VOWST

Indicated For

Prevention of recurrence of Clostridioides difficile infection

About This Medication

# VOWST Voyage Support Program Patient Guide: How to Get VOWST at Low or No Cost VOWST (fecal microbiota spores, live-brpk) is the only FDA-approved oral capsule microbiome treatment that helps prevent recurrent *Clostridium difficile* (C. diff) infections from coming back after antibiotics.[3][7] The **VOWST Voyage Support Program**, offered by Seres Therapeutics, Inc. and Nestlé Health Science, provides comprehensive support including a **Patient Assistance Program (PAP)** that may give uninsured or underinsured patients **VOWST at no cost** if they meet eligibility criteria.[1][2][5] ## About VOWST: What It Does and Who It's For **VOWST** is not a probiotic—it's a purified microbiome therapy made from good bacteria spores isolated from carefully screened donor stool.[3][7] It works by restoring gut balance after antibiotics disrupt it, preventing C. diff recurrence. In clinical studies: - **88%** of patients were recurrence-free at 2 months (vs. 60% with antibiotics alone). - **79%** were recurrence-free at 6 months (vs. 53% with antibiotics alone).[3] VOWST is prescribed for adults with **recurrent C. diff infection (rCDI)**, typically after completing antibiotics like vancomycin or fidaxomicin. Diagnosis requires a positive C. diff test (PCR or toxin), ≥3 episodes in 12 months, and symptoms like ≥3 unformed stools/day for 2 days.[4][8] It's taken as a **2-step oral regimen**: Days 1-4 (induction with laxative), then 3 doses/week for 8 weeks (maintenance). Each dose is **4 capsules on an empty stomach**.[1][4][7] **Important**: Take with a laxative (like magnesium citrate, often in a welcome kit) to clear antibiotics from your gut. No concurrent antibiotics during VOWST.[4][7][8] ## Who Qualifies for the VOWST Voyage Support Program? The program offers **case managers**, **insurance navigation**, **text reminders**, and **financial help**.[1][2] Key components: - **Co-Pay Savings Program**: Reduces out-of-pocket costs to **$0** for eligible commercially insured patients (not valid for Medicare/Medicaid).[1] - **Patient Assistance Program (PAP)**: **No-cost VOWST** for **uninsured or underinsured** patients meeting financial/other requirements. Medicare Part D patients **may qualify**—call to confirm.[2][5] **Over 94%** of commercial/Medicare patients have access without step therapy; **90%+** first-recurrence patients approved.[2] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Specific income thresholds are **not publicly listed**—eligibility is determined case-by-case based on financial need.[2][5] Contact the program at **(888) 356-5444** for personalized assessment. Here's a general guide based on similar programs (confirm with VOWST team): | Household Size | Typical Low-Income Threshold (≤400-500% FPL) | Notes | |---------------|---------------------------------------------|-------| | 1 | ≤$60,000-$75,000/year | Uninsured/underinsured prioritized[5] | | 2 | ≤$80,000-$100,000/year | Case-by-case review | | 3+ | Add ~$20,000-$25,000 per person | Medicare Part D may qualify[5] | **FPL = Federal Poverty Level**. Program assesses household income, assets, and insurance status. No income data in application form—provided during case manager review.[1][2][4] ## Insurance Requirements - **Commercially insured**: Co-Pay Program for $0 out-of-pocket (limits apply).[1] - **Uninsured/underinsured**: PAP for **free VOWST**.[2] - **Medicare/Medicaid**: Co-Pay invalid; PAP may cover Medicare Part D—verify.[1][5] - Program handles **benefits investigation** to find coverage or assistance.[2] ## Step-by-Step Application Process Applications use **multiple methods** (online, fax, phone/doctor-assisted).[1][2][4] 1. **Talk to your doctor**: They confirm rCDI diagnosis and complete **Enrollment Form + Prescription**.[2][4] 2. **Gather documents**: - **Enrollment form** (patient/doctor sections).[4] - **Prescription** (details antibacterial therapy, VOWST dosing/refills).[4] - **Patient authorization/consents** (PAP consent checkbox).[4] - Clinical proof: **Chart notes, PCR/toxin test, recurrence count** (≥1-3+).[4] 3. **Submit**: Doctor faxes/emails form or calls **(888) 356-5444**. Patient doesn't enroll separately for access.[1][2] 4. **Case manager contacts you**: Verifies insurance, assigns **specialty pharmacy**.[1][2] 5. **Approval**: If eligible, VOWST **shipped to your home** + **welcome kit** (brochure, laxative).[1][2][4] ## Timeline and Delivery **Processing time**: Not specified—typically days to weeks post-submission. Case manager verifies coverage quickly.[1][2] **Delivery**: Shipped directly via **specialty pharmacy** (e.g., Orsini).[1][4] **Text reminders** for doses (opt-in).[1] Refills noted on prescription (e.g., 0 initially).[4] ## Alternatives if Denied - **Appeal** via doctor/program.[2] - **Other coverage**: Fidaxomicin, vancomycin tapered/pulsed, or FMT (fecal transplant—more invasive).[8] - **No biosimilars** available.[8] - Contact program for **other financial options**.[2] ## Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes based on available program details as of 2025.[1][2][5] Eligibility, benefits, and policies change—**always call (888) 356-5444** or check vowst.com for latest info. Not medical advice; consult your doctor. Program not valid where prohibited.[1] Individual results vary.[2]

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026