prescribe it less often than other options. Anyway, I'm sorry I can't help you with the side effects or use of ACTHAR, but I wanted you to know that your question piqued my interest. I'm always on the lookout for new treatment options. Maybe someone who has taken this medication in the past will respond. For me, I stick to prednisone for its cost-effective status. Sincerely--Traci (UC-IBD Team Member)

Hi Traci! Thank you for the response. Another call to my doctor led to more answers. The medication is expensive but better than prednisone as far as side effects are concerned. The manufacturer will provide the medication for free while they work with your doctor's office to get it approved. I was on prednisone for over 2 years and my doctors are concerned about the side effects I was experiencing. I was too. This medication works to help your body produce more cortisone to help decrease the inflammation in your body instead of supplying it with a synthetic version like prednisone. I am hopeful it will be an option for me. Thanks again!

I will definitely let you know how things turn out. I am desperate for an alternative to prednisone.