A.B. asks from McKinney, TX on June 22, 2010
Does Neocate Cause Gas?
My son is 9 weeks old. He has been on Neocate for about 1 1/2 months now. He has acid reflux so the GI doctor put him on Neocate. He does really well on the formula but has TERRIBLE gas. He screams in pain after eating. I'm not sure if its colic or if the Neocate might be causing the gas. We are debating on switching him to Nutramigen because of the cost of the Neocate and our insurance company won't cover it. Has anyone else experienced gas problems with Neocate?
More Answers
A.D. answers from Dallas on June 23, 2010
Poor baby! Colic is defined as unconsolable crying for 3 hours or more per day and generally happens around the same time of day so it's probably not truly colic. It does sound like it could be gas, have you tried gas drops or Gripe Water? Does he have a tight tummy and or pull himself into a fetal position? You might also help him by lying him on a soft blanket or his changing pad on his back and working his legs like a bicycle or gently pushing them to his chest and extending them to work the bubbles out, but I'd also talk to his gastro because it doesn't seem that it should be causing him pain every time he eats given the type of formula it is.
J.P. answers from Dallas on June 23, 2010
I am so sorry to hear that your little one is in pain! My little guy is on Elecare. The thing that I was told to watch with any of these elemental formulas was that there is still corn in them and the different ones *might* have an ingredient that could bother some kids. I think that Neocate actually has some coconut in it and perhaps soy and if he has an allergy to it... it could be bothering him.
Here is a list of the formulas and their ingredients.
http://www.thepicfoundation.org/formula%20feeding.htm
You could talk to your GI about switching him to Elecare or something that doesn't have the coconut oil and see what he says. I personally know a mom that had to breastfeed her son who had EGID bc he couldn't handle the corn in the formula.
Hope that helps somewhat... and good luck!
K.S. answers from Dallas on June 23, 2010
Poor little guy. I would check back in with your GI doctor or your pediatrician just so they can be aware and make sure it isn't something else going on too.
Neocate as you know is a complete elemental formula so it is absorped quickly. At the GI Clinic I worked at in Houston the docs would give it when a baby was allergic to everything else available, so if your GI doc gave it to him then he must have thought the reflux was the result of an intolerance. If he is taking it and growing well that is great! You most likely already have done this too- but the Neocate website has some reimbursement hints. Good Luck.
J.F. answers from Dallas on June 23, 2010
I don't know anything about Neocate but I'd be fighting that insurance tooth and nail to cover the baby's formula! If the Dr. "prescribes" it as a "medical food" then the insurance typically has to cover it. Really try to look into that! You could try WIC, again if the Dr. prescribes it then they will give it to you. (probably have to meet income requirements) Ask your Dr or local hospital or even local food pantry for free samples. Also, as a last resort all of these formula companieshave "goodwill" programs. I;ve seen where you can get your Dr to sign a form stating that there is a need for the formula and you fill out some personal stuff. The company then will mail it to your Drs office and then you pick it up from the Dr's office.FREE! They can send you coupons at the very least. Dig, dig, dig!!! It takes a lot of work but there is help out there!
S.C. answers from Dallas on June 23, 2010
Sorry this is long.
Yes neocate can cause gas but so can Nutramigen and from the kids I have seen the gas from Nutramigen is worse.
I would not change until you have spoken to your doctor, they do not put an infant on Neocate unless they truly believe it is the last resort. Nutramigen has corn in it and many infants have an allergy to corn. It sounds more like he is still having a problem with his acid reflux and that is why he is screaming after eating. Is he taking medication for the acid reflux. and are you keeping him in an upright position after feeding to help with the reflux.
Below is information to help out with the cost of Neocate. I totally understand my son was on a predigested formula 18 years ago that had to be shipped from France and the cost was $20 for a four ounce can.
Neocate has a club that you can join that will send coupons the first is for $20 .
https://www.orderneocate.com/ClubNeocate/clubneocate.aspx...
To find out if your private insurance company will cover the cost of Neocate, contact the Customer Service Department number found on your insurance card. For additional reimbursement support, please contact Nutrition Services Department by calling 1-800-365-7354 or the Neocate Reimbursement Helpdesk at ____@____.com will be happy to assist you!
We have a law in Texas that insurance company's need to pay for neocate.
Bill Number/Name: HB 2000
Effective Date: January 1, 2010
Overview of Law
* Requires insurance reimbursement of amino acid-based formula for children diagnosed by a physician with the following conditions:
o IgE and non IgE-mediated allergies to multiple food proteins (i.e. milk protein allergy);
o Severe food protein-induced entercolitis;
o Eosinophilic disorders; and
o Impaired absorption of nutrients caused by disorders affecting the absorptive surface, functional length, and motility of the gastrointestinal tract.
* Covers formula administered orally or via a feeding tube.
If your insurance still does not help with the cost Neocate has a program that will help.
The NAP is designed to assist economically/ financially disadvantaged families obtain Neocate products. The NAP is not designed to replace other available financial resources nor remove all financial responsibility from recipients in every instance. Applicants must be legal residents of the U.S. and not have third party coverage for nutritional therapy. The Neocate Assistance Program should be considered the payer of last resort. For additional information including application forms, please contact 1-800-Neocate.
C.P. answers from Phoenix on June 22, 2010
try dosing him with Gripe Water. u can find it in the baby isle with meds. its herbal, it helps colic, gas, and hiccups. i used it. i still use it.
L.K. answers from Chicago on June 22, 2010
My son was on Neocate too. Try giving him some Mylicon drops for gas. Do not switch to Nutramigen whatever you do. My son was on it for a while and he had to burp and be burped about 10 times more than any other formula.The first night he was on it I heard some strange noises on the monitor . I went to get up and the hubby said he's fine. I sensed something and went in to check him. I picked him up and he spit up and had foaming on his mouth from before I picked him up.Scary. I felt like he could have choked because of the Nutramigen.He had sounded like he was gurgling. We stopped that immediately. One question about the neocate. You are giving it to him room temp , right? Also, because it has to be shaken, maybe wait for it to settle a few minutes before you give it to him. Good luck:)
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