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Post by onlythelonely on Jun 6, 2011 11:41:30 GMT -5
A couple days after I saw my doctor, I started taking the Amitiza that she prescribed for my constipation. She told me that I shouldn't take any laxatives because your body gets to the place where it depends on the laxatives. Anyway, I took the amitiza and I started experiencing some of the severe side effects. I called her office and her assistant called me back, and despite the fact that I was suffering the severe side effects, she just lowered the dosage. My mom is totally against me taking this medicine because of the side effects I was experiencing the first time, and that medicine is $55.00; that's not pocket change for me, nor my parents. I was wondering how I should handle this situation and if any of you have ever experienced severe side effects to this medicine? Thanks in advance!!!
P.S. Sorry if this isn't the right place to make this post, I'm still unsure where everything goes.
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Post by KSA on Jun 6, 2011 14:18:32 GMT -5
First honey what are your side effects and if they are serious stop the meds. Second Amtiza is a drug used for ibs but was also approved for endometriosis on the bowels. It is a helper to get things going out where they need to be. I took this drug and had I not had a non functioning galbadder it may have helped me. At the time tho docs had me filled with barium treatments. I have heard wonderful stories of success on Amtiza are you at 10 mg? Honestly I am shocked you didn't get samples the drug reps are pushing Amtiza on docs now and giving a ton of freebies to get the product out there. Please discuss all the symptoms with the doc and if you choose to take it after ask for a month supply to see how you do in it. Trust me the docs offices are stocked with freebies of most drugs if you see a comercial most likely they have samples.
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Post by onlythelonely on Jun 6, 2011 17:45:31 GMT -5
I haven't taken the meds since it made me sick; I only took it for two days. I had to take it twice a day, and I believe it was 24 mcg.
My symptoms were: nausea diarrhea gas headache tiredness shortness of breath rash loss of appetite weakness
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Post by 1234 on Jun 6, 2011 18:11:48 GMT -5
Hi, I'm not anywhere close to a medical expert, so take what I say with a grain of salt.
This medicine is basically a highpowered laxative, so the nausea, diarrhea, and gas seem like they could be normal reactions, while your body deals with the new medicine. You also started taking birth control pills at the same time, right? Those also can cause fatigue, headaches, and stomach/digestion issues. The shortness of breath and rash sound like you are allergic to the medicine, or something in it, so I don't understand just lowering your dose. Having an allergic reaction to a medicine can get very serious!
I also noticed in googling that this medicine is only recommended for women 18 years or older. I'm not sure why, but it's something to think about--you just finished your first year of college, right?
I would encourage you to call your doctor back and tell him/her that you can't tolerate this medicine, and that you need another answer for dealing with chronic constipation (changing your diet, using stool softeners, more fiber, whatever). I'm really not the one to tell you this, as I struggle to be more assertive with doctors too, but if you're having an allergic reaction AND stopping taking a medicine you've been prescribed, your doctor needs to know so that he/she can learn more about you and what you need.
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Post by Karen on Jun 6, 2011 18:27:08 GMT -5
Here here! Well put, Rustmyrtle. I think we're all trained to believe whatever a doc tells us to do, and we should to some extent, but if our bodies are screaming at us to reconsider what the doctor said, you really need to listen to your body and take action accordingly. Learning to advocate for yourself isn't a skill that you're just born with - it takes practice - and I think this is a good opportunity for you to practice that!
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Post by onlythelonely on Jun 6, 2011 19:11:22 GMT -5
Rustmyrtle, I just finished my second year of college, and I'm 20. I haven't started taking my birth control yet, because my doctor said she wanted me to start taking it on the first day of my cycle.
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Post by 1234 on Jun 7, 2011 7:47:57 GMT -5
I'm sorry I was wrong, but glad that you're over 18! However, I stick to my guns on this-if you're having an allergic reaction to a medicine, that is SERIOUS. good luck, and let us know what you decide to do.
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Post by chibineko717 on Aug 30, 2014 12:35:58 GMT -5
Dr. M gave me a lot of samples of this since my bowels have not been working well since my last surgery. I was on 16 mcg, but had the dose moved up to 24mcg per day. It has not really helped yet. I got diarrhea for maybe half a day and have been blocked up since.
I've been to the ER a couple times since my last surgery, but there is no evidence of a bowel blockage. The doctor also mentioned that if the meds do not work, we might need to take out my colon. Has anyone who has taken amitiza know how long it takes to work? I've tried lots of other things to help with the constipation (Miralax 6x per day, fiber, etc.), but it has not really had an effect. It also feels like I have an adhesion that is preventing things from moving.
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