Fleet Phospho-soda lawsuits. Claim of kidney damage/kidney failure.

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MitzMN
Veteran Member

Date Joined Feb 2007
Total Posts : 590

Posted 8/16/2007 12:58 PM (GMT -6)

Saw this scary article in this morning's Minneapolis Star-Tribune, claiming that several Minnesota people (and others around the country) have suffered kidney damage and even kidney failure as a result of use of phospho-soda for colonoscopy prep. At least one person was affected by taking the pill form. Evidently it overloads your body with sodium/salt, which causes you to become dehydrated, and your body attempts to dump calcium, which pools in your kidneys, causing the damage Some are on dialysis and some have even had transplants.

Check it out!

http://www.startribune.com/462/story/1365217.html

StarTribune.com
Suits allege laxative caused kidney failure

At least 13 Minnesotans are among those suing C.B. Fleet alleging they suffered permanent damage from a colonoscopy prep.

By Chao Xiong and Mary Lynn Smith, Star Tribune staff writers

Last update: August 15, 2007 – 11:59 PM
Kathy Sevcik's colonoscopy was supposed to be routine, "no big deal."

But the 55-year-old Minnetonka woman said the over-the-counter laxative she used to prep for the procedure made her light-headed, caused her to vomit and left her with one thought: "I'm going to die."

Now she is among dozens of people across the country and 13 Minnesotans who have filed lawsuits against the manufacturer, C.B. Fleet Holding Co. Inc., alleging irreparable damage to their kidneys -- and their lives.

"I trusted the [doctor's] recommendation" to ingest Fleet Phospho-soda, Sevcik said Wednesday. "I would like to have known [kidney damage] was a potential."

The laxative, used since the late 1800s, allegedly has caused permanent kidney damage in patients across the country, including Minnesotans who filed nine lawsuits in federal court this week against C.B. Fleet, said their attorneys.

The company began promoting Phospho-soda as a bowel cleanser in the 1990s as more people became aware of colon cancer risks and underwent colonoscopies. But it doubled the historically small, safe dosage to two 45-milliliter doses 10 hours apart, leading to kidney failure and "kidney death" in many patients who took the laxative at their doctors' urging, said Stephen Foley, a Minneapolis attorney representing local patients who have sued the Lynchburg, Va., company.

In a 2001 letter to the Food and Drug Administration, C.B. Fleet representatives said Phospho-soda is "safe and effective for use as laxatives and for bowel cleansing when used as directed." Company attorneys could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

Although there are prescription and over-the-counter alternatives, Phospho- soda, the product at question in suits in at least 20 states, is popular because it requires patients to drink far less water -- a few glasses vs. a gallon -- than many other products, Foley said.

A coalition of six law firms across the country is pursuing litigation against the company in state and federal court on behalf of clients they said have suffered through dialysis, waited on organ-donor lists and been forced to quit their jobs because of health problems. Other law firms independent of the effort have done the same.

Attorneys said the first suits surfaced about three years ago, about the time doctors began publishing papers connecting the dots between Phospho- soda and kidney failure. This year a Virginia law firm filed a $10 million suit against C.B. Fleet. Minnesota attorneys expect to file at least nine more suits.

'I threw up for months'

Sevcik initially attributed her reaction to Phospho-soda to her diabetes and directions not to eat or take insulin before her colonoscopy. "I threw up for months" and was in and out of the hospital for most of the summer, she said. She suffered kidney failure and underwent dialysis for two weeks.

"I had absolutely no energy," said Sevcik, whose colonoscopy showed no problems. "No one knew what was wrong with me."

Last year, she received a transplanted kidney from her brother and returned to work full time as an accountant for the first time in 10 months.

"Fleet ... has refused to recognize that there's a hazard," said Foley, the attorney. "It's profit over people."

In a 2006 letter to the FDA, company representatives said they issued a "Dear Doctor" letter to physicians about health concerns and made label changes; the letter did not specify what those changes were. Attorneys pursuing litigation against C.B. Fleet said the company removed "bowel cleanser" from its packaging but continues to recommend the double dosage.

The laxative is not aggressively regulated by the FDA because it's sold over the counter, Foley said, adding that the company did nothing illegal in recommending a double dosage.

FDA spokeswoman Susan Cruzan said no one at the administration was available for comment Wednesday. She referred to a May 2006 alert issued by the FDA warning that sodium phosphates taken orally for bowel cleansing had been linked to kidney failure. The alert, which cautioned doctors to carefully choose bowel cleansers, named Phospho-soda and Visicol tablets as examples of such medications, but did not point to a particular product as the main cause of 21 documented cases of kidney failure.

The alert warns that the bowel cleansers involve a large load of phosphate (a salt of phosphoric acid) and large shifts in fluid. In layman's terms, Foley said, the drugs cause patients to become dehydrated and to excrete calcium, which accumulates in and damages the kidneys.

New York City attorney Bernard Daskal, whose firm has handled 19 cases against C.B. Fleet since 2004, said the FDA issued a similar statement in 2001, which prompted the Canadian government to do the same a year later.

Foley said the company has been aware of the side effects for years but failed to rectify the problem and aggressively pushed Phospho-soda. "I think it's been nothing short of malicious," he said.

A 'flagship product'

Spectrum Science Communications says on its website that it worked for C.B. Fleet promoting its "flagship product" in a campaign that included the Colon Cancer Alliance as a corporate partner. It got gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons to speak with the media about Phospho-soda and created EneMan, "a superhero in the fight against colon cancer." Rosie O'Donnell featured EneMan in a song on her TV show, and Jay Leno mentioned him on "The Tonight Show," the communications company said on its website.

In nearly identical suits filed this week by Foley's firm, Minnesota plaintiffs alleged that C.B. Fleet continued to market its product although the company "knew or should have known" about health risks "which many users would be unable to remedy by any means," did not include warnings about possible kidney damage and other side effects and was negligent in manufacturing, selling and testing its product.

For reasons that are still unclear, attorneys said that white women over 60 are most vulnerable. They also note that some patients have taken the product with no long-term damage. Daskal said some of his clients from New York and New Jersey have osteoporosis but can't undergo certain treatments for the bone disease because their kidneys can't take the calcium load.

Kidney failure can lead to a host of other health problems, he said, including anemia and coronary artery disease.

Attorneys said they have no plans to pursue a class-action suit because their clients' health problems, although mostly similar and all stemming from kidney failure, are specific to each individual. Foley said class-action suits are easier to pursue when the damage to all clients is identical.

As for Sevcik, she will take anti-rejection drugs four times a day, every day, for the rest of her life. She is also at higher risk for skin cancer because of the drugs she takes, she said.

"Almost without exception, these clients' lives have been irrevocably changed for the worst," Foley said.

"These are ordinary people who were vibrant, active people who are taxed by ordinary chores. Going to the grocery store can tire them out and put an end to their day."

cxiong@startribune.com • 612-673-4391 mlsmith@startribune.com 612-673-4788

© 2007 Star Tribune. All rights reserved.

Mitz

Sporadic proctitis since 1985. Mother had UC, then J-pouch surgery 1983.
DX'd with clostridium difficile in 2000. Prednisone, two courses of Flagyl, then Vancomycin -- symptomatic with UC after that.
Colonoscopy in 2001 dx'd left-sided UC. Treated with prednisone, Rowasa, Asacol. Switched to Imuran. Two small flares, 2002 and 2005, and 2007.
Gall bladder attack 6/13; ultrasound showed stones; surgery soon.
100 mg Azathioprine, Rowasa retention enema (nightly) and 225 mg Effexor XR.

Post Edited (MitzMN) : 8/16/2007 12:06:35 PM (GMT-6)

SPB
New Member

Date Joined Aug 2007
Total Posts : 16

Posted 8/16/2007 1:54 PM (GMT -6)

I would never go the phospho route.

tamtam10
Regular Member

Date Joined Aug 2007
Total Posts : 78

Posted 8/16/2007 3:56 PM (GMT -6)

so it is just the drink not the enema?

TamTam10

Diagnosed with Pan Colitis 2004 (age 23).

Asacol 12 per day

~~Prednisone, off 2006~~

~~6mp 75mg per day (got off becuase I am starting Remicade)~~

Canasa when needed

Remicade second infusion Aug 21st

Sara14
Veteran Member

Date Joined Mar 2007
Total Posts : 1818

Posted 8/16/2007 5:34 PM (GMT -6)

Thanks for posting. Maybe this is part of the reason why my doctor said GoLytely is the safest option out there for preps.

23 years old
Diagnosed with UC March 2007

Asacol 4 tablets 3x/day

Rowasa (generic) - 1 every few nights

Ultimate Flora probiotic (50 bil. cultures) 1/day; Chewable multivitamin; Stonyfield Farms yogurt

ediekristen
Veteran Member

Date Joined Apr 2007
Total Posts : 1342

Posted 8/16/2007 6:33 PM (GMT -6)

"But the 55-year-old Minnetonka woman said the over-the-counter laxative she used to prep for the procedure made her light-headed, caused her to vomit and left her with one thought: "I'm going to die.""

That's funny, I had the same thought when I took the Fleet drink + enema. Not only was it the absolute WORST tasting prep I've ever had, it's also the only one that had me vomiting profusely (out of both ends, per say) and that is the ONLY time I've ever had an accident in my 8 years with colitis, and I was laying three feet from the toilet and STILL couldn't make it. I will never, ever use Fleet products again after that.

Female, 22, Ulcerative colitis (pancolitis) since 1999; GERD; gastritis; osteopenia in hip & lumbar region of spine from long term prednisone use

Current Meds:
Primadophilus Reuteri
20 mg Citalopram (for depression/social anxiety)
125mg Imuran

10meq Potassium Cl

Old Hat
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Date Joined Feb 2007
Total Posts : 2502

Posted 8/16/2007 10:11 PM (GMT -6)

Thanks for posting, MitzMN! Some hospitals are now forcing patients to undergo c-scope with IV-drip, claiming it prevents kidney damage from preps-- another hassle added. One has to lie on left-side for the c-scope + the staff ties up left arm with the tubing: bloody nuisance! / Old Hat (nearly 30 yrs with left-sided UC; currently on 3 X 3 Colazal daily for July flare in descending colon, which is responding)

Red_34
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Date Joined Apr 2004
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Posted 8/17/2007 7:54 AM (GMT -6)

That's scary! I've only had 3 cscopes, 2 with the Phosoda but it makes you think now doesn't it? I've always had an IV drip with my scopes. I didn't know they didn't do that with everyone.

^{@--->--SHERRY--<---@}

^{Left sided Uc since '92 - meds - Colazal, Canasa (when needed), 6MP (50-75mgs), Forvia, Biotin (IN REMISSION - sort of!)}

^{Secondary Raynauds Syndrome '04 - meds - Norvasc}

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Old Hat
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Total Posts : 2502

Posted 8/17/2007 10:21 AM (GMT -6)

Red_34: had my 1st IV-drip last yr & hated it!!!!! Since 1980 I had all other c-scopes with 1 injection of Versed/Demerol combo sedation that worked fine. After IV-drip sedation I had some bladder irritation for a couple weeks post-procedure that caused a bit of urgency or "peepee-itis", as a friend calls it. I was mad! I hate to be tethered to anything & doubted that the IV-drip would benefit me in any way. It certainly turned out to be a minus. Someone raised the Q above as to whether Fleet's Enemas are also to be avoided: I myself found them irritating & my gastro recommended plain water for flex-sig preps. / Old Hat (nearly 30 yrs with left-sided UC; currently on 3 X 3 Colazal daily for July flare in descending colon, which is responding)

starrnr
Veteran Member

Date Joined Dec 2005
Total Posts : 1782

Posted 8/17/2007 10:32 AM (GMT -6)

I used the Phospho-soda for my c-scope last year. I have never, ever, in my life felt as ill as I felt after the 2nd bottle. My blood pressure went up so high my head started to pound and started to hurt horribly, I was severely dehydrated (and this was after drinking tons of water) for a few days. I rarely use salt in my food and literally was over-dosed on the sodium from the prep. I told my GI that if he ever planned on me doing another c-scope, I will NOT use the P-S. Nastiest stuff I have ever had the displeasure to use!

"My "Trifecta" - CD, AS & RA...

Some days you're the bug, some days you're the windshield

Co-Moderator Crohn's Forum

Remicade every 6 weeks, Methotrexate weekly, Folic Acid daily

Beth75
Veteran Member

Date Joined Jul 2007
Total Posts : 1393

Posted 8/17/2007 12:19 PM (GMT -6)

OMG!!!! I am going to talk to my Kidney Specialist about this!! I had a colonoscopy a little over a year ago and took the Fleet Phospo soda for it and I just had a urinalysis 2 weeks ago and I have hematuria with proteinuria (no diabetes and no high blood pressure). I took a urinalysis about a year ago and it had it then too, but I don't remember if it was before or after I took the fleet phosfo soda??? I am going to have a kidney biopsy in the next few weeks, they don't know what the cause of it is???

I need to check the dates of what was done first! They have the results of my urinalysis a year ago so if the fleet was done after then I could prob rule that out as the cause??? Will keep you posted.

Beth, 31

UC Diagnosed March 2000

Asacol 400 mg 6 pills 2xday

Calcium and Vitamin D 600 mg 2xday

Lipitor 10 mg 1xday

Diovan 80mg 1xday (dx: hematuria w/proteinuria): I have normal blood pressure, this is for my kidney.

Another UC wife
Regular Member

Date Joined Jun 2007
Total Posts : 494

Posted 8/17/2007 12:29 PM (GMT -6)

Wow it did not affect me that way but it certainly made my husband ill in May the week before he landed in the hospital.

I wonder if that has added to any of his problems - will have to ask the Dr next upcoming visit.

60 yr old male~Colitis 1st diagnosed Jan '05-cleared up within a few wks. Flared again in May '06 ... left sided ulcerative colitis now & fully involved and trying to get in remission. Acute inflammation-pancolitis-tenesmus rectal pain-granulation is showing some healing started. Osteopena of spine from prednisone DX 8/07 July 07 starting to feel somewhat normal 75mg Imuran 40 mg prednisone (tapering 8/07) 12 Asacol, Lidocaine Hydrochloride Jelly 2%,multi vitamin, iron 3X day, DanActive, chewable calcium, Prilosec 20mg, enalapril 10mg, glipizide 5 mg, zocor 20 mg, baby aspirin, (Fentanyl pain patch 50mg 72 hrs Morphine Sulf 15 mg twice daily)Colocourt enemas at night.

Red_34
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Date Joined Apr 2004
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Posted 8/17/2007 4:11 PM (GMT -6)

Old hat, I actually like the Iv - not when they first put it in though! They give me some happy juice to calm me before the procedure and then they use that IV for my sedation and antibiotics. The antibiotics is because of MVP. If you ever have to have the IV again, ask for the happy juice to calm you first! Sorry don't know the name of it lol. Is it possible that you got the bladder irritation from the Phososoda instead of the IV? I've never heard of an Iv drip causing bladder problems because it's just saline.

^{@--->--SHERRY--<---@}

^{Left sided Uc since '92 - meds - Colazal, Canasa (when needed), 6MP (50-75mgs), Forvia, Biotin (IN REMISSION - sort of!)}

^{Secondary Raynauds Syndrome '04 - meds - Norvasc}

^{Fibromyalgia '06 - no meds}

^{Severe seasonal allergies - meds - Allegra}

^{PLEASE HELP HEALINGWELL CONTINUE TO HELP OTHERS BY CLICKING HERE: DONATE}

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Another UC wife
Regular Member

Date Joined Jun 2007
Total Posts : 494

Posted 8/17/2007 6:47 PM (GMT -6)

Thanks for this info........I ran it off and am definitely showing it to our GI. I'm sure she gets these notifications but this should not be a prep indicated any longer in my mind. She has three different preps you can choose from as I recall. We chose this as it seemed like the easier one.

When I took that prep - I had to use a TBSP of the solution in 8 oz of liquid three times every 20 minutes. Then I also had to drink clear liquids for 4 or 5 more glasses following that every 20 minutes. Middle of the day broth and clear stuff. Then repeated the process again at 7pm. AT one point I would just take the 8oz with me to the toilet as it ran out of me that fast.

I wonder if some of the people who got so sick didn't follow the three glasses with alot of clear liquids afterwards and also during the day.

But my husband did complain and felt nauseaus with the same prep and I did not. Still in all we will NEVER take that prep again. Not worth the risk.

I guess I'll ask for that GoLytely one referred to up above. Thanks for the post and information.

MitzMN
Veteran Member

Date Joined Feb 2007
Total Posts : 590

Posted 8/18/2007 8:38 AM (GMT -6)

Too important for anyone to miss!

BUMP!

Old Hat
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Date Joined Feb 2007
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Posted 8/18/2007 12:03 PM (GMT -6)

Red_34: Thanks for IV info.! My goal is to get back to injection sedation for c-scope, but this depends on state law now-- as local family practice doc told me recently. I have small veins & have been stuck unsuccessfully by clinic staff several times! At c-scope last yr, my gastro got fed up with them & did my set up thru vein in left hand. This gastro has done pediatric scopes-- so was able to "rescue" me, but I'd rather not have to repeat the experience! Also, as one ages, the less sedation given, the better return to normal cognitive function quickly after procedure. TO ANOTHER UC WIFE: ask your gastro about HALFLYTELY prep-- less yuck to drink than with Golytely!!!!!!! / Old Hat (nearly 30 yrs with left-sided UC; currently on 3 X 3 Colazal daily for July flare in descending colon, which is responding)

Mildewval
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Date Joined Dec 2004
Total Posts : 1229

Posted 8/18/2007 5:05 PM (GMT -6)

As I recall it says on the bottle that this prep can cause kidney problems. So I wonder if some of the issues revolve around poor doctors? Did the doc do the take the proper patient history? Did the doc take necessary blood work etc?

And not to sound callous- but every drug, chemical, etc has potential for harm. It also seems that this is more of an issue because more people are doing it. Very common with drugs that are popular. Use them more and you see more problems. I feel for the people that have been effected but not surpised really. there are risks with everything. I also kind of think that we have this belief (in the US anyway) that everything is or should be safe and we go along with things that the doctor says without doing our own research. We think that because the doc says it is ok it is. We forget that docs spend 15 minutes with you and can't possibly know everything about you in that amount of time. Different topic but still an issue.

I will say I do also agree that profits over safety in the US is a concern as well. Again, a different topic really.

Pancolitis since October 2004
Currently experiencing symptoms- blood and mild pain. Have started ANOTHER round of enemas.
My drugs of choice: Asacol 2-3 times a day (if I remember), Imuran, Canasa suppositories every other day, probiotics, fish oil, Iron, multi-vitamin
My other therapies of choice: Yoga, walking, my animals, and whining.

Jano437
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Date Joined Jul 2005
Total Posts : 1239

Posted 8/18/2007 6:54 PM (GMT -6)

I agree with Mildewval,
There are risks with everything. Look at tylenol...claims it can cause liver damage. I think we should do our own research and find out what is right for you.
I think all drugs have to state the risks. Probably there was a incident with one individual in a study and the makers of phleets had to state it. Just my take on it.

Janice

Diagnosed July 2005 with Pancolitis

Asacol 4 tabs 3 times daily

GNC Probiotic

Forvia

calcium

http://mysite.verizon.net/vzewor6c

MitzMN
Veteran Member

Date Joined Feb 2007
Total Posts : 590

Posted 8/18/2007 7:32 PM (GMT -6)

Janice and Mildewval:

I understand there can be problems with anything you put in your body, but I wouldn't imagine I could lose my kidneys from an over-the-counter product my doctor told me to take. I think that is an unacceptable risk. Did you guys read the article? This woman had to have a kidney transplant. There have been dozens of people who have suffered major problems and 21 (at last count, in the article cited below) who have had kidney failure! I wonder, too, if there aren't others out there who don't recognize their kidney problems might be associated with use of this product.

It's a perfectly fine product used correctly, but with the increased dose, as well as being used by people with some underlying conditions, can make it a very bad idea indeed. People and doctors need to know that.

And, of course, this is an over-the-counter, no prescription needed item.

Mitz

Edited to add:

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - More than 50 lawsuits in 20 states claim a popular over-the-counter laxative used to flush out patients' bowels before procedures such as colonoscopies has caused serious kidney damage and even death.

The lawsuits target Fleet Phospho-soda, made by C.B. Fleet of Lynchburg, Virginia.

Fleet issued a statement Thursday saying its studies show the product is safe when used properly, in the proper patients, with enough hydration.

Phospho-soda has been on the market more than 100 years and the Food and Drug Administration lists it as safe when used as a single-dose laxative. In the early 1990s, the company began promoting a double-dose regimen for people about to undergo colonoscopies and surgical procedures, according to the group of lawyers filing lawsuits.

The FDA has not certified the double-dose regimen. In fact, the FDA issued an alert to doctors and patients in May 2006 warning that it had documented 21 cases of kidney failure associated with the use of oral sodium phosphate solutions such as Phospho-soda and its generic competitors.

Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Post Edited (MitzMN) : 8/19/2007 8:27:59 AM (GMT-6)

MitzMN
Veteran Member

Date Joined Feb 2007
Total Posts : 590

Posted 8/20/2007 12:13 PM (GMT -6)

bump

quincy
Elite Member

Date Joined May 2003
Total Posts : 13967

Posted 8/20/2007 3:26 PM (GMT -6)

My pharmacist a few years ago showed me the same related information. It was after I did the Fleet drink and starve-myself procedure. It was the worst experience of prep and after the scope.

I've had 6 c-scopes...one was done with the Fleet....others done with Colyte and ilk.

quincy

*Heather*Status:mini flare June 23* 6asacol daily+ Salofalk (tapered every 3rd night)

~diagnosed January 1989 UC (proctosigmoiditis)

~5ASA: Asacol + Salofalk enemas (increase for flares tapered to maintenance)

~Bentylol (dicyclomine) 20mg as needed

~vitamins/minerals

~Probiotic 2 (Natural Factors Protec) + 1 (Primadophilus Reuteri) at bedtime

~Natural Factors Multi Digestive Enzymes with supper

~Ranitidine,Pariet (reflux) Effexor XR 75mg; Pulmicort/Airomir (asthma)

~URSO for PSC (or PBC) 500mg X 2 daily (LFTs back to NORMAL!!)

My doc's logic.. "TREAT (FROM)BOTH ENDS" worth it !!!

tjf
Veteran Member

Date Joined Dec 2005
Total Posts : 3238

Posted 8/20/2007 3:33 PM (GMT -6)

I have only had one colonoscopy. I used Fleet. It was possibly one of the worst experiences of my life. I couldn't keep the stuff down to save my life. Nasty, nasty stuff. Never again. It reminds me I need to tell my GI to put that in my file!!!!

Tabitha

100mg Azathioprine, 2 Fibercon, Colazal-9 a day (attempting to cut this down to 6 by slowly tapering), acidopholis pearls, just added Prilosec OTC

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Deb McG
Regular Member

Date Joined May 2007
Total Posts : 33

Posted 8/20/2007 8:19 PM (GMT -6)

I thought this prep was the easiest to use, but my Dr. won't let me use it anymore, I can understand why. Not worth the kidney problem.

UC - 20+ years

6 MP

Asacol

Prednisone (UGH)

Canasa

Folic Acid/Calcium/Magnesium

Mildewval
Veteran Member

Date Joined Dec 2004
Total Posts : 1229

Posted 8/20/2007 10:50 PM (GMT -6)

MitzMN- I did read the article and I do agree that people and their doctors need to be aware of potential risks. With that said I still stand by may statements. Even OTC drugs have potential side effects and can cause harm. Tylenol, asprin, cough syrup, sudafed, etc. they can all cause harm. Yes, dozens of people getting sick is a concern but out of how many that took it. Sometimes the benefits though outweigh the risks. You just can't look at the drug and say that is the problem, it could be related to other things.

I guess my statement was more general because I know quite a few people that don't read labels, don't ask questions, don't understand their conditions and don't research. They expect doctors to be right. And often times they aren't. I work with doctors and I see how stressful and busy their practices and their lives are. Because of this I think it is important to be involved in your own healthcare. And sometimes doctors just don't know either. They get inundated with pharma companies to sell theirs. It is all a big mess really.

Maybe this lawsuit will bring changes. Maybe they are right. But then again maybe they are wrong and it isn't the drug. Or maybe it was for some but for most it is ok.

I just want to encourage everyone to do the work before just going along with things.

quincy
Elite Member

Date Joined May 2003
Total Posts : 13967

Posted 8/20/2007 11:05 PM (GMT -6)

I think part of the potential problems is because of the literal starvation people are on for 3 days before doing the purge. Also, it takes a full day to do it (twice, no less).

It's an inefficient and stupid and sickening process, and I'm not surprised there are problems with it. Many who have UC have already cut back their food intake and may even be a bit malnourished and quite underweight before using it.

q

*Heather*Status:mini flare June 23* 6asacol daily+ Salofalk (tapered every 3rd night)

~diagnosed January 1989 UC (proctosigmoiditis)

~5ASA: Asacol + Salofalk enemas (increase for flares tapered to maintenance)

~Bentylol (dicyclomine) 20mg as needed

~vitamins/minerals

~Probiotic 2 (Natural Factors Protec) + 1 (Primadophilus Reuteri) at bedtime

~Natural Factors Multi Digestive Enzymes with supper

~Ranitidine,Pariet (reflux) Effexor XR 75mg; Pulmicort/Airomir (asthma)

~URSO for PSC (or PBC) 500mg X 2 daily (LFTs back to NORMAL!!)

My doc's logic.. "TREAT (FROM)BOTH ENDS" worth it !!!

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