Posted 12/9/2012 12:18 AM (GMT 0)
I had my GB removed during my colon resection, docs discovered "hundreds" of gall stones. I am now left with IBS like symptoms. 18 months ago I tried Cholestyramine and it worked great, I experienced formed stool, less messy discharge, no more dumping episodes that left me depleted of all stool (very similar to performing a bowel prep for a procedure).
So I can attest this is a great med if you're having bile dumped into your GI tract, if so it will induce D and yellow, messy output (3-5 flushes, lots of wiping, sorry to be so detailed but we Vets on these forums are no longer embarrassed to discuss such details).
However, my first prescription was manufactured by a company called Sandoz (originally owned by EON Labs). It worked great, it was my miracle drug. I felt on top of the world.
Had to refill it and I suddenly noticed it didn't work as well for me, I called the pharmacy but they said it was the same med. Well it was made by a different company, PAR Pharmaceuticals.
When I had to refill it for the third time this past week, I asked them to pull up my Rx history and sure enough, the Pharmacist said I needed to go back on the one made by Sandoz, they ordered it and I've been taking it again, for 48 hours now. First time in over a year.
I have noticed the turn around, already.
So if you try this medication, I feel compelled to suggest you make sure your Pharmacist fills your Rx order with the Sandoz one.
Even if they are the same medication in theory, they are manufactured differently and that's sometimes VERY important.
I am so glad I figured all of this out with the help of a very nice Pharmacist.