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different pharmacy causing side effects?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 11/22/2007 8:58 AM (GMT 0)
I've had this disease for exactly 2 years... and up until july, i had NO side effects (sulfasalazine 500 mg)...up until this past july i went to cvs and 90 pills for 15 bucks which isnt bad, but k-mart had 3 months that amount for 15 bucks, basically saving 2 months worth of meds, and fast foward to sept. I notice side effect, my hair thinning out and falling out mostly in the shower... my last haircut was in august and usually i need one after 2 months, and now i'm nowhere close to needing a haircut.

*is it possible that different pharmacy played a role? i mean this new sulphasalazine is more chalky and comes off easily on my hands when i take the meds. just a thought.
Posted 11/22/2007 12:17 PM (GMT 0)
Some stores use a different pharm. manufacturing company to get their medications. I thought that they all came from the same class of pharm manufacturing Co. myself until I went to fill a prescription for my gma. Her blood pressure pill is normally pink and oval so one day I went to refill her prescription and they gave me a small round blue pill. So I called them up and asked so they said that they switched manufacturing companies and each company can produce a different looking pill. So maybe Kmarts use a different manufacturing company then CVS but maybe it could be the reason for your hair loss. Technically the formula is supposed to be the same. Maybe you can try switching back to CVS for a while and see if it helps with the hair?
Posted 11/22/2007 2:55 PM (GMT 0)
If your drug is a "name brand," it is made by the same company all the time unless, of course, the company contracts out some of its manufacturing. But the shape, size and color is always the same and the company that owns the patent does the quality control. It is also more expensive, or a higher co-pay on your insurance.

If the drug is generic, the manufacturer and appearance can change. Pharmacies will buy from the manufacturer with the lowest price, and you pay less. In theory, the drug is still chemically identical. In actual practice, that depends on each individual manufacturer's quality control. But the vast majority of the time generics provide the same drug and a much lower price than brand names.

For instance, sufasalazine is generic. Asacol, Colazal and Pentasa are brand names for drugs in the same family, but each is a bit different from the others. Motrin is brand-name, ibuprofen is generic.

The best way to solve your mystery would be to go back to CVS for your refill and see if the problems clear up.
Posted 11/22/2007 3:42 PM (GMT 0)
well the color and shape is the same (light orange) but the pill itself is different from kmart-cvs.... the kmart pill has a diff. manufacturer its called, "watson" and the cvs pill DOESNT HAVE IT.... it may be a bit more money, but if cvs doesn't cause the hair loss, its worth it.
Posted 11/22/2007 4:42 PM (GMT 0)
I cant change manufactures on any of my meds because I normally have an ellergic reaction to them. and most pharmacies change companies all the time depending on where they can get them the cheapest, my pharmacy orders mine from the same people all the time regardless. so im sure if you ask the pharmasist for a specific brand he will be able to get it in for you normally the next day. I did have to change one of my pill to the brand name because the generic I was able to take the company went out of buisness and I couldnt take any of the other generic brands. so just ask your pharmacy, if you remember the company that was making your other pills.
Posted 11/22/2007 5:25 PM (GMT 0)
Generic drugs have the same active ingredients as name brands but they often have different fillers and binders which can cause different side effects or even allergic reactions. Generics don’t have to go through as much testing. I stay away from generics as much as possible. I have no co pay or deductible on any medication, not even name brands.
Posted 11/22/2007 6:08 PM (GMT 0)
Lucky you, no copay. I pay $10 for generic and $25 for brand. Lucky me, I can take generics without difficulty. It saves me about $100 a month.
Posted 11/22/2007 6:48 PM (GMT 0)
The process of hair thinning and falling out takes a bit of time...as well as growing back. Hair also replaces itself every 2 - 4 years...and it's possible the meds have exacerbated that process. Also, we lose 50 - 100 daily.

I'm also of the idea that some generics aren't agreeable...I've had that happen with inhalers for my asthma. I stick to name brand.

I'm on generic URSO...so far, no negatives from that, so I'm grateful..but other meds are name brand.

I think it's best for you to make sure you have your blood tested from the doctor to make sure your thyroid and whatever tests pertinent to taking 5ASA and Sulfa. Have your B12 taken as well.

Do make sure you take a multi-B...not too high, however...

Many people with UC cut out grains, which are a natural source of B vitamins.
I don't know if that's what's happening with you..but it's just what I've noticed.

I would change back to the other brand if you're suspecting it's the med. The fact that they're breaking down in your hand is strange, but some meds are more fragile than others I guess, if there's no outer coating to protect it from that. One way to save costs.

Let us know how you fare.

quincy
Posted 11/22/2007 7:49 PM (GMT 0)
Maybe this is helpful... In the autumn, our hair tends to fall out a lot more. I've noticed my hair loss is MUCH worse since September.

So... maybe the change in meds either made this normal "hair loss season" more intense... or maybe it's just the disease doing it. If it seems like your hair loss is really bad, you could see a dermatologist to get an opinion. After years of blaming all my meds for my lousy hair, two dermatologists told me that I just have female hair loss. Of course, I prefer to blame the meds. :)

Anyway, I hope that you'll notice it getting better soon and that it was just a flukey seasonal thing.
Posted 11/22/2007 9:11 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys for all the tips... I WOULD get a blood test, but the dr. said it would cost me $175-$200 and right now I'm not working and have no insurance, so my 1st thing to do is switch back to cvs and see what happens.... THE REASON i think its the change in meds, because in terms of hair and dermatology there is something called the "2 month rule" or "8 week rule" basically it says that whatever causes you to lose hair takes 2 months;8 weeks to show the effects... and i started taking my new meds in july and in sept i noticed the change...i think its a good chance that could be the cause.

i'll keep you guys posted, thanks for the help and support... happy thanksgiving
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