Enteric-coated Prednisalone or not??

tiggernut

I had a letter from my PCT this morning telling me that the E/C Prednisalone I am on is being replaced with non coated prednisalone.
They say that there is no evidence that the E/C is kinder to the stomach!!!
I find this incredible because 20 odd years ago when I was put on Prednisalone I was on the E/C ones for 10 years. Now they decide there is no benefit. Of course, the deciding factor is they will apparently save around £85,000 which could be invested in other services and staff.
I have IBS so I will be amazed if I don't have problems.I am on Voltarol Retard coated tablets also, I am just waiting for them to get changed for the cheaper Diclofenic capsule!!
Has anyone else had this problem and did it affect you in any way?

stickywicket

tiggernut wrote:

They say that there is no evidence that the E/C is kinder to the stomach!!!

So why enteric coated anything?

To me, this sounds like a whole load of cr&p, tiggernut. How's your GP? Would he/she plead your case? If it's a PCT thing it's possible GPs don't like it anymore than us with stomach's that have been messed up with anti-inflammatories.

madwestie

tiggernut i have had pred for my asthma for years and my gp always says the enteric coated ones are better..

At my surgery they changed my hubbies hayfever tablets without telling him to a cheaper brand as per request from PCT when he asked the gp about it she said to try them and if they didn't work then he could go back on the original ones. he tried them and a week later was back on the original more expensive ones.

I would speak to the gp and ask if you can stay on the enteric ones or be put back on them if you have trouble with the other ones, i think they try to get everyone off them and then deal with the people who notice a difference.

It is a pain though when you are settled on a med and they mess about with it.

Hope you get it all sorted soon

Tracey

dreamdaisy

The coating is there for a reason. Simples. Fight your corner, tiggernut. I was shunted (by my GP) from Celebrex to Naproxen plus omeprazole. Celebrex worked, naproxen doesn't but they won't put me back on the former due to cost. I have no trouble on the stomach front, probably due to the omep, but no relief from inflammation either. When I win the lottery I will buy the Celebrex! (note to self, start doing the lottery).

Re the pred, I am currently on 8.5 mgs per day, the 5 and 2.5 are enteric, the 1mg isn't. So far, so good. DD

tiggernut

stickywicket wrote:

tiggernut wrote:

They say that there is no evidence that the E/C is kinder to the stomach!!!

So why enteric coated anything?

To me, this sounds like a whole load of cr&p, tiggernut. How's your GP? Would he/she plead your case? If it's a PCT thing it's possible GPs don't like it anymore than us with stomach's that have been messed up with anti-inflammatories.

Sadly no, the letter ways my GP practice and Doctor are in agreement.
It also says the switch is supported by specialists and consultants from our local hospital!
In fact they even give a new dose regimen for people who have half doses as the non coated tablets don't come in half mg!! At one time I was on 7.5mg and that was two tablets 1 x 5mg and 1 x 2.5mg.
I just wondered if this was nationwide or local to me at the moment.
Like you say it's all crap!! I agree if there is no benefit why coat them escpecially as they are obviously more expensive.

tiggernut

Hi Tracey,

I will try it lucky not for a few weeks as I just got a new prescription. But trust me if my IBS gets worse I will be up to the Doc like a shot. They done the same with my Voltarol years ago and I kicked up a fuss because it did upset me and the Doc gave it back to me. Trouble is with all the Goverment cut backs it's getting worse.

madwestie wrote:

tiggernut i have had pred for my asthma for years and my gp always says the enteric coated ones are better..

At my surgery they changed my hubbies hayfever tablets without telling him to a cheaper brand as per request from PCT when he asked the gp about it she said to try them and if they didn't work then he could go back on the original ones. he tried them and a week later was back on the original more expensive ones.

I would speak to the gp and ask if you can stay on the enteric ones or be put back on them if you have trouble with the other ones, i think they try to get everyone off them and then deal with the people who notice a difference.

It is a pain though when you are settled on a med and they mess about with it.

Hope you get it all sorted soon

Tracey

tiggernut

dreamdaisy wrote:

The coating is there for a reason. Simples. Fight your corner, tiggernut. I was shunted (by my GP) from Celebrex to Naproxen plus omeprazole. Celebrex worked, naproxen doesn't but they won't put me back on the former due to cost. I have no trouble on the stomach front, probably due to the omep, but no relief from inflammation either. When I win the lottery I will buy the Celebrex! (note to self, start doing the lottery).

Re the pred, I am currently on 8.5 mgs per day, the 5 and 2.5 are enteric, the 1mg isn't. So far, so good. DD

I hope you get to keep yours and it's just our PCT that's doing this.
Don't you worry if I get problems I'll be kicking off lol!
Good luck with that lottery!
Plus if I get an ulcer I'll be suing!!

salamander

hi, that is total rubbish. I moved from enteric coated to non-coated for 1mg dose. Got the most appalling indigestion even on a very small dose. My GP then prescribed soluble, which comes in 5mg, possibly more, and I dilute it and draw it up in a 5ml syringe (without the needle, obviously) and take it orally. Since I've been on that, had no problems with my gut at all. I have IBS too and think you should plead being a special case.

tiggernut

salamander wrote:

hi, that is total rubbish. I moved from enteric coated to non-coated for 1mg dose. Got the most appalling indigestion even on a very small dose. My GP then prescribed soluble, which comes in 5mg, possibly more, and I dilute it and draw it up in a 5ml syringe (without the needle, obviously) and take it orally. Since I've been on that, had no problems with my gut at all. I have IBS too and think you should plead being a special case.

I agree, I will be at the Doctors as soon as I have a problem.
I'll take it further if I have to.
I have another couple of weeks supply of coated to go.

Colin1

I cant take them if they are not coated give me tummy problems and the are known for causing irritation of the tummy. just tell them no thanks thats what i done.
Colin

tiggernut

Hi Everyone, Just thought I would let you know I'v had the non coated prednisalone for a week now and have had awful tummy problems.
I went to the doctor today for another problem and I told her she said, "no problem we can put you back on the coated". Result!! I didn't even need to kick off lol.
Anita.

stickywicket

Well done, Tiggernut! So refreshingly simple! I like it.

tillytop

Oh that's brilliant news Anita!

Hope the tummy improves.

Love Tilly xxx

tiggernut

tillytop wrote:

Oh that's brilliant news Anita!

Hope the tummy improves.

Love Tilly xxx

Yep, the tummy has improved thanks. Fingers crossed for when I put in my repeat prescription!!

salamander

Glad you got what you wanted but I don't understand why they try this kind of stuff.

tiggernut

salamander wrote:

Glad you got what you wanted but I don't understand why they try this kind of stuff.

To save money. they don't really care about the patient!!