Polyethylene Glycol
 

Hello,
I have been using Miralax for constipation issues and my last shipment was substituted with Polyethylene Glycol 3350NF. I have experienced swollen feet using this and have quit taking it, This type of product is to retain water for the colon but in my case there is issue with the feet. Will notify the doctor at my monthly visit to the VA clinic which is required for my Methadone prescription. I know some folks experienced this reaction taking Lyrica. Thought it best to pass this info to my fellow PN suffers. Enjoy the day.

Lanny

Lanny, with regard to your constipation issues.....
 

There is some controversy about using Miralax chronically in children.

Here is a sample article claiming that some is absorbed into the body from the GI tract:

http://www.danasview.net/miralax.htm

Here is a list of reported side effects:
http://www.drugcite.com/?q=miralax

A person on Parkinson's had a tremendous effect on potassium when using PEG for bowel prep...he ended up in the hospital!

I still can't get over taking the same ingredient that's in antifreeze and I don't care how many times they say it's harmless. It's weird and I'm not doing it.

Unfortunately, I've tried enormous amounts of fiber in various forms including Metamucil, and all that does is increase gas and discomfort for me. So I used to use Dulcolax until recently, when I noticed that magnesium supplements do it for me.

I've seen here where mrsD said that if it has that effect, that means you are not absorbing it because it's the wrong kind, but then I thought, well, if I'm not absorbing it, maybe it's not hurting me either. All I know is it works for me...think about: Milk of Magnesia. Maybe it's the same thing only cheaper.

antifreeze is ethylene glycol....a slight difference. This is a poison and destroys the kidneys.

They sound alike but there are differences.

I've found the Metamucil "Clear & Natural" to be a super product. I take a heaping teaspoon 2 x day. Can be used in cooking, too. Tasteless and dissolves quickly in any liquid, even ice water.
I cannot tolerate the 'original'. Grainy and tasted terrible.

Those of us on methadone, some of the nerve medicines (gabapention, lyrica) are chronically constipated. In addition, I take Cymbalta, and my bowels have ground to a screeching halt. I have been advised to avoid fiber laxatives because of the danger of bowel obstruction. Just my two cents worth.

Magnesium supplement--
 

--is a very good answer for constipation as well, and most of us are getting enough of it as it is.

X-Prep
 

Hi I was just wondering if anyone has heard of a Bowel Prep called X-Prep ?
If anyone knows how to take this stuff then could you please let me know as I have been given it but the instructions are not in English. :(

Shane

Hi Shane, I looked it up for you and found the following:

X Prep tablets or granules should be taken orally with at least a full glass of water. Remember, when taking X Prep or any prescription drug to always follow the label closely. Never take more than directed.
http://www.prescription-drugs-inform...nistering.html

I personally would contact the person who gave you the prep. or your local Pharmacist. If given out by a doctor's surgery, then speak to the receptionist. If it was given by an XRay Dept then phone the radiographer.

I am taking gabapention & metformin and I dont seem to have a problem...is it something that I sould watch out for down the road after taking it for some time?

No, it is primarily the opiates which cause constipation. I have had a problem all of my life, possibly related to CMT (hereditary neuropathy), which caused severe fissures, and compounded now by MSContin and Percocet, but miralax or generic polyethylene glycol works fine for me. One problem solved! (two actually, since the pain meds are working as well). I have not heard of gabapentin causing constipation, I am on it as well and it has not affected my bowels. If you don't currently have a problem I am pretty sure that you won't.

In my experience for most people taking metformin....

Constipation is not an issue! In fact many have the reverse problem! :o

Similarly with Gabapentin--
 

--apparently, more likely to cause the opposite of constipation.

I take gabapentin, lyrica and cymbalta too and my dr has me taking one colace at night. Seems to work well enough. I don't take methadone, however.

I was taking metamucil and other fiber products, but the dr said all I really needed was a softener and it worked!

For those with constipation issues, I would suggest 2 tablespoons of flaxseed in a bit of juice everyday.

I don't have constipation, I take it for pure health benefits but it works for that. My mom has chronic constipation and I got her on flaxseed and she said its a miracle for her.

AND SO HEALTHY :)

Hi Koala77
 

Greetings Koala77, Just wanted to say thankyou very much as You would be the only one that has given a normal answer to the question. Thankyou again - I think the X-Prep that I have been given is liquid :confused: but the only glitch I have is that it arrived on the courier from overseas & had no return or contact details for me to ring them about the product. I will have to try my best on this product. Thanks again

Shane Jacobson

Hi again Shane....we used something similar at the hospital where I once worked. It was called Fleet Liquid and came in a small bottle of about 60ml. The instructions for that was to add it to a large glass of water, and then drink one to two extra glasses of water afterwards.

After reading the instructions for granules, then I'm thinking that your liquid would be similar to Fleet. Good luck. I hope it works for you.

This is a monograph on X-prep.
http://www.drugs.com/mtm/x-prep.html

If yours is also contains senna (read the labeling), be advised that chronic use of this is not recommended in US because senna is implicated in causing colon cancer. The "jury" is still out on it, but it is an ongoing investigation.
X-prep in US is used to clean out the GI tract prior to Xrays and other tests.

Fleets PhosPho Soda, 60ml bottle was taken off the market in US a few years ago for safety reasons. Too many reports of misuse and side effects in the elderly, those with kidney problems and small children.

Keep in mind products sold in UK may contain other ingredients so it is difficult to comment for those posters.

Thankyou so much
 

Thankyou so much for the great Information that you gave including the website about X-Prep - I will check things out b4 taking it.

Thanks again

Shane

Thankyou so much
 

I will check out the Fleet Liquid & hopefully get the right advice
You have do very well so a big Thankyou

from
Shane

For average constipation issues, the best option is magnesium OXIDE products. You should check your labels for this ingredient if you are in countries other than US.

In US a common brand is Phillips tablets.
This link shows the ingredients:
http://phillipsrelief.com/products/phillips-caplets
magnesium oxide, is not absorbed into the body much (like other magnesium products) and is safer in general for use as a laxative.

Some people may find virgin olive oil-- about 2 tablespoonfuls daily -- also helpful. You can make a salad with it or whatever you choose. People on high dose opiates usually need more strength for laxatives. They make pastes from dates, figs, prunes as well and spread it on toast.

These are some of the safer alternatives to senna or magnesium citrate/phosphate products.