Recent Fda Changes

I have arthritis all over my body and am in constant pain. I was on Opana ER for years with good results until a month ago when the Dr decided to change it to Oxycontin CR. I went to pain management today and have been on Oxycontin 30mg CR for a month. It hasn't been working very well and I have been having tons of breakthrough pain. I told the Dr that we needed to increase the time release and she told me that the FDA recently made changes and that according to those changes I was on too strong of a dose and it needed to be lowered! I have searched all over the web and can find no info about any recent FDA changes. Has anyone else heard of this? By the way I have never in my life abused drugs and always take them exactly as directed. ## New guidelines were issued last year by the D...

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I have recently been prescribed Lexapro for depression and my doctor said to start with 10 mg for 7 days and then I could go onto 20 mg. Does this sound correct for prior uses? I am already afraid. ## Why are you afraid? That is normal dosage escalation. The FDA lists the typical side effects as possibly including nausea, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, and weight changes. Are you on any other medications?

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i need a pharmacy that will fill my Rx for dilaudid #8 ## why is diluadid on backorder and when will it be available in columbus, ohio? ## I'm sorry, the only thing I can guess as to why it is on backorder has to do with some recent changes made by the FDA. Some companies have been marketing unnapproved versions of these medications and they have made them remove them from the market until they undergo product quality and safety tests. This has affected many drugs on the market in the past few months. There have been several posts about this one our site, as well as many others, even nurses in hospitals have mentioned getting notifications from their pharmacies regarding a shortage. That said, I am sorry, I have no information for you on when it will be available again in ANY area. ...

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Anyone else have bladder pain or burning with the Sun Pharma Bupropion SR? I was recently switched from another generic and the side effects immediately began. I have had no other medical, medicinal, or lifestyle changes. The symptoms present very similar to interstitial cystitis. I'm working with a urologist now to rule out any other cause. ## The FDA lists that this medication may cause urinary tract infections, as a side effect. Has your doctor checked for that? It's also been known to cause other urinary tract disorders, so yes, there is a chance that it's from the medication. Other side effects may possibly include nausea, dizziness, headache and dry mouth. ## Yes, we've checked for UTI's. At this point it's being labeled as cyctitis (though not bacteria ind...

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I've been taking 7.5/325 norco for years now for chronic pain. The last couple of months, its been hard to get my scripts filled. Someone said the fda changed the dosage to 7.5/300.....which is correct? ## Hello, Bonnie! How are you? No, they have made no recent changes, the ones with 325mgs of Acetaminophen are the standard dose. However, fewer companies are manufacturing it, now, which may create a shortage in some areas. The FDA lists this medication as being a narcotic analgesic, so it has the potential to be habit forming and may cause side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth and constipation. Is there anything else I can help with? ## The correct norco strength ## Thank you so much for the info.....I have been taking it since 2003... (4 shoulder surgeries...

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I recently started menopause, so I bought Estroven for my mood. This is all new to me. Is this something you take every day and for how long? Can Saint John's Wort be used with it? ## It is a supplement product that is claimed, but not proven to help with perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms, including mood changes. It should be taken according to the directions on the package, which the last time I bought it was once daily. The FDA does warn that it may cause nausea and irritability in some people that take it. As to taking it with St. John's Wort, I would suggest not doing so, without first checking with your doctor as it might be contraindicated with some of the ingredients in Estroven. Are you on any medications?

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I was on Opana 40 2 x daily plus 10 mg of oxymorphone hcl every 6 hrs. Since the recent changes, I have been switched to Arymo 60 2x daily and still take the 10 mg oxymorphone every 6 hrs. The Arymo does not seem to be working well. Is there something else that I can ask for that will help with the pain? I too am awake most of the night tossing and turning due to pain. The 10 of the oxymorphone does not seem to have the same effect that it used to when I first started taking it. I've been on these meds for approx. 5 years steady. Does the body just start to become immune to some meds? ## Arymo ER contains a time released form of Morphine, which is an opiate analgesic. The FDA warns that it carries the risk of being habit forming and may cause side effects, such as nausea, dizziness,...

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I have been taking oxycontin for approximately 5 years. I recently changed Dr's and he doesn't dispense it. I'm in the Albany/Rensselaer New York area. Is anyone aware of any physicians that do ## Are you seeing just a general practitioner? If so, that most likely explains the problem. There have been a lot of changes going on throughout the East coast and into the mid-west, due to rampant over-prescribing and drug abuse. Thus, the FDA and DEA are trying to make it so that general practitioners and surgeons can no longer prescribe such medications for long-term use. Anyone that requires them for ongoing management of chronic pain is supposed to be referred to a pain management specialist for treatment, with only very specific and rare exceptions. Have you tried pain manageme...

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Swollen nodes under ears and chin on cytomile (on 75 split three times a day). I started at 25. It has been 9 weeks now. Worried about swelling. ## I'm not seeing this listed among the side effects that are reported by the U.S. FDA. Typically, they include nausea, dizziness, confusion, appetite changes and extreme fatigue. Have you been ill recently? Are you on any other medications? Have you had this checked out by a medical professional?

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When I had my prescription for levothyroxine 75 refilled recently I immediately noticed a strange smell. Can you please tell me what it is? ## Hello, Joyce! How are you? What are the markings on them? The excipients in tablets can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Can you please post back and clarify? The FDA lists its typical side effects as possibly including nausea, dizziness, headache, hair loss, and weight changes. ## I noticed the same strange odor. I returned 2 bottles Sandoz Lavothyroxin because the pills in the bottles smelled. Does anyone know why? ## too have a vile taste and smell that permeates my very being! I've been taking three different meds since May 2, 2018, Levothyroxine, Levoxyl, and Armour trying different ones to no avail. I have no taste ever except fo...

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I've recently been prescribed Epitec in the evening and Duloxetine for chronic pain syndrome. I suffer from anxiety and depression. Sometimes I experience panic disorder, also borderline bipolar. I've been taking Tramacet in the morning and Cipramil and pax in the evening. I feel afraid to start my new meds... ## Hello, Stoffel! How are you? The U.S. FDA lists the typical side effects of Epitec as possibly including nausea, dizziness, headache, mood swings and weight gain. Duloxetine may cause nausea, dizziness, headache, dry mouth and weight changes. What issues are you afraid of? Perhaps if you're more specific, those can be addressed to better help you. Have you started taking them, yet?

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I have been taking lorazepam 2mg at night for sleep for 5 years. They recently gave me AZI pm - 2 mg lorazepam. It's a round pill in blister package sunny yellow color. Has anyone tried those before? I am use to the small round 1mg tablets. Please help!* ## According to the information you've provided the only difference is the dosage. Have you tried taking them? The FDA warns that Lorazepam carries the risk of being habit forming, and may cause side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, headache, irritability, and mood changes. Ref: Lorazepam Information

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I was recently prescribed an ultra high dose (300mcg and climbing) by my psychologist for a mood disorder. I guess this is a relatively new treatment. Just wondering if anyone had any thoughts, stories or warnings about this? ## What is the mood disorder? I've never heard of this, but I will ask my psychologist why a person would take it, next time I see him. ## High doses have been used to treat some cases of Bipolar Disorder. The FDA lists the typical side effects as possibly including nausea, dizziness, headache, weight changes, and hair loss. How are you doing on it? Has it helped? ## This is a medication for Hypothyroid disorder (Underactiv thyroid). It seems strange to prescribe this for a mood-disorder. 300mcg (microgram) of Levothyroxine will put your heart and whole body in...

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Recently was prescribed Gabapentin 300 mg three times a day I took one pill and ended up sleeping and woke with red face n swollen red lips is this normal ? Plus took me about 24 hours to really feel normal again ? ## No, that is definitely not normal. You need to inform your doctor and try a different medication, the swelling indicates that you may be allergic to this one. As listed by the FDA, such allergic reactions typically get worse with repeated exposure, so please do not take any more of this medication. Its typical side effects are listed as possibly including dizziness, drowsiness, headache, dry mouth and weight changes. Is there anything else I can help with?

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My Dr had me on Cymbalta 60 mg twice a day for years Recently added one more a day 60mg three times a day Insurance declined and said not covered and not recomended I looked up side effects because I feel terrible and its been eight years on this medication with at least six years twice a day 60 mg ## The FDA lists the maximum daily dose as being 120mgs once daily, though some people may need to split it up into several doses, but your insurance company is correct, 3 doses a day would be more than recommended. Its typical side effects are listed as possibly including nausea, dizziness, headache, mood swings, and weight changes. Have you ever tried any other medications? Have you consulted a specialist?

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I have recently been prescribed Carbamazepine 100mg and have been told to take 2 x 100mg/day for the first 2 weeks, and then to double the dosage to 4 tablets a day for 6 months. Has anyone tried halving it to just 1 per day for 2 weeks and then 2 per day for the 6 months? ## Why has it been prescribed? If your doctor prescribed it to prevent seizures, then it would be best to follow their dosing instructions for your own well being. The FDA lists its typical side effects as possibly including nausea, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, and mood changes. Ref: Carbamazepine Information Why do you want to lower the dose? Are you on any other medications?

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Im suffering from slip disc & right knee pain. Recently Doctor has prescribed GABAPENTIN 300mg pill one per day to be taken only at night. Two hours after taking, I felt very dizzy, drowsy & nausea an it continues for the next 24 hours. Feel very sleepy and cant concentrate on my work. Should I continue or stop? Pls advice. ## Hello, Amoy! How are you? Those can be normal side effects of this medication, as reported by the U.S. FDA. You may also experience nausea, headache, dry mouth, mood swings and weight changes. They should go away, in a few weeks, once your body adjusts to the medication. If they don't, or if they get severe, then you should consult your doctor as you may need to try a different medication. Is there anything else I can help with? ## I have a hemorroid a...

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I was given 50 mg trintellix and seroquel 10 mg to take combined. They don't know if I'm manic depressive or just have major depressive disorder. Wondering what it might be supposed to do for me exactly. I recently lost my insurance and now I just have my prescription. ## These medications can be used to treat depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and some cases of bipolar disorder. The FDA lists the typical side effects as possibly including nausea, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, mood swings, and weight changes. How are you doing on them? ## The highest recommended dose for Trintellix by the manufacturer is 20 mgs. daily. Did a doctor actually prescribe you such a high dose of Trintellix? ## Yes my insurance will only pay for 20mgs of trintellix, so far the FDA has only approved...

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I have 50 mg tablets and they expired on 2/20/2015. I recently found them buried in my closet and started taking them. What harm can it cause? ## No harm, but they may not be as effective as they were, when new. Medications do tend to lose efficacy over time, according to NIH reports. However, the caveat I will add here is that the U.S. is one of the only countries that requires expiration dates, most others do not. But, it is always best to check with your doctor or pharmacist. The FDA lists the typical side effects as possibly including nausea, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, mood swings and weight changes. Is there anything else I can help with?

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I requested 60 pills from Humana. My pharmacy said it would cost me $90... The last time it cost me $18. Why? ## Pharmaceutical prices change, just like the prices on any other product. It's really a matter of supply and demand, there have been changes in the price of many pharmaceuticals, recently. My mother-in-law has to use 2 inhalers regularly, to prevent asthma and breathing issues, one of them has stayed the same price, while the other has gone up from $45 to over $200. The FDA allows a good bit of pricing leeway, while some companies try to keep their prices down, not all of them do. It is a sad state of affairs, which I fear may only get worse over the next few years. I wish I had some way to help you, but unfortunately, I don't. Have you tried asking your doctor if they...

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