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Rowasa shortage?!

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 11/26/2015 7:26 PM (GMT 0)
Hiiiiiii everyone!

I can't believe it, but it was 10 years ago right around this time that I was diagnosed with UC and found this wonderful forum. Since that first massive flare that landed me on pred for six months, I've had a few minor flares but pretty much have enjoyed being in remission thanks to maintenance meds...Asacol and (more importantly) Rowasa. Rowasa has really been a miracle drug for me and i can't sing the praises of diligent 5-asa enema use on a tapering schedule.

Anyway, I am now 32 weeks pregnant and about a month ago, my pharmacy (Walgreens) was unable to refill my Rowasa prescription due to "production issues." They gave me a date of when it would be in stock which came and went, and now they have given me another date (Dec 9) when it is supposed to be in stock but my hopes aren't high.

A few weeks into no Rowasa usage I could tell a flare was rumbling, and to hold me over my doctor prescribed my 5-ASA suppositories, which unfortunately did not nip the flare in the bud. I don't believe they reached high enough. I then started bleeding and again to hold me over, my doctor has just put me on hydrocortisone enemas.

I'm not thrilled about using anything steroidal at this time, especially when Rowasa works so well for me and I am pregnant. I'm honestly so frustrated that NOWHERE seems to have Rowasa (according to Walgreens). Is anyone else experiencing this or have experienced this in the past and know of a workaround? I am seriously considering ordering some Salofalk enemas from Canadadrugs.com or something. I just don't understand how they can allow a lapse in medication that people rely on to go on for this long.

Sorry for the rant, just checking in to see if anyone has any advice. And...I don't know if I'm just overthinking things, but I feel like I'm already feeling side effects from the hydrocort enemas (jitters). Can it happen that fast?!

Thanks everyone, and more importantly, Happy Thanksgiving!!
Posted 11/26/2015 8:57 PM (GMT 0)
Its possible to feel side effects if you're sensitive.

Ask the pharmacy for the generic...2 weks is a long while to wait.

Welcome back.

q
Posted 11/27/2015 2:51 AM (GMT 0)
I had a heck of a time finding the SF kind. Can you call a different pharmacy and see if they can get it for you? It's pretty easy to get your prescription transferred. I actually contacted the lab that makes Rowasa and they were able to tell me the 5 closest pharmacies that have filled Rowasa prescriptions recently. I then called the pharmacy and asked if they had any more in stock. It's a little bit of work but at least you would be able to get it. Best of luck with your pregnancy!
Posted 11/27/2015 3:34 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you UC since 98. I have not tried a different pharmacy but will do that. How did you contact the pharmaceutical company---was it by email or phone? That's a great idea and will definitely try that. I cannot keep waiting and I do not feel comfortable continuing with the cortisone enemas based on how I felt today on them.

And thank you quincy...I must definitely be sensitive. And my pharmacy said they "looked into the generic version and it wasn't available either." Huh? I'm honestly so frustrated with how Walgreens has handled this.
Posted 11/27/2015 3:57 AM (GMT 0)
I once experienced a shortage with cortifoam and after calling several pharmacies I was able to find one that had some in stock.

There are other rectal mesalamines as well as sf Rowasa.
Sometimes hospital outpatient pharmacies have better access to meds.
Posted 11/27/2015 2:21 PM (GMT 0)
I emailed them. The lab name should be in the bottle. A little Google searching and i found the website and looked for the "contact us" page. It took them a day or two to respond.
Posted 11/27/2015 3:50 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Kristin
That is terrible news! I also rely on Rowasa (well generic) and don't know what I would do without it. I have a reasonable stash of them now but it won't last forever. Please keep us posted on what you find out. BTW, the 2 generics that I am aware of are Perrigo and Gavis...I hope that helps. BTW, Congrats on your pregnancy!
B

Post Edited (hateuc) : 11/27/2015 9:26:05 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 11/27/2015 6:37 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Kristin,

Have you asked your GI's office to help? If there is a shortage then some of their other patients may have gone through this before and know a local pharmacy who has it in stock.

I always used my Insurance's mail order pharmacy for the enemas, they would ship the boxes right to my door; it was just easier and I never had a shortage issue with them. They would automatically ship them monthly to me.

Congratulation on the pregnancy.
Posted 11/27/2015 9:44 PM (GMT 0)
There's multiple manufacturers (perrigo, generic, etc.) and a choice in pharmacies, so I'd call around. You should have options.
Posted 11/27/2015 10:16 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much everyone for your suggestions. They have all been so helpful. I am at my wit's end with my local walgreens who have really complicated the situation for me. I was able to get my hands on generic mesalamine enemas after all, after they told me they "couldn't get those either." Walked into a different Walgreens in downtown Chicago and they had PLENTY in stock. While these have not worked for me as well as name-brand in the past, it is better than nothing and much better than steroid enemas that have made me crazed in the past 48 hours.

Per UC Since 98, I wrote to Meda Pharmaceuticals to get more information on this supposed "shortage." I'll definitely update here if I get a response. I will be impressed if I do.

@ks1905 I wish I could say my GI doctor has been more helpful, the only thing they did was prescribe alternatives (first suppositories and then when they didn't work, steroid enemas). I have an appointment in one week and again, if I hear of any updates that will affect any Rowasa users I'll definitely let you know. I'm going to ask them if they have samples or anything to help me get through this shortage period.

I'm really keeping my fingers crossed that production hasn't ceased or anything. We shall see.
Also hoping my generic version can nip this flare in the bud. My past few days have brought back bad memories of being on steroids. Would really like to avoid them.

Thanks everyone for your well wishes on my pregnancy as well!! Thankfully all is well with baby despite my recent UC struggles.
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