Questran

[oramar]

Is there somesort of Questran shortage going on in Pennsylvania? Is there a shortage at the clinical level also? We don't seem to have it at the Pharmacies around here. I am talking about the yellow power that treats certain bowel problems.

[WashYaHands]

Questran is used to reduce LDL's. It is known as a Bile acid resin or bile acid sequestrant. It is the 2nd line of therapy after the statin drugs or used when a patient cannot take a statin drug. It is costly and inconvenient as a patient has to take 24 grams (6 packets) per day for efficacy of 25% reduction in LDL. It frequently causes constipation or diarrhea, fullness sensation, gas or heartburn, and interferes with the absorption of warfarin, HCTZ, thyroxine, iron, and beta-blockers, so these meds should be dosed either 1 hour before or 4 hours after Questran.

I havent heard of a shortage, but there are more effective and convenient meds available to treat hyperlipidemia. Perhaps the prescribers just arent using it as often as they used to.

Linda

[sjoe]

You might look in to its cost as being the most likely factor in the local "shortage."

and/or

You could always do a google search and email the company that makes it to ask them if they are experiencing production or delivery problems.