Questran

[johnep]

Did not know was used for Crohn's. I always thought was one of the early means of lowering cholesterol by sequestering cholesterol in the gut. A bit of CPD for me.
johnep

[Isadora]

Have tried a number of pharmacies but nobody seems to know what is happening. My regular pharmacist phone Bristol Myers but couldn't get any answers from them. This has been going on since last February. Lucky enough to find supplies by ringing around which, by rationing, lasted up to beginning of July. Tried Spain and Canaries in July/Aug but none available and, again, the pharmacists there didn't know why. Spoke to the oncologist on my last visit in April about the shortage (this was before it became chronic). He expressed surprised as it was such a widely used drug. Thought it was only a temporary thing. Didn't push him for an alternative but now I haven't have Questran for almost 4 months and things are very difficult.

[Isadora]

Did not know was used for Crohn's. I always thought was one of the early means of lowering cholesterol by sequestering cholesterol in the gut. A bit of CPD for me.
johnep

This was the original purpose but it is now widely used to control chronic diarrhea after bowel cancer and/or gall bladder removel. I believe by acting as a bile binder. It is also widely used by IBS sufferers. God only knows what distress this shortage is causing!!

[johnep]

In that case, few UK Drs know of this use. Most pts are on loperamide or codeine
johnep

[Isadora]

Strange! I assumed that it was well known. Anyhow refer to this for some info.
Questran

[Isadora]

Sorry didn't realise that I couldn't put up a link. If you're interested it's the usual start of a website address then irritable-bowel-syndrome.ws
Search for Questran or add the following to the address to go directly to the relevent page. /questran.htm

BTW I'm in Ireland

[johnep]

Many thanks for the info. IBS and associated problems seems to be an area neglected in the education of GPs to judge by the comments I saw. I often have consultations on chronic constipation and the reverse and now have something else I can suggest.

Another associated factor with IBS, in my experience, is sweating. In fact this is often the presenting symptom and questioning elicits the IBS symptoms. The vagal nerve links head, heart and stomach and if overactive could be responsible for the problem.

In the old days was well recognised and Drs would prescribe Belladonna and sometimes 'Belladenal' (Phenobarb and belladonna) for menopausal symptoms.

Nowadays, standard is to give an antidepressant. Not always helpful.
johnep

[marian walton]

I was brought up to believe that Doctors knew what they were talking about. I have been taking QUESTRAN now for 25 years (prescribed by the wonderful Prof. Johnson at Leeds Infirmary) This medication has saved my life. Why are most GP's totally unaware that it is used for other purposes than lowering cholestrol? Not only that - when I explain their mistake, they are arrogant enough to argue with me !!! The attitude of some GP's I have enountered has put me off consulting them for anytihng other than a death certificate.
Get real GP's and LEARN from your patients.

[marian walton]

QUESTRAN is sold in Spain under the name of EFENSOL, which has the same components as Questran but as Questran Light ie. It contains Aspertame. I live in Spain and get some for you if you need it.

[johnep]

Reading BNF section, noticed passing reference to bile sequestrants and this was covered in section 1:9:2. Must say no real detail so not surprised most GPs not aware.
I certainly wasn't.
johnep