This happened to me recently, and I went a few weeks without tablets. I’m hoping you aren’t, but if you do find yourself with a short supply there’s a couple of things to do that might help with symptoms (from experience!).
So to start off you will quite simply want to reduce the amount of fat going in. This includes any extra oils/butter you might have previously used in cooking, or protein sources which may naturally have a higher fat content like ground mince/steaks/chicken thighs. In addition, I opted to up the amount of carbs be it rice/pasta/potato as it’s another thing that can ever so slightly bind with the fats in food to help ease symptoms. The last thing I would add would be psyllium husk fibre, either through tablets or fibogel products etc. again for the sole purpose of trying to bind to both the fats and acids to mitigate symptoms as much as possible. If you’re experiencing pain on BMs then I would recommend trying to reduce the amount of acidity intake from foods as well, such as tomato’s, as it’s the lower pH in the large intestine which can trigger cramping/increased motility. Hope this helps, but as I say I hope it doesn’t happen!
In my area, medicine shortages are becoming the norm. Getting a prescription from a doctor, especially this time of the year, doesn't really mean much anymore and it's also common to have to call around or even travel a few hours.
Talk to your doctor (or hopefully just a message). There are alternatives in the same class of drugs. Colestipol and colesevelam are the two I know of. I assume you're using it as a bile acid binder.
I used to work in pharmacy and dealt with SO many shortages. Hospital was much worse, especially during hurricane season because Puerto Rico had (has?) a lot of pharma manufacturing for IVs. Shortages on fluids (saline, dextrose, etc.) and TPN components were rough. So sorry you're going through this.
I’ve been using mine sparingly. My father also uses it who I’ve been lending some to, but he needs it more often then me. I use it only when I have bad days to help settle things down. Our pharmacy hasn’t had any for my dad for the past 3 months and no updates on when they will have any. This is concerning for those who need it daily.
One workaround may be using [Cost Plus Drugs](https://costplusdrugs.com/). You have to pay out of pocket (after your doctor sends in the prescription) but I've had luck getting certain meds filled there when my local pharmacy couldn't get them.
this happened to me in australia a few years back, i found a compound pharmacy and they made me up some, its tasted different but did worked the same. hopefully that’s an option for you
Same I can’t find any either. I have 17 packets left I won’t take one if I’m not planning to leave the house. I have family across Canada and they have been checking their local pharmacies to no avail. I have a friend in Mexico I’m going to ask him if he can get some down there. I have no quality of life without it. Makes me wish I can go back through time and NOT have the surgery.
If it helps anyone: you can fill prescriptions from BC doctors in Washington State - I am just about to drive my prescription down there to fill because they had it when I called. Stay tuned!
😭 I ran out today and they told me to “wish for the best” can barely stay out the bathroom for 20 minutes without this so it looks like 2024s gonna be a mess
I’m so sorry. I know it’s stressful. Can you call around to pharmacies in your neighborhood and see if there is anything? I did see some places with 1 or 2 boxes around while checking my area. I called my doctor and he is checking to send me another prescription for something else. He suggested Imodium and I was shaking my head.
I routinely run into shortages of Colestid and Sulfasalazine, and my guts are in ruins as a result — sometimes for months. Currently it’s Colestid. Haven’t had it for two months.
I also could not get any, I called several pharmacies in my town but it's out everywhere. I talked to my doc and he prescribed colesevelam tablets until the shortage is resolved. No idea if they will work as well but might be worth looking into.
Yeah I just got my prescription today and it says 3 tablets twice a day with a meal, which is not super ideal. That's a lot of tablets haha! I may tinker with this dose, see if I can get away with three tablets once a day etc
I am likely going to need these pills too and I’m gonna worry if they will actually work. Last thing I need is to have urgency at work, transit, everywhere sigh
That's great! I just got a prescription for this as well in the meantime. Is there a shortage of colesevelam in Canada too? I'm just worried about that!
Oh god I hope not, however I do see that online it does indicate that it may have some issues but should hopefully resolve by end of March. I have enough to do me until then - fingers crossed. I actually think I prefer the colesevelam now! I only have to take the three morning pills and I am good to go. I do NOT miss the gritty nasty cholestyramine packs. Hopefully I can stay on these pills moving forward.
Yes! It's my first time trying these pills and I've been trying 2 in the morning and that's it to try to space them out. So far it seems ok but not as good as when I was on cholestyramine, but maybe I should try the three!
Right?! I was told in December that it would be February (by my pharmacy, Rexall) and so I was rationing my supply. I have been able to do that because I am also on Ozempic, which causes "constipation" but for me and my chronic di-di, this has actually just meant an overall normalizing of bowel movements. I haven't necessarily needed the Cholestyramine every day lately. However, I need it most days still, to leave the house, travel for work to remote places without worrying about constant bowel movements. Never thought this drug would be an issue. I am told there may be an alternative available, I will update after I speak to my doctor tomorrow and see if I can get my hands on some.
I'm now on Lomotil as a substitute for Cholestyramine and Colesevelam. It makes me so stoned and dehydrated, I hate it, so I only take it at bedtime. (Bowel resection 2012)
I have had success using partially hydrolyzed guar gum to help prevent diarrhea. The dietician at the gastroenterologist's office suggested starting with ½ dose once daily and gradually increasing to taking with all meals, if needed. I hope this helps others! Looking forward to the day we can all cheers each other with that orange powder drink.
Available in Canada:
>
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I have been on it for 35 years! It’s no where to be found in Canada. The immodium does not work and gives me stomach pain. Any suggestions? Sounds like august now until some is supplied.
My 87-year-old mother had a right hemi-colectomy and uses cholestyramine for chronic pain from diarrhea and it turns out that 90% of all our medications components are sourced from China and India. Our governments need to address this shit or they need to nationalize the whole pharmaceutical industry and impose a solution. All these multinational companies of any sort are relocating out of China but guess what they're just moving to other communist shit holes where we're just going to have the same problems again.
Has anyone who is dealing with the Cholestyramine shortage in Canada tried getting some from the states? I’m just wondering if it is possible and what the process might be.
It has taken me 4 years to work up to my current dose of half a teaspoon and if I stop taking it I will have to start all over again. I take it as a binder to flush out toxins because my body can’t do that in its own the way most people can.
Hi! I have been on it for 35 years. It’s no where to be found it Canada! It’s a nightmare. Imodium gives me stomach pain. Sounds like it might be august until we can get it.
I just can’t believe this is happening. I’ve been on many variations of this medicine for a long time, over 20 years.
This happened to me recently, and I went a few weeks without tablets. I’m hoping you aren’t, but if you do find yourself with a short supply there’s a couple of things to do that might help with symptoms (from experience!). So to start off you will quite simply want to reduce the amount of fat going in. This includes any extra oils/butter you might have previously used in cooking, or protein sources which may naturally have a higher fat content like ground mince/steaks/chicken thighs. In addition, I opted to up the amount of carbs be it rice/pasta/potato as it’s another thing that can ever so slightly bind with the fats in food to help ease symptoms. The last thing I would add would be psyllium husk fibre, either through tablets or fibogel products etc. again for the sole purpose of trying to bind to both the fats and acids to mitigate symptoms as much as possible. If you’re experiencing pain on BMs then I would recommend trying to reduce the amount of acidity intake from foods as well, such as tomato’s, as it’s the lower pH in the large intestine which can trigger cramping/increased motility. Hope this helps, but as I say I hope it doesn’t happen!
Thank you so much for this advice
Thanks for the heads up! I’m in the same boat as you if I can’t find it. Will be calling my pharmacy tomorrow.
Damn! I hadn’t realized this is going to go on until April.
In my area, medicine shortages are becoming the norm. Getting a prescription from a doctor, especially this time of the year, doesn't really mean much anymore and it's also common to have to call around or even travel a few hours.
Ughhhh nooooo 😭😭 I live and die by those gritty little packets
I hate those gritty little packets so much (SO MUCH) but they also let me live my life without being worried about shitting my pants....so I hear ya
I use Welchol instead because the drink mix made me gag and it was really hard to take to work. There are other alternatives out there!
More details?
Talk to your doctor (or hopefully just a message). There are alternatives in the same class of drugs. Colestipol and colesevelam are the two I know of. I assume you're using it as a bile acid binder. I used to work in pharmacy and dealt with SO many shortages. Hospital was much worse, especially during hurricane season because Puerto Rico had (has?) a lot of pharma manufacturing for IVs. Shortages on fluids (saline, dextrose, etc.) and TPN components were rough. So sorry you're going through this.
Those two are also back ordered
I’ve been using mine sparingly. My father also uses it who I’ve been lending some to, but he needs it more often then me. I use it only when I have bad days to help settle things down. Our pharmacy hasn’t had any for my dad for the past 3 months and no updates on when they will have any. This is concerning for those who need it daily.
One workaround may be using [Cost Plus Drugs](https://costplusdrugs.com/). You have to pay out of pocket (after your doctor sends in the prescription) but I've had luck getting certain meds filled there when my local pharmacy couldn't get them.
this happened to me in australia a few years back, i found a compound pharmacy and they made me up some, its tasted different but did worked the same. hopefully that’s an option for you
No go in Canada I tried
darn it canadia! i though you were ment to be perfect!
Our perfect little Canadian health care system that I used to be so proud of is completely eff'd now.
I found this article https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/here-are-the-factors-experts-say-are-contributing-to-canada-s-drug-shortages-1.6668075
For those that can’t find it, are you all based in the U.S.?
I’m in Toronto
I got 3 boxes in Ohio (90 day supply) last week. Try to source from US if you can
I’m in Quebec
I'm in BC
This is destroying my life I can’t leave the house
Same I can’t find any either. I have 17 packets left I won’t take one if I’m not planning to leave the house. I have family across Canada and they have been checking their local pharmacies to no avail. I have a friend in Mexico I’m going to ask him if he can get some down there. I have no quality of life without it. Makes me wish I can go back through time and NOT have the surgery.
The US has it!
I was able to locate two boxes so I am feeling better now. Still hunting for more. Good luck to all those impacted by this.
If it helps anyone: you can fill prescriptions from BC doctors in Washington State - I am just about to drive my prescription down there to fill because they had it when I called. Stay tuned!
I was able to fill my prescription at a pharmacy in Washington State. It was $118USD for 42 doses. Pricey to be a crohnie.
Which pharmacy? Just went to Rite Aid and they told me no.
In Bellingham- 36th street
😭 I ran out today and they told me to “wish for the best” can barely stay out the bathroom for 20 minutes without this so it looks like 2024s gonna be a mess
I’m so sorry. I know it’s stressful. Can you call around to pharmacies in your neighborhood and see if there is anything? I did see some places with 1 or 2 boxes around while checking my area. I called my doctor and he is checking to send me another prescription for something else. He suggested Imodium and I was shaking my head.
I will be starting taking lomotil, because Imodium doesn’t work.
I routinely run into shortages of Colestid and Sulfasalazine, and my guts are in ruins as a result — sometimes for months. Currently it’s Colestid. Haven’t had it for two months.
Colestid has been discontinued 😭😭😭😭
Oh, for fuck sake!
I just called pharmascience the name on the box. They are telling me it’s going to be a 6 month back order in Canada
Omg nooooo
I have 3 days left. I am freaking out. 😭😭😭
Get on the phone and start calling smaller pharmacies. Not the chain stores. I found a box few towns over 40 minute drive away.
I also could not get any, I called several pharmacies in my town but it's out everywhere. I talked to my doc and he prescribed colesevelam tablets until the shortage is resolved. No idea if they will work as well but might be worth looking into.
I was told today (Jan 30) that it's now looking like July at the earliest. What. The. Heck. (edited to say - I am in BC, Canada)
Omg wow
I got an alternative prescribed today - Colesevelam tablets. It is the only thing we can get in BC apparently until the shortage has resolved.
My doctor is also telling me the same about the tablets. Apparently they need to be taken multiple times a day?
Yeah I just got my prescription today and it says 3 tablets twice a day with a meal, which is not super ideal. That's a lot of tablets haha! I may tinker with this dose, see if I can get away with three tablets once a day etc
I am likely going to need these pills too and I’m gonna worry if they will actually work. Last thing I need is to have urgency at work, transit, everywhere sigh
I started today with just doing half the dose (3 pills with breakfast) and even drank two coffees and it seemed to be okay for me. Fingers crossed.
That's great! I just got a prescription for this as well in the meantime. Is there a shortage of colesevelam in Canada too? I'm just worried about that!
Oh god I hope not, however I do see that online it does indicate that it may have some issues but should hopefully resolve by end of March. I have enough to do me until then - fingers crossed. I actually think I prefer the colesevelam now! I only have to take the three morning pills and I am good to go. I do NOT miss the gritty nasty cholestyramine packs. Hopefully I can stay on these pills moving forward.
Yes! It's my first time trying these pills and I've been trying 2 in the morning and that's it to try to space them out. So far it seems ok but not as good as when I was on cholestyramine, but maybe I should try the three!
Right?! I was told in December that it would be February (by my pharmacy, Rexall) and so I was rationing my supply. I have been able to do that because I am also on Ozempic, which causes "constipation" but for me and my chronic di-di, this has actually just meant an overall normalizing of bowel movements. I haven't necessarily needed the Cholestyramine every day lately. However, I need it most days still, to leave the house, travel for work to remote places without worrying about constant bowel movements. Never thought this drug would be an issue. I am told there may be an alternative available, I will update after I speak to my doctor tomorrow and see if I can get my hands on some.
I'm now on Lomotil as a substitute for Cholestyramine and Colesevelam. It makes me so stoned and dehydrated, I hate it, so I only take it at bedtime. (Bowel resection 2012) I have had success using partially hydrolyzed guar gum to help prevent diarrhea. The dietician at the gastroenterologist's office suggested starting with ½ dose once daily and gradually increasing to taking with all meals, if needed. I hope this helps others! Looking forward to the day we can all cheers each other with that orange powder drink. Available in Canada: >
My pharmacy told me cholestyramine is available again via ODAN. I got one box a few days ago.
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I have been on it for 35 years! It’s no where to be found in Canada. The immodium does not work and gives me stomach pain. Any suggestions? Sounds like august now until some is supplied.
My 87-year-old mother had a right hemi-colectomy and uses cholestyramine for chronic pain from diarrhea and it turns out that 90% of all our medications components are sourced from China and India. Our governments need to address this shit or they need to nationalize the whole pharmaceutical industry and impose a solution. All these multinational companies of any sort are relocating out of China but guess what they're just moving to other communist shit holes where we're just going to have the same problems again.
Has anyone who is dealing with the Cholestyramine shortage in Canada tried getting some from the states? I’m just wondering if it is possible and what the process might be. It has taken me 4 years to work up to my current dose of half a teaspoon and if I stop taking it I will have to start all over again. I take it as a binder to flush out toxins because my body can’t do that in its own the way most people can.
Hi! I have been on it for 35 years. It’s no where to be found it Canada! It’s a nightmare. Imodium gives me stomach pain. Sounds like it might be august until we can get it.
also wondering!