Is expired Entocort OK to take?
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Is expired Entocort OK to take?
Hi All, I have been in a flare for 8 months with no end in sight. Currently I am only eating chicken, white organic rice, salt, pepper, coconut oil, unsweetened tea and black coffee. I am thinking of dropping the coffee and possibly adding bone broth but can't find grass fed beef bones anywhere local and will need to order them. I am starting to panic about a vacation that is coming up toward the end of March. I will have a long plane ride, Chicago to Dublin, then I will be on a structured tour with no control over itinerary, stops, etc. The thought of trying to deal with my MC issues while constantly surrounded by the other travelers in the group is overwhelming. My husband does not understand the anxiety I have concerning this, no one can understand other than the members of this forum. My GI doctor refused to give me a new prescription for Entocort because she knows I had some side effects when I took them previously. I don't want to take steroids but I am desperate and have a supply of 3 pills a day for 33 days remaining from years ago. The pills expired in June of 2012. I know that they may not be as effective as when they were new, but would they be dangerous? As I am typing this, I realized that I might be able to get new pills from Canada. Is a prescription required for that? I also should mention that I am taking Zyrtec and 2 packets of Cholestyramine a day. I have stopped taking all other supplements other than topical magnesium. Thanks for your advice.
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Gabes-Apg
- Emperor Penguin
- Posts: 8332
- Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:12 pm
- Location: Hunter Valley NSW Australia
sorry you are having an extended flare with ongoing issues
expiration of 2012 is a bit of a concern - if it was within 6-12 months it would be ok but 4-5 years is a worry.
re your food - if you are having the Zyrtec and the cholestryamine and still reacting then I would review the bland diet
stop the chicken (many members react to chicken) Turkey maybe a better option for you
if no improvement within a few days, I would then skip the rice and try other plan vegetable.
for the bone broth - if you cant find grass fed beef bones, can you access some other grass fed animal - I know places like wholefoods sell grass fed lamb bones. another option there are MANY online retailers that sell grass fed bones and deliver to your home.
if you are having that amount of Cholestryamine, are you having it at least 2 hours away from your supplements? how long have you been having the cholestryamine?
the other aspect that could be causing ongoing issues are external triggers. is your house or workplace moldy? are you exposed to an excess of chemicals, pollution, ie do you spend extended periods in industrial areas?
expiration of 2012 is a bit of a concern - if it was within 6-12 months it would be ok but 4-5 years is a worry.
re your food - if you are having the Zyrtec and the cholestryamine and still reacting then I would review the bland diet
stop the chicken (many members react to chicken) Turkey maybe a better option for you
if no improvement within a few days, I would then skip the rice and try other plan vegetable.
for the bone broth - if you cant find grass fed beef bones, can you access some other grass fed animal - I know places like wholefoods sell grass fed lamb bones. another option there are MANY online retailers that sell grass fed bones and deliver to your home.
if you are having that amount of Cholestryamine, are you having it at least 2 hours away from your supplements? how long have you been having the cholestryamine?
the other aspect that could be causing ongoing issues are external triggers. is your house or workplace moldy? are you exposed to an excess of chemicals, pollution, ie do you spend extended periods in industrial areas?
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
Thanks for responding, Gabes!
I took the Cholestyramine about a year ago and it helped end a previous flare. I was still taking it when my current flare started. It wasn't helping with this one so I took a break from it for a few months. I have only been taking it for a week this time. I can try switching to turkey. I was hesitant to do that because most turkey in the States seems to come flavored and pumped up with fillers. It is easier to find organic chicken. If I find some grass fed bones, can I just eat the broth and drop the poultry or is it not good to have mostly liquid food?
I have a Whole Foods within driving distance but didn't realize that they sell bones. I will check them out. Thanks!
I don't think there are mold issues at home or at work. I work in an office environment so that shouldn't be an issue either.
It seems that once something works to get me out of a flare, it never works again. I thought S. Boullardi was a miracle cure because it pulled me out of a flare once, and it does nothing for me now. Cholestyramine worked once and doesn't seem to help now either.
Again, thank you for responding.
I took the Cholestyramine about a year ago and it helped end a previous flare. I was still taking it when my current flare started. It wasn't helping with this one so I took a break from it for a few months. I have only been taking it for a week this time. I can try switching to turkey. I was hesitant to do that because most turkey in the States seems to come flavored and pumped up with fillers. It is easier to find organic chicken. If I find some grass fed bones, can I just eat the broth and drop the poultry or is it not good to have mostly liquid food?
I have a Whole Foods within driving distance but didn't realize that they sell bones. I will check them out. Thanks!
I don't think there are mold issues at home or at work. I work in an office environment so that shouldn't be an issue either.
It seems that once something works to get me out of a flare, it never works again. I thought S. Boullardi was a miracle cure because it pulled me out of a flare once, and it does nothing for me now. Cholestyramine worked once and doesn't seem to help now either.
Again, thank you for responding.
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Gabes-Apg
- Emperor Penguin
- Posts: 8332
- Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:12 pm
- Location: Hunter Valley NSW Australia
organic chicken can still be feed lots of grain (soy corn etc) that maybe causing a secondary type reaction
turkey pieces are safe - just be cautious of ground turkey with rosemary flavouring. (it is the same in Aus, most turkey items have additives)
wholefoods have lamb shanks and other meat pieces that are on the bone and perfect for making home made bone broth.
My suggestion is to make the broth and then use this as a base for soups/stews etc. the broth has good amino acids and gut healing goodness. enhancing this with safe proteins and 1 -2 vegetables will make a very nutritious meal
some cholestryamine types can have aspartame in it - are you having the pure version or the one with the sugar?
maybe try S-boullardi this time and see if it helps.
Do you supplement with Vit D3?
turkey pieces are safe - just be cautious of ground turkey with rosemary flavouring. (it is the same in Aus, most turkey items have additives)
wholefoods have lamb shanks and other meat pieces that are on the bone and perfect for making home made bone broth.
My suggestion is to make the broth and then use this as a base for soups/stews etc. the broth has good amino acids and gut healing goodness. enhancing this with safe proteins and 1 -2 vegetables will make a very nutritious meal
some cholestryamine types can have aspartame in it - are you having the pure version or the one with the sugar?
maybe try S-boullardi this time and see if it helps.
Do you supplement with Vit D3?
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
Hi,
I'm sorry you're having a flare that doesn't want to end. The topic of expired medications has come up before. I never hesitate to take old meds unless they're tablets that are disintegrating. The pharmaceutical industry is in business to make as much money out of drugs as possible, so they have a policy of putting a 12 month expiration date on all prescription medications. The truth is, most drugs retain most of their efficacy for decades, without any known adverse risks. Here's an old post I made back in 2012:
Don't Throw Away Old Drugs Because Of Their Expiration Date
But if you want fresh meds, you can get a generic version of Entocort from the overseas pharmacy at the following link. They are made by the same company that manufactures a high percentage of the generic meds for the big pharmaceutical companies — Sun Pharmaceutical. Prescriptions written by U. S. doctors are worthless outside U. S. borders, so no prescription is necessary for ordering from this link. This is where most members here who cannot afford the high copay for budesonide here in the U. S. order their meds.
Some Canadian pharmacies order budesonide from this same company, mark it up 40 %, and resell it to U. S. citizens. But if you order from Canada you must have a prescription.
Budez CR 3 mg
Don't order more than a 90-day supply (270 pills) in a single order, because when the package arrives at the port of entry here, Customs agents may confiscate larger orders, thinking that they are going to drug dealers for resale. If you decide to order from them, don't wait until the last minute because it sometimes takes 2 to 3 weeks for delivery because it can be delayed at Customs if they are busy.
I hope that some of this is helpful.
Tex
I'm sorry you're having a flare that doesn't want to end. The topic of expired medications has come up before. I never hesitate to take old meds unless they're tablets that are disintegrating. The pharmaceutical industry is in business to make as much money out of drugs as possible, so they have a policy of putting a 12 month expiration date on all prescription medications. The truth is, most drugs retain most of their efficacy for decades, without any known adverse risks. Here's an old post I made back in 2012:
Don't Throw Away Old Drugs Because Of Their Expiration Date
But if you want fresh meds, you can get a generic version of Entocort from the overseas pharmacy at the following link. They are made by the same company that manufactures a high percentage of the generic meds for the big pharmaceutical companies — Sun Pharmaceutical. Prescriptions written by U. S. doctors are worthless outside U. S. borders, so no prescription is necessary for ordering from this link. This is where most members here who cannot afford the high copay for budesonide here in the U. S. order their meds.
Some Canadian pharmacies order budesonide from this same company, mark it up 40 %, and resell it to U. S. citizens. But if you order from Canada you must have a prescription.
Budez CR 3 mg
Don't order more than a 90-day supply (270 pills) in a single order, because when the package arrives at the port of entry here, Customs agents may confiscate larger orders, thinking that they are going to drug dealers for resale. If you decide to order from them, don't wait until the last minute because it sometimes takes 2 to 3 weeks for delivery because it can be delayed at Customs if they are busy.
I hope that some of this is helpful.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Gabes, I am taking the Sandoz Cholestyramine - regular, not the light version. I think that is the same one that Polly said she takes. The pharmacist gave me a different brand last time (Par). It is not light either but I think the Sandoz is better so I went back to that one for now.
I think I will try the bone broth and switching out chicken for turkey. Thanks for the advice. I am kicking myself because this flare started from taking one anti inflammatory pill, not the entire prescription, just one pill. I was sick within 45 minutes of taking it, and it hasn't stopped.
Tex, thank you for the information. I will keep trying for the next month or so. If I don't have success, I will try the expired Entocort a couple of weeks before the trip.
One last question for either or you. Do you think I should give up coffee? I have one large travel cup of organic, shade grown coffee with organic coconut oil each morning. I will give it up if that will help, but would love to continue drinking it.
Thanks!
I think I will try the bone broth and switching out chicken for turkey. Thanks for the advice. I am kicking myself because this flare started from taking one anti inflammatory pill, not the entire prescription, just one pill. I was sick within 45 minutes of taking it, and it hasn't stopped.
Tex, thank you for the information. I will keep trying for the next month or so. If I don't have success, I will try the expired Entocort a couple of weeks before the trip.
One last question for either or you. Do you think I should give up coffee? I have one large travel cup of organic, shade grown coffee with organic coconut oil each morning. I will give it up if that will help, but would love to continue drinking it.
Thanks!
For most of us, if a cup of coffee in the morning sent us straight to the bathroom soon after drinking it (before we developed MC), then it will continue to do the same thing after MC. But if coffee didn't affect our bathroom routine before MC, then it shouldn't be a problem now.
In order to keep coffee from seriously affecting my magnesium absorption, I only drink coffee during the morning (I try to finish drinking coffee a couple of hours before my noon meal), and I take a couple of hundred mg of magnesium after each meal. I assume that the coffee may get some of the breakfast magnesium, but I hope that it isn't significantly affecting magnesium absorption after lunch/dinner and supper.
Tex
In order to keep coffee from seriously affecting my magnesium absorption, I only drink coffee during the morning (I try to finish drinking coffee a couple of hours before my noon meal), and I take a couple of hundred mg of magnesium after each meal. I assume that the coffee may get some of the breakfast magnesium, but I hope that it isn't significantly affecting magnesium absorption after lunch/dinner and supper.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Incidentally, to support what Gabes said about vitamin D, it is indeed very important for treating IBDs. Vitamin D appears to be the mechanism by which corticosteroids suppress inflammation. Corticosteroids are known to promote the expression of additional vitamin D receptors. IOW, budesonide appears to work by exploiting the active form of vitamin D to suppress inflammation. It's the vitamin D that actually suppresses inflammation after corticosteroids cause a dramatic increase in the number of vitamin D receptors in inflamed tissue. This hasn't been proven by medical research — it's my theory/observation based on relevant published medical research. I explained he details of how this appears to work in my Vitamin D book.
Research data were recently published proving that vitamin D enhances the ability of the anti-TNF drugs to control the symptoms of Crohn's disease. That's additional evidence that anti-inflammatory drugs work by exploiting vitamin D's anti-inflammatory effects.
The bottom line is, with or without medications, vitamin D is potent medicine for treating IBDs.
Tex
Research data were recently published proving that vitamin D enhances the ability of the anti-TNF drugs to control the symptoms of Crohn's disease. That's additional evidence that anti-inflammatory drugs work by exploiting vitamin D's anti-inflammatory effects.
The bottom line is, with or without medications, vitamin D is potent medicine for treating IBDs.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Thanks for the information, Tex. I have only been drinking coffee for a few years so I don't know how it would have affected me prior to the MC diagnosis. Sounds like I should have tried it because I had chronic constipation prior to the WD. I think I will try removing it temporarily to see what happens. It will be tough for me, I normally have only the coffee for breakfast and I feel good doing that. It is a form of intermittent fasting and I think I saw a post that mentioned that may not be good for us. So, I will go all in and cut that out also. I need to see an end to this flare no matter what I have to do!
Chronic constipation is a classic symptom of a chronic magnesium deficiency. I also had that symptom for all of my life, up until the MC symptoms began. But I didn't know what it meant back then. I thought it was normal. 
You and I are probably the only 2 people in the world who never drank coffee until after we developed MC.
You're very welcome.
Tex
You and I are probably the only 2 people in the world who never drank coffee until after we developed MC.
You're very welcome.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Tex, I have been a member since 2008 but had to re-register for some reason.
I had many flares starting in 2008 but thankfully HAVE been in what my gastro calls deep remission for 5 yrs BUT just spent 2 week vacation in Bahamas in the bathroom. I have been there many times with no issues so thought it was just 'D' but now its like sand and that means for sure the Microscopic Colitis is back. Took immodium like candy on vacation and if its 'just D' that always works but NOT this time. I stockpiled CHEAP generic Entocort when on employer drug plan but my Medicare Part D is over $1000 for 90 days and I can't do that. I have tons of the capsules but the 'newest' I stockpiled is 3 years old. Sooooo......should I take it and see what happens? Its been in a cool dark place. Not afraid but looking for encouragement. The meds always worked for me in one day and I always reduced to 1 a day for maintenance after about a month and then stopped them after about 4 months. I was so happy for the 5 year remission but its back with a vengeance.
Your post below said there was a link for overseas pharmacies where no script is required but there is no link in the post. I am willing to use any reliable source to save money as I am so miserable. I will call gastro to make appt and can get script for Canadian use but might want to do it NOW without script. Whats the best overseas pharmacy to use and whats the best Canadian pharmacy to use? I will try to get all the samples I can from my gastro and I know he will do all he can for me when I tell him I cannot afford the meds from my Medicare Part D.
HELP PLEASE
Terri
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I had many flares starting in 2008 but thankfully HAVE been in what my gastro calls deep remission for 5 yrs BUT just spent 2 week vacation in Bahamas in the bathroom. I have been there many times with no issues so thought it was just 'D' but now its like sand and that means for sure the Microscopic Colitis is back. Took immodium like candy on vacation and if its 'just D' that always works but NOT this time. I stockpiled CHEAP generic Entocort when on employer drug plan but my Medicare Part D is over $1000 for 90 days and I can't do that. I have tons of the capsules but the 'newest' I stockpiled is 3 years old. Sooooo......should I take it and see what happens? Its been in a cool dark place. Not afraid but looking for encouragement. The meds always worked for me in one day and I always reduced to 1 a day for maintenance after about a month and then stopped them after about 4 months. I was so happy for the 5 year remission but its back with a vengeance.
Your post below said there was a link for overseas pharmacies where no script is required but there is no link in the post. I am willing to use any reliable source to save money as I am so miserable. I will call gastro to make appt and can get script for Canadian use but might want to do it NOW without script. Whats the best overseas pharmacy to use and whats the best Canadian pharmacy to use? I will try to get all the samples I can from my gastro and I know he will do all he can for me when I tell him I cannot afford the meds from my Medicare Part D.
HELP PLEASE
Terri
---
tex wrote:Hi,
I'm sorry you're having a flare that doesn't want to end. The topic of expired medications has come up before. I never hesitate to take old meds unless they're tablets that are disintegrating. The pharmaceutical industry is in business to make as much money out of drugs as possible, so they have a policy of putting a 12 month expiration date on all prescription medications. The truth is, most drugs retain most of their efficacy for decades, without any known adverse risks. Here's an old post I made back in 2012:
Don't Throw Away Old Drugs Because Of Their Expiration Date
But if you want fresh meds, you can get a generic version of Entocort from the overseas pharmacy at the following link. They are made by the same company that manufactures a high percentage of the generic meds for the big pharmaceutical companies — Sun Pharmaceutical. Prescriptions written by U. S. doctors are worthless outside U. S. borders, so no prescription is necessary for ordering from this link. This is where most members here who cannot afford the high copay for budesonide here in the U. S. order their meds.
Some Canadian pharmacies order budesonide from this same company, mark it up 40 %, and resell it to U. S. citizens. But if you order from Canada you must have a prescription.
Budez CR 3 mg
Don't order more than a 90-day supply (270 pills) in a single order, because when the package arrives at the port of entry here, Customs agents may confiscate larger orders, thinking that they are going to drug dealers for resale. If you decide to order from them, don't wait until the last minute because it sometimes takes 2 to 3 weeks for delivery because it can be delayed at Customs if they are busy.
I hope that some of this is helpful.
Tex
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tommyboywalker
- Adélie Penguin
- Posts: 126
- Joined: Tue Jan 23, 2018 3:49 pm
Your post below said there was a link for overseas pharmacies where no script is required but there is no link in the post. I am willing to use any reliable source to save money as I am so miserable. I will call gastro to make appt and can get script for Canadian use but might want to do it NOW without script. Whats the best overseas pharmacy to use and whats the best Canadian pharmacy to use? I will try to get all the samples I can from my gastro and I know he will do all he can for me when I tell him I cannot afford the meds from my Medicare Part D.
HELP PLEASE Terri
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Hi Terri,
The overseas pharmacy that many of us use for inexpensive Budesonide is called ALLDAYCHEMIST. It is located in India. No prescription necessary and as mentioned, U.S prescriptions are of no value anyways out of the U.S. This is the pharmacy that was recommended to me on this forum. Link to them is below.
https://www.alldaychemist.com/
I have used AllDayChemist twice now and I have had no issues. From the date of the order to your door is approximately 2 weeks. Easy to pay with money being taken directly from your checking account using "eCheck". I just checked on their site and 270 capsules of Budesonide (BUDEZ CR is what the name to search) will cost you about $160. Quite a discount! I agree that this drug can be ultra-expensive in the U.S, even with good insurance. Good luck to you and hope this helps!
HELP PLEASE Terri
----------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Terri,
The overseas pharmacy that many of us use for inexpensive Budesonide is called ALLDAYCHEMIST. It is located in India. No prescription necessary and as mentioned, U.S prescriptions are of no value anyways out of the U.S. This is the pharmacy that was recommended to me on this forum. Link to them is below.
https://www.alldaychemist.com/
I have used AllDayChemist twice now and I have had no issues. From the date of the order to your door is approximately 2 weeks. Easy to pay with money being taken directly from your checking account using "eCheck". I just checked on their site and 270 capsules of Budesonide (BUDEZ CR is what the name to search) will cost you about $160. Quite a discount! I agree that this drug can be ultra-expensive in the U.S, even with good insurance. Good luck to you and hope this helps!