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Questran Recalled in UK
- Thread starter Grant
- Start date
Waiting for a call from my GP DustyKat, found those on the net as well. Not sure about the Psyllium, my diarrhea is because my Bile Duct is too close to my Colon, I'm not sure whether that'll work. Also I'm prone to strictures & indeed may have another so anything that might add bulk could be very bad.
Rgds
Grant
Huge issue Dusty. After my last surgery last year I had the most terrible diarrhea I've ever had & thats saying something. Lopermaide wasn't stemming the flow & I was up most nights. Was in a right state trying to get over a big surgery without much sleep. Questran gave me a decent nights sleep straightaway-what a relief.
Dr just rang going to try me on Colestipol which comes up on his PC. Here's hoping its available.
Best Wishes
Grant
Hi Rob, yep thats what they've gone for via my GP. i rang him with a list of alternatives & the pharmacy have ordered it.
Tks Deb123, thats interesting because my Specialist nurse said the same & yet I asked @ the pharmacy & they told me that ALL Questran has been recalled.
And yet get this, one of the Gastro team somehow has managed to do a prescription for me of Questran & I'm going over to the Hospital to pick it up Monday. When is a recall not a recall. Well apparently Hospitals have got stocks for emergency use only.
Weird
Rgds
Grant
Tks Deb123, thats interesting because my Specialist nurse said the same & yet I asked @ the pharmacy & they told me that ALL Questran has been recalled.
And yet get this, one of the Gastro team somehow has managed to do a prescription for me of Questran & I'm going over to the Hospital to pick it up Monday. When is a recall not a recall. Well apparently Hospitals have got stocks for emergency use only.
Weird
Rgds
Grant
- Location
- USA
Glad you got some Grant. I'm sure they have previous stockpiles of the stuff. I take the generic equivalant called Cholestyramine in powder form. Works exactly the same~GREAT! Good luck to you!
I don't really like the Questran lite as it doesn't mix so well. I'm seriously going to try the Psylium husks once I am established on Humira - took my first 4 doses today, so hope it works.
At least then we shouldn't have to deal with the Questran supply issues. I would be totally house bound without them.
At least then we shouldn't have to deal with the Questran supply issues. I would be totally house bound without them.
Anyone have any further news on this? My pharmacist still not able to get Questran, I can't take anything with aspartame so Questran Lite not suitable, no one at my GP's or pharmacist seems to know of any aspartame free alternatives available in the UK. Colestid also contains aspartame
Why does it need to be sweetened at all?
This is the original alert for the UK in full as I'm not allowed to post the link
__________________________________________________
DRUG ALERT
CLASS 2 MEDICINES RECALL
Action Within 48 Hours
Pharmacy, Clinic and Wholesaler Level Recall
03 June 2013 EL (13)A/15 Our ref:
MDR 80-05/13
Dear Healthcare Professional,
Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Limited
Questran 4g sachet Powder for Oral Suspension
Colestyramine Powder for Oral Suspension
PL 00125/5009R
Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Limited (BMS) is recalling, as a precautionary measure, all lots of the sucrose containing formulation of Questran (colestyramine) Powder for Oral Suspension, that are within expiry date, due to possible contamination with Enterococcus faecium.
The source of the possible contamination is believed to be the sucrose used within this formulation of Questran.
To date the presence of Enterococcus faecium has not been detected in commercial batches of Questran, and there have been no product complaints or reported adverse health events in connection with this issue.
Please note that Questran Light is unaffected by this recall.
Remaining stocks of any Questran batches should be quarantined and returned to the original supplier for credit.
For medical information enquiries please contact BMS by phone on 0800 731 1736 or by email to medical.information at bms.com.
Recipients of this Drug Alert should bring it to the attention of relevant contacts by copy of this letter. Local area teams are asked to forward this to relevant clinics, general practitioners and community pharmacists for information.
Yours faithfully
Adam Burgess
DMRC Manager
Defective Medicines Report Centre
151 Buckingham Palace Road
London
SW1W 9SZ
Telephone +44 (0)20 3080 6574
________________________________________________________
I have a couple of months supply still but last time there was a problem it took about six months for them to get back into full production again. How long can it take to sort out such a problem?
My Crohn's is in long term remission, but bile salt malabsorption leads to osmotic diarrhea I'm not keen on taking more than the occasional Loperamide. Colestyramine makes all the difference to being able to live a normal life
I don't think psyllium husks would work for me as I also have esophageal problems
Robin
Why does it need to be sweetened at all?
This is the original alert for the UK in full as I'm not allowed to post the link
__________________________________________________
DRUG ALERT
CLASS 2 MEDICINES RECALL
Action Within 48 Hours
Pharmacy, Clinic and Wholesaler Level Recall
03 June 2013 EL (13)A/15 Our ref:
MDR 80-05/13
Dear Healthcare Professional,
Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Limited
Questran 4g sachet Powder for Oral Suspension
Colestyramine Powder for Oral Suspension
PL 00125/5009R
Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Limited (BMS) is recalling, as a precautionary measure, all lots of the sucrose containing formulation of Questran (colestyramine) Powder for Oral Suspension, that are within expiry date, due to possible contamination with Enterococcus faecium.
The source of the possible contamination is believed to be the sucrose used within this formulation of Questran.
To date the presence of Enterococcus faecium has not been detected in commercial batches of Questran, and there have been no product complaints or reported adverse health events in connection with this issue.
Please note that Questran Light is unaffected by this recall.
Remaining stocks of any Questran batches should be quarantined and returned to the original supplier for credit.
For medical information enquiries please contact BMS by phone on 0800 731 1736 or by email to medical.information at bms.com.
Recipients of this Drug Alert should bring it to the attention of relevant contacts by copy of this letter. Local area teams are asked to forward this to relevant clinics, general practitioners and community pharmacists for information.
Yours faithfully
Adam Burgess
DMRC Manager
Defective Medicines Report Centre
151 Buckingham Palace Road
London
SW1W 9SZ
Telephone +44 (0)20 3080 6574
________________________________________________________
I have a couple of months supply still but last time there was a problem it took about six months for them to get back into full production again. How long can it take to sort out such a problem?
My Crohn's is in long term remission, but bile salt malabsorption leads to osmotic diarrhea I'm not keen on taking more than the occasional Loperamide. Colestyramine makes all the difference to being able to live a normal life
I don't think psyllium husks would work for me as I also have esophageal problems
Robin
hi...what are problems that can arise from taking loperamide long term?
I am really struggling without Questran and am allergic to the aspartame in Questran Light, it actually upsets my stomach even more. Have been told Questran will not be available until at least next year.
I have written to Bristol Myers Squibb suggesting they remove any form of sweetener from each product. This would leave it to us to decide whether to mix it with a liquid that contains our preferred sweetener, sugar or artificial. Could everyone else please write to them too at medical.information@bms.com. Would really appreciate it, I want my life back! Thanks all.
I have written to Bristol Myers Squibb suggesting they remove any form of sweetener from each product. This would leave it to us to decide whether to mix it with a liquid that contains our preferred sweetener, sugar or artificial. Could everyone else please write to them too at medical.information@bms.com. Would really appreciate it, I want my life back! Thanks all.
Anyone any idea why other bile sequestering agents such as colesevelam and colestipol are not licenced for the relief of diarrhoea associated with Crohn's disease, in the UK? Makes it difficult get them prescribed for diarrhoea caused by bile malabsorption. I'm being told by my GP there simply is no alternative to colestyramine which is only available, or rather not available at the moment, in the UK as Questran
I really don't understand why drug manufacturers insist on putting sweeteners in every medicine that is taken in liquid form, directly or mixed into liquid. It used to be that if it had a nasty taste you were more likely to think it would be doing you good
I don't know if there are any particularly 'long-term' problems with loperamide, the amount that I have to take to get it to work presents a few immediate problems particularly when taken at the same time as PPIs, bad migraines but I don't think that is common
I really don't understand why drug manufacturers insist on putting sweeteners in every medicine that is taken in liquid form, directly or mixed into liquid. It used to be that if it had a nasty taste you were more likely to think it would be doing you good
I don't know if there are any particularly 'long-term' problems with loperamide, the amount that I have to take to get it to work presents a few immediate problems particularly when taken at the same time as PPIs, bad migraines but I don't think that is common
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my Docter prescribed Colestipol and it has stopped diarroea but i dont want to take it long term as it has aspartame and other "stuff" that Questran hasnt.....Bristol Meyers said it will be some months before Questran back on shelves ....
Hi, I'm a new member and a fellow sufferer of Crohn's.
I have had surgery to remove part of my small intestine and ileum.
Since my operation I have been on regular satchets of Questran which like other people on this site have found it to be a God send. However, with the latest news of it (not the Light) being removed due to contamination and no word from Bristol Myers as to when it will be back in production, I panicked and immediately contacted my Pharmasist to discuss an alternative.
After much pushing for answers he advised me that there is an alternative manufacutured by TEVA but it is a sugar free product and contains Aspartame which as is suggested by others on this forum causes other unwanted discomfort and in my case further symptoms of D. The sugar free Questran Lite contains Sorbitol which also causes me discomfort but at the moment it's beggars can't be choosers!!
Anyone know of any other options to help us all.
Marc
I have had surgery to remove part of my small intestine and ileum.
Since my operation I have been on regular satchets of Questran which like other people on this site have found it to be a God send. However, with the latest news of it (not the Light) being removed due to contamination and no word from Bristol Myers as to when it will be back in production, I panicked and immediately contacted my Pharmasist to discuss an alternative.
After much pushing for answers he advised me that there is an alternative manufacutured by TEVA but it is a sugar free product and contains Aspartame which as is suggested by others on this forum causes other unwanted discomfort and in my case further symptoms of D. The sugar free Questran Lite contains Sorbitol which also causes me discomfort but at the moment it's beggars can't be choosers!!
Anyone know of any other options to help us all.
Marc
You can use Cholestagel 625mg tablets
Greece Richard
Has anyone had any success in getting an NHS doctor to prescribe any of those alternatives? Cholestagel (Colesevelam HCl) has been trialed for Crohn's, but none seem to be officially listed for it. My GP wants me to try Fybogel as, as noted above, psyllium husk its active ingredient, does act as a bile sequestrant. But I don't hold out great hopes. Anyone looked into getting cholestyramine from elsewhere in Europe, some resorted to that last time there was a manufacturing problem. E.g. Cholesthexal in Germany. Also some other products on offer on the internet which contain cholestyramine but manufactured further afield, probably not worth the risk
Hi, I'm very pleased that I've found this Forum, as I've had the same problems trying to get hold of the Questran sachets recently and only found out about the recall last month! I had my gall bladder removed a few years ago and a few months later I started to get really bad diarrhoea every time I tried to eat anything! It was a nightmare for a while, until my doctor prescribed Questran and it really seemed to do the trick!
Anyway, I've tried taking the Questran Light sachets, but I've also found it very difficult to dissolve properly and much prefer Questran. However, I've just been able to get hold of a box of the Questran sachets and wonder if I will suffer any adverse health problems if I take them or should I return them to the pharmacy and try to find an alternative?
Thanks for any advice.
Anyway, I've tried taking the Questran Light sachets, but I've also found it very difficult to dissolve properly and much prefer Questran. However, I've just been able to get hold of a box of the Questran sachets and wonder if I will suffer any adverse health problems if I take them or should I return them to the pharmacy and try to find an alternative?
Thanks for any advice.
Julie68 I think you should show your doctor the recall notice which says: "To date the presence of Enterococcus faecium has not been detected in commercial batches of Questran, and there have been no product complaints or reported adverse health events in connection with this issue", ask advice there.
I still have some Questran from before the recall and have suffered no ill effects from it. I'm rationing myself in the hope that it doesn't run out before my GP manages to realise that I have serious problems with Aspartame which I have found in all of the alternatives that he has tried prescribing so far.
My local practise don't seem to want to prescribe a bile acids sequestering resin that comes in tablet form and without Aspartame but they are not telling me any reason why not. They have written to the GI consultant but I suspect forgot to mention "NO ASPARTAME".
The latest prescription was written as "Colestipol 5g granules sachets sugar free initially bd can be incaraese gradually to 6 sachets a day 60 sachet". You would think "sugar free" would be a massive clue that it contains Aspartame but perhaps not for someone who has such a problem spelling the word increased
There is too much delegation to medical secretaries and prescription clerks I think. Have asked for and obtained formal complaint form, considering at the moment whether that could speed things up or not, any thoughts anyone?
I still have some Questran from before the recall and have suffered no ill effects from it. I'm rationing myself in the hope that it doesn't run out before my GP manages to realise that I have serious problems with Aspartame which I have found in all of the alternatives that he has tried prescribing so far.
My local practise don't seem to want to prescribe a bile acids sequestering resin that comes in tablet form and without Aspartame but they are not telling me any reason why not. They have written to the GI consultant but I suspect forgot to mention "NO ASPARTAME".
The latest prescription was written as "Colestipol 5g granules sachets sugar free initially bd can be incaraese gradually to 6 sachets a day 60 sachet". You would think "sugar free" would be a massive clue that it contains Aspartame but perhaps not for someone who has such a problem spelling the word increased
There is too much delegation to medical secretaries and prescription clerks I think. Have asked for and obtained formal complaint form, considering at the moment whether that could speed things up or not, any thoughts anyone?Thanks to everyone who has contributed so far on this. I am a Questran user since having surgery in 1990. It has been a life saver as described by others. Glad to have all the information you have shared. One thing, I found porridge helps with the absorption of bile acids but too much causes other 'toilet' problems! It can help in an emergency (i.e. being away from home for a couple of days and forgetting my Questran!)
Questran lite is still available at the pharmacy, my gp has changed my prescription to just colestyramine but i am a diabetic as well as a bile acid malabsorption sufferer, at least my chemist knows i usually have questran lite and has given it to me. Seen my gp to change my prescription back but he hasnt saying that there is a manufacturing problem. If the recall letter was read through properly it states that questran light is not affected, incompetence comes to mind these little sachets are the difference of normal life or pain and suffering.hope you all find a solution soon.
Hi all, my mum and me both take Questran. My mum had her gallbladder out and I also had mine removed a few years ago of which since I've been on Questran. We are getting low on our sachets and have tried Questran Light but does not agree with us. We are living in Ireland and I'm always trying to find tablet alternatives. I see Grant you have tried tablet form of something similar to Questran. Just wondering did the tablets work well? My mum takes one sachet of Questran a day, but I take about half a day. Would really appreciate any advice anyone would have for us, getting nervous now as we are running out of Questran sachets we have left Thanks
ThanksI have been prescribed Colestyramine Powders by TEVA. I have taken Questran Lite in the past and they didn't agree with me, but these ones are quite good. Not as good as the original, but a good substitute. The label says Colestyramine Powders for oral suspension. Orange flavour.
Hope they may help you and your Mum x
Hope they may help you and your Mum x
Hi Lexi2013, I was on the Colestagel tablets & no I didn't get on with them @ all, firstly any other meds have to be taken either 4hrs before or after Colestagel which is a right pain. Secondly & more importantly they just didn't work for me. However thats just my findings, I'm sure there are probably others who've had success with them.
Grant
Grant
TIVA Colestyramine Powder also contains Aspartame unfortunately. I did ask my GI consultant about Colestyramine in tablet form some years ago because I thought it would be more convenient to take on the move. He thought tablets would not disperse in the gut early enough to be effective and with fairly fast motility as I had at the time might simply pass straight through, so I can understand they might not work for everyone. But I don't even seem to be allowed to try them at the moment, my Crohn's is in remission with the help of Budesonide, the problem is really just bile malabsorption having had an R hemicolectomy about 30 years ago and a more recent cholecystectomy which was the start of the problem with osmotic diarrhea. Unfortunately for me more than a certain amount of Aspartame causes really bad migraine as well as not helping the diarrhea, I can tolerate small amounts but it turns up unexpectedly in all sorts of other things. Why do we have to have it in medicines, why DO medicines have to be sweetened at all?
Hey all. I was just wondering if anyone has heard anything yet about questran coming back into stock? I am from the UK but currently on a visa in Canada, I have been prescribed colestid powders while questran is out (as I also cannot take questran light) but it is causing me severe stomach cramps (I think the colestid has aspartame in it too )
Deb123, I was under the impression that the teva Orange colestyramine powders were no longer produced? At least that's what I was told! I started off on the teva brand first and it worked perfect! Then I got told it wasn't made anymore so went to questran which was also perfect! So either of those would be great! But the Cholestid is just not working for me!
Also does anyone know if I can get any of these, if it would be possible for my parents to ship them out to Canada to me? ( I'm not sure the rules on posting drugs) fingers crossed!
Thanks all
) Deb123, I was under the impression that the teva Orange colestyramine powders were no longer produced? At least that's what I was told! I started off on the teva brand first and it worked perfect! Then I got told it wasn't made anymore so went to questran which was also perfect! So either of those would be great! But the Cholestid is just not working for me!
Also does anyone know if I can get any of these, if it would be possible for my parents to ship them out to Canada to me? ( I'm not sure the rules on posting drugs) fingers crossed!
Thanks all
just had reply from Bristol,Myers ,Squibb and they say they that they hope to have Questran back on the shelves"sometime in 2014".They have "dedicated significant resources to try to return these products to the market as soon as possible" also "where applicable we are also trying to increase the production of alternate formulations of these products that do not include sugar(sucrose)"The contamination was due to "an atypical microbial presence in the sugar(sucrose) in the formulation of these products.() sourced from a third party) "Thanful to BMS for their reply ..but it is still one heck of a long wait
I'm living in Ireland and my pharmacist was able to get colestryamine powder sachets (with sugar, no Aspartame) called Hexal from Germany and Olestyr sachets from Canada. They're expensive but they're the closest thing to the Questran sachets I've been taking for many years. Hopefully Questran will be available again before too long.
Hiya Trevor, I'm living in Ireland too. Would you be able to let me know what chemist/ pharmacist in Ireland can get these for you? as I have asked for alternatives to Questran but they only offer Qestran light. Will go to my chemist with the names of the sachets you've posted and see if they can get them in.
I'm also living in Ireland, and the local chemists say that they can't even provide Questran Light. They say it has not been approved for use in Ireland, so I'm resorting to getting it whenever I visit the UK. How did you persuade them to give it to you?
Hiya Jo_Jo, I went on the Questran light for a while but then was told that was unavailable so on Questran-A now and it's fine, don't know is it the German make of it but it's made by Bristol-Myers Squibb.
Hi,
I have just had a repeat prescription from chemist and it is Questran light as that is all he has.
Southampton hospital were able to supply me with the TEVA brand also, apparently hospitals stock emergency supplies.
I do hope they sort out the production soon - the light version doesn't dissolve half as well, and makes me gag if i let it settle!
I know for a lot of people that the colestyramine is a lifeline. I would not be able to leave the house without drinking it, and diet changes make no difference!
I don't know if i have mentioned this in the past, but colestyramine can make you not absorb Vit D easily, so it is important to get checked. I now take a supplement as my levels were low.
I have just had a repeat prescription from chemist and it is Questran light as that is all he has.
Southampton hospital were able to supply me with the TEVA brand also, apparently hospitals stock emergency supplies.
I do hope they sort out the production soon - the light version doesn't dissolve half as well, and makes me gag if i let it settle!
I know for a lot of people that the colestyramine is a lifeline. I would not be able to leave the house without drinking it, and diet changes make no difference!
I don't know if i have mentioned this in the past, but colestyramine can make you not absorb Vit D easily, so it is important to get checked. I now take a supplement as my levels were low.
Hi ruhereyet if you read robinjh column it explains why it was recalled I'm hoping it will be back in stock very soon here in the UK. Questran lite doesn't agree with me and I find if I eat porridge 2/3 times a week that helps, but it's not a solution is it really I want to get my life back on track quality of life is very poor at moment.
So I eventually managed to get the TEVA brand, and even though I have used the exact same brand before and I was ok with it, I'm now getting stomach cramps and pains like I am with the Questran lite and now even the Colestid that I'm taking is causing me problems. I know all of these products contain aspartame which will be my problem, but it's weird how a few years ago I took the TEVA branded product for a few years with no problem at all and now it's causing problems, and even the Colestid was good at first but now I can't even take a quarter of a teaspoon of the stuff daily without it causing pains! I jus need my regular Questran back
I will give it a few more weeks then get in touch with them again just to see if there is any progress with the manufacturing of Questran hopefully it will come back this time with some more positive news. I'm beginning not to cope very well without it and the old fears of not wanting to go out are coming back again which makes me feel very weak and lethargic.
We have plenty here in Canada. I just filled another prescription. I haven't heard of a recall here. I'll have to go searching about this.
Honestly I don't know how you see a doctor without OHIP. I will ask around if anyone knows i am sure you can as people travel here all the time. Prescriptions aren't covered by OHIP. Its only covered if you have private insurance. If you get travelers insurance it might be covered. I have prescription coverage where they pay 80%, I pay 20%. For a month's supply I paid $25.
Thanks, if you could that would be amazing! and I have travel insurance for the visa im on maybe that would cover me. and woah! $25 for a month prescription and thats only 20% of the cost? so the full price of a months worth would be $125? im only used to paying the equivalent of just over $10 for a month (if not more) worth back in the UK lol. but it is what it is i guess
Just a quick update. Ordinary Questran still unavailable in UK.
I'm stuck on the Questran Light & as others have said it doesn't mix well & if you try & take it by adding a Hi Juice or Squash thats sugar free its revolting.
I have no idea what the delay is on this, just wish they could get it back into production quickly.
Keep well everyone
Grant
I'm stuck on the Questran Light & as others have said it doesn't mix well & if you try & take it by adding a Hi Juice or Squash thats sugar free its revolting.
I have no idea what the delay is on this, just wish they could get it back into production quickly.
Keep well everyone
Grant
I would also like to know this. I emailed Bristol Myers at the start of the year and they said it will be out in pharmacists again before the year end! We are almost there and still no Questran.
Oh no! Questran is my life line. There must be a substitute?